A network of self-generating hydrogen refuelling stations is to be developed across London this year, with the first opening to the public next week.
Built by ITM Power, the new sites will generate their own in-house hydrogen by converting surplus renewable energy and water through an electrolyser to produce a low-cost, clean fuel.
The first site will be officially launched on Tuesday 10 May and is located at the National Physical Laboratory in Teddington close to the A316 and A308 trunk roads.
It is being developed through the HyFive project, which is part funded by the European Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking and the Office for Low Emission Vehicles.
At the opening of the new station, Symbio FCell will also launch the first of its 700-bar hydrogen fuel cell range-extended Kangoos – an ultra-low-emission commercial vehicle capable of operating up to 275 miles before refuelling.
Symbio FCell is a specialist in designing fuel cells and range-extenders, with major European firms such as La Poste, Air Liquide and Schneider Electric running the company’s range-extended electric vehicles.
The company has partnered with ITM Power and Arcola Energy to provide a full maintenance support package for operators looking to run fuel cell range-extended vans.
To date ITM Power has had 16 UK hydrogen refuelling station planning applications approved from 10 different local authorities.
