The contribution of hydrogen petrol stations: The EU threatens losses in the millions first appeared at the online magazine Basic Thinking. You can start the day well every morning via our newsletter update.
The EU has a mission: hydrogen is intended to decarbonize heavy goods traffic and reduce Europe’s dependence on fossil fuels. According to a current study from Sweden, the EU requirements for hydrogen petrol stations could lead to millions of losses.
Alternative fuel infrastructure regulation (Afir): That is the name of one Ordinance of the EU For the infrastructure for alternative fuels. It is intended to regulate the expansion of the loading and tank infrastructure for drive substances such as electricity and hydrogen.
The aim is to reduce CO2 emissions by 55 percent by 2030 compared to 1990. For this purpose, hydrogen filling stations should be created at a distance of 200 kilometers along important traffic axes-at least one station per urban node.
In practice, however, what sounds like progress could lead to losses in the millions. At least that’s the result of a current study from Sweden.
Hydrogen filling stations as expensive shopkeepers?
According to scientists from the Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, the AfIR regulation of the EU has weaknesses. With the help of a new model, the researchers demonstrated that the planned distribution of hydrogen petrol stations for some countries is not as needed.
Based on the data of 600,000 freight routes across Europe, they simulated how the traffic of hydrogen-powered long-distance trucks could develop by 2050. It became clear where a particularly high demand for hydrogen filling stations should arise.
“Our model shows that France will need a seven times higher capacity by 2050 than the EU provides for in 2030,” Sojoel Löfving, doctoral student in the department for mechanics and seafaring at Chalmers University. The consequence: undersupply as soon as emission -free trucks absorb.
At the same time, the study shows that countries such as Bulgaria, Romania or Greece have significantly less traffic – but are still forced to build an infrastructure that would probably hardly be used. The result: investment and operating costs of several dozen million euros annually- for largely unused systems.
EU plans between the climate target and reality
In addition to traffic volume and distances, the Chalmers model also takes into account topographical data from the European Space Organization (ESA). A central result: The geographical area influences the energy consumption of truck more than previously assumed.
“Many models work with average energy consumption per kilometer,” says Löfving. If you include gradients and speeds, the profile change significantly. “This provides a more realistic basis for where the infrastructure is actually needed.”
The scientists focused on long -distance transports of over 360 kilometers. Shorter distances are expected to be taken over by battery -electric commercial vehicles in the future.
We have oriented ourselves to the technological development in the truck area. Much indicates that batteries are suitable for shorter routes, while hydrogen could be an important addition to longer distances.
Hydrogen filling stations: In Austria already a past
The construction of a medium-sized hydrogen petrol station costs loudly Industry Association Hydrogen Europe Around four million euros. It is expected that this value will drop to less than three million euros over time. Nevertheless, experiences from practice show that a station is only profitable when it serves ten to 15 trucks per day.
What unrealistic planning means in practice, for example, can be seen in Austria. All public hydrogen petrol stations were closed there because demand and economy did not cover. Because: There are simply not enough vehicles with fuel cell drive on Austria’s streets.
Researchers want to influence politics positively
So far, the EU has stuck to its vision – although the European Court of Auditors already demanded a “reality check” last year. The Chalmers study has already been used in political discussions in Sweden and at EU level. According to their own statements, the scientists were able to provide input for the planned evaluation of the AFIR regulation in 2026.
Löfving hopes that the analysis will influence the further development of the legislation: “With our long -term approach, we were able to make a contribution to the question of how an economically sustainable network of hydrogen filling stations can be built – as the basis for a functioning market for heavy hydrogen vehicles.”
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The contribution of hydrogen petrol stations: The EU threatens losses in the millions first appeared on basic thinking. Follow us too Google News and Flipboard Or subscribe to our update newsletter.
As a Tech Industry expert, I believe that the EU’s threat of losses in the millions due to the lack of hydrogen petrol stations is a concerning issue. Hydrogen fuel has the potential to play a significant role in reducing carbon emissions and transitioning towards a more sustainable energy future.
However, the lack of infrastructure, such as hydrogen petrol stations, is a major barrier to widespread adoption of hydrogen fuel vehicles. Without convenient access to refueling stations, consumers are unlikely to invest in hydrogen fuel vehicles, leading to slower growth in the market.
To address this issue, it is crucial for governments and industry stakeholders to invest in the development of hydrogen infrastructure, including the construction of more petrol stations. This will require significant investment and collaboration between public and private sectors, but the long-term benefits of a more sustainable energy system make it a worthy endeavor.
Overall, the EU’s threat of losses in the millions highlights the urgent need to prioritize the development of hydrogen infrastructure to support the growth of the hydrogen fuel market and help achieve climate goals.
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