Automotive E-ssentials

Another record addition of European hydrogen refuelling stations in 2022

In 2022, 130 hydrogen refuelling stations went into operation worldwide, 73 of them in Asia and 11 in North America. 45 new hydrogen stations opened in Europe, again more than ever before. Like in the previous year, South Korea was the country adding the largest number of new stations. This is the result of the 15th annual assessment of H2stations.org, an information service of Ludwig-Bölkow-Systemtechnik (LBST). Meanwhile hydrogen refuelling is available in 37 countries.

At the end of 2022, 814 hydrogen refuelling stations were in operation worldwide. Concrete plans are already in place for 315 additional refuelling station locations. You can now fill up with hydrogen in 37 countries, Columbia, Cyprus, and Israel being the latest additions to the list.

Europe had 254 hydrogen stations at year end, 105 of which are in Germany. France is still second in Europe with 44 operating stations, followed by the UK und the Netherlands with 17 each, and Switzerland with 14 stations.

At the end of 2022, we recorded 455 hydrogen stations operating in Asia, thereof 165 in Japan and 149 in South Korea. The number of hydrogen stations in China is estimated at 138, the more challenging information access there somewhat limiting reliability. South Korea was again leading globally with 45 new filling stations and is increasingly expanding the infrastructure for all fuel cell electric vehicles.

North America added 11 new filling stations last year. With 70 operating stations in California out of 89 total, the state continues to be the centre of gravity in the continent.

Interactive location maps and individual evaluations

Using interactive maps, H2stations.org (www.h2stations.org/) is the most comprehensive site for information globally on all hydrogen refuelling stations, whether in operation, planned or already shut down, including a summary on recent changes. With its information on already closed stations, H2stations.org is unique in also providing a view on the development history of the hydrogen infrastructure. Statistics on the development of the infrastructure complete the range of information.

The website draws on an extensive database which has been maintained and continuously updated since 2005 with new stations as well as with extensive additional information on existing sites. All in all, it contains detailed information on meanwhile more than 1700 refuelling stations globally. “Despite the increasing maintenance effort, we continue to provide basic information free of charge for non-commercial use”, says LBST Managing Director Uwe Albrecht. “We offer commercial users to license the data including further detailed information, regular reports on new developments, technologies and markets, and bespoke analyses.

Ludwig-Bölkow-Systemtechnik GmbH, an associated company of TÜV SÜD AG, is an international expert consultant for sustainable energy and mobility. With its expertise bridging technologies, markets, and policy the company supports international clients from industry and politics with questions about technology, markets, strategy and sustainability. Large international companies trust LBST's reliable assessments of new developments and innovations in the fields of energy and mobility and appreciate its comprehensive competence especially in hydrogen. Four decades of continuous experience from the interdisciplinary team of renowned experts form the basis of LBST's extensive expertise. Further information: https://en.lbst.de/

The high-resolution maps can be found at https://www.h2stations.org/press-releases/