Hydrogen fuel infrastructure gets a boost in Germany

Air Liquide continues to bolster world’s hydrogen fuel infrastructure

Air Liquide, a producer of industrial gases, has been hard at work helping establish a comprehensive hydrogen fuel infrastructure around the world. This infrastructure is needed to ensure the success of hydrogen-powered vehicles, which most of the world’s major automakers are currently developing. Some hydrogen-powered vehicles exist today, but their reach is limited by the relatively small infrastructures upon which they rely. By bolstering the world’s hydrogen fuel infrastructure, these vehicles are expected to become much more popular amongst consumers.

New hydrogen fuel station opens in Germany

Automakers focusing on hydrogen-powered vehicles have plans to commercialize their new products between the years 2013 and 2015. A comprehensive hydrogen fuel infrastructure is needed for this commercialization to gain traction. Though much of the world still lacks the infrastructure necessary to support hydrogen-powered vehicles on a large scale, Germany has made the most progress in developing an adequate structure for future transportation. Air Liquide has announced the opening of Germany’s first hydrogen fuel station that is designed for passenger vehicles. The station is located in the city of Dusseldorf and is the first of 10 new fuel stations that the company has designed.

Air Liquide plans to build 10 new hydrogen fuel stations

Air Liquide plans to construct the ten other hydrogen fuel stations over the next three years. By 2015, the company believes that the hydrogen fuel infrastructure in Germany will be capable of supporting a large fleet of hydrogen-powered vehicles. The construction of these new fuel stations align with Air Liquide’s plans, announced last year, to invest in the development of 20 new hydrogen fuel stations throughout Europe.

Germany, Japan, US, and UK continue work to establish hydrogen fuel infrastructure

Though Germany has made significant progress in establishing a hydrogen fuel infrastructure, it is not the only country interested in doing so. Japan has emerged as a staunch advocate for hydrogen transportation as well. As home to many of the world’s largest automotive groups, the country is expected to be among the first markets to see success with hydrogen-powered vehicles. In preparation for the coming of these vehicles, the country has been working to bolster its own hydrogen fuel infrastructure. Similar efforts exist in the U.S. and the United Kingdom.