New hydrogen fuel station in Hawaii shows the power of innovation

Fueling station is equipped with fast-fill technology, making it more convenient to fuel new vehicles

The Hawaii Natural Energy Institute has commissioned the development of a new hydrogen fuel station that will be built in the Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe Bay. The new station will be equipped with “fast-fill” technology, which will allow fuel cell vehicles to be fuelled quickly. The fuel station is being developed to support new fuel cell vehicles that are being leased by the Office of Naval Research from General Motors.

Fuel cell vehicles need the support of a hydrogen infrastructure in order to find success in the commercial market

Fuel cell vehicles need hydrogen fuel to operate, but most of the world lacks the infrastructure needed to support these vehicles. Many automakers have plans to release fuel cell vehicles in the very near future and have begun investing in the development of a working infrastructure that will support fuel cells. Several organizations have also begun to experiment with fuel cells, hoping to determine their value and viability in clean transportation.

General Motors issues praise for new hydrogen fuel station

General Motors notes that it has been “impressed” with the new fuelling station in Hawaii. The station can fuel a vehicle to full in approximately four minutes and can efficiently store hydrogen. Moreover, the fuel station was recently certified for unattended operation. This will allow drivers to fuel their vehicles themselves. The way the station is designed may serve as an example for other hydrogen fuel stations that are being developed in the state.

Automakers are limiting the availability of fuel cell vehicles until a hydrogen infrastructure can be established

Fuel cell vehicles are not yet widely available, but some companies, such as General Motors, do offer these vehicles for lease. Some automakers only provide these vehicles to government agencies, while others are available to all. Automakers are limiting their release of fuel cell vehicles due to the lack of a hydrogen fuel infrastructure. Once a comprehensive infrastructure is in place, fuel cell vehicles are likely to become more popular to consumers and find the success they need.