A network of more than 100 hydrogen refuelling stations on major European roads is set to enable growth in platinum-based fuel cell electric vehicles.
A joint venture between Air Liquide and TotalEnergies will see the development of the new refuelling infrastructure – geared towards heavy-duty vehicles – in France, Benelux and Germany. The partnership aims to create a major player in hydrogen refuelling stations and contribute to the decarbonisation of road transport in Europe.
Hydrogen offers clear benefits in the global energy transition to net zero, with the World Platinum Investment Council estimating that replacing natural gas with green hydrogen could deliver up to 11% of the Paris Agreement’s targeted CO2 emissions reductions by 2030. Platinum is the catalyst used in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, the type used in hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).
There were 254 hydrogen stations in Europe at year end, 105 of which are in Germany. France has 44 operating stations, whilst the UK has 17. Although hydrogen-related demand for platinum is relatively small in 2023, it is predicted to undergo substantial growth by 2040.
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