Italy’s First Hydrogen Refueling Station Debuts in Lombardy, Backed by FNM and EU Funds

Italy just hit a major milestone in its push for zero-emission transportation — the country’s first hydrogen refueling station is officially up and running in Carugate, Lombardy. This brand-new facility, led by FNM Group and backed by funding from the EU and Italy’s PNRR initiative, is the first of five stations planned in Northern Italy. Together, they’ll form a key corridor to support cross-border logistics powered by clean, hydrogen fuel cell technology.

Opening the hydrogen highway

The Carugate station was introduced to the public on July 2, 2025, and it’ll officially open its pumps on January 1, 2026. But this isn’t just any fueling stop — it’s equipped with high-tech dual-pressure systems (350 and 700 bar), making it ready to refuel both light passenger vehicles and heavy-duty trucks powered by hydrogen. That means everyone from eco-conscious commuters to freight operators will be able to top up with green hydrogen on the go.

Technical partners and hydrogen know-how

The station features a cutting-edge compression system from Maximator Hydrogen, which includes an automatic seal exchange to keep everything running smoothly and reliably. It’s a solid piece of the puzzle needed to scale up hydrogen infrastructure in Italy. Other key players in the project included CPL Concordia, Simplifhy, and Milano Serravalle, helping to bring this ambitious vision to life with technical expertise and on-the-ground implementation.

Hydrogen vehicles take center stage

Showing just how ready this technology is for the road, big-name automakers like BMW, Toyota, Hyundai, and Daimler Buses rolled up to the unveiling event with their latest hydrogen-powered vehicles. Their presence wasn’t just for show — it underlines the growing commercial momentum behind fuel cell technology and signals a shift toward scalable, sustainable energy on European roads.

Driving toward a zero-emission future

This is more than just a fuel station — it’s a symbol of what’s to come. The Carugate project supports broader EU climate goals by boosting the early hydrogen network that will be essential for decarbonising transport. It’s also a critical step forward for Italy, as the country ramps up efforts to move from diesel and gas toward zero-emission technology that’s cleaner, smarter, and built for the long haul.