Megaregion STRING Reveals Plans for Network of Hydrogen Filling Stations

Cities and regions in Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, in cooperation with six private companies Everfuel (DK), Hynion (NO), GP JOULE (DE), Quantron (DE), Ørsted (DK), and RENOVA (SE) are presenting joint plans for the establishment of a connected network of hydrogen filling stations between Hamburg and Oslo. They are jointly applying for funding from EU/CEF support.

(Gersthofen/Copenhagen) Alternatives to fossil fuels already exist today. Among them, hydrogen fuel cell technology promises a hopeful future. It can enable the transition to emission-free road traffic. The STRING members are now planning to make the investments necessary for this revolutionary process.

Hydrogen-powered vehicles require only about 5-12 minutes for refueling. This allows for the transport of goods and people without the logistical difficulties associated with charging battery-powered alternatives. Furthermore, hydrogen vehicles are silent and produce only water as a byproduct. However, efforts are needed to develop hydrogen into a reliable alternative to gasoline and diesel, particularly regarding its local availability. The introduction of hydrogen vehicles can be promoted by establishing the necessary refueling infrastructure. The STRING region is doing this, thereby creating the possibility of coming closer to the end of fossil fuels. The devastating pollution from fine dust and CO2 emissions resulting from the transport sector can thus be ended.

To solve the problem of refueling infrastructure, the STRING members and six private companies have initiated a cross-border public-private partnership aimed at supporting investments in hydrogen refueling infrastructure with EU funds. If the project is approved, the GREATER4H project will accelerate the development of hydrogen vehicles throughout the megaregion and make Northern Europe a global leader in the green transformation of road traffic.

Project Management by the State of Schleswig-Holstein

The hydrogen filling stations will be built and operated by the private partners Everfuel (DK), Hynion (NO), and GP JOULE (DE). Quantron (DE) will supply hydrogen vehicles in various weight classes and will take on the necessary development of financial and market-based incentives aimed at increasing demand for hydrogen trucks. GREATER4H will be the catalyst for the faster development of hydrogen vehicles by the automotive industry. In addition, Ørsted (DK) and RENOVA (SE) have joined as associated partners of GREATER4H to contribute to the success of GREATER4H with their perspectives as suppliers of green hydrogen and operators of hydrogen trucks. The 13 public members of STRING will support GREATER4H by harmonizing their regulations regarding the delivery of hydrogen infrastructure as much as possible.

The project was developed under the STRING leadership of the state of Schleswig-Holstein, and Schleswig-Holstein will continue to lead the GREATER4H project in the future. According to European Minister Claus Christian Claussen, “Emissions-free transportation is only possible with an emissions-free charging infrastructure. If we succeed with GREATER4H, it will be a significant step for the green transformation and would exemplarily demonstrate how a full decarbonization of road traffic can be achieved.”

About STRING?

STRING is a cross-border political organization consisting of cities and regions in Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, aimed at promoting cross-border infrastructure development and advancing the green transformation in the transport sector as well as innovations and the export of “Green Tech.”

Photo: © Loginfo24

Graphic: © STRING