H2 Mobility, Germany's New Hydrogen Infrastructure Plan

Another step towards forever changing the way future roads will look like was taken yesterday by several industrial groups in Germany, who signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the creation of a relevant network of hydrogen fueling stations by the end of 2011.

The MoU is comprised of two stages. The first one calls for the evaluation of options for an area-wide roll-out of hydrogen fueling stations in Germany, as well as the creation of a joint business plan agreement. It will be followed by the second phase, which call for the actual installation of hydrogen fueling stations.

Currently, Germany has a network of thirty hydrogen stations, with only seven of them being integrated into public gas stations. The expansion of the current network is supported by the main ambassador of hydrogen-powered vehicles in Germany, Daimler.

“The only tailpipe emission from fuel-cell vehicles is water vapor. That’s good for the environment and for people – and it’s the reason why we want to commercialize this technology as soon as possible," Dieter Zetsche, Daimler CEO said in a release.

"But the widespread adoption of fuel cells will only occur when drivers can readily refuel with hydrogen. To accomplish that end, we’re working together with oil companies, energy providers and public policy makers to help drive the development of the necessary infrastructure,” he added.

Together with Daimler, the MoU includes the German Minister for Transportation, Building and Urban Affairs, Linde, NOW, EnBW, OMV, Deutsche Shell, Total Deutschland and Vattenfall.