Japan and Germany are both once again putting the pedal to the metal in regard to building more hydrogen fueling stations by 2015. This is the rollout date agree to by all of the major automakers for their commercial hydrogen fuel cell cars.
According to Fuel Cell Today (courtesy Nikkei), “The Nikkei reports that JX Nippon Oil & Energy Corp. plans to open 40 hydrogen refuelling stations by 2015, when automakers will launch commercial fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV). In January 2011, thirteen automakers and energy companies signed up to a target of 100 hydrogen refuelling stations in Japan by 2015.
“JX Energy has a 30% share in Japan’s gasoline station market and intends to lead in infrastructure for FCEV. It currently operates three of Japan’s ten demonstration hydrogen stations. In February, it will open two hydrogen refuelling facilities at existing gas stations. These test sites will be used to determine efficient operation methods.”
And now switching gears to Germany a Chinese online energy news source is reporting, “Building up a refueling station network for fuel cell electric vehicles is taking on a concrete form. The current partners in the H2 Mobility initiative (Air Liquide, Daimler, Linde, OMV, Shell, and Total) are working on implementing a business model to build up a nationwide hydrogen refueling station network in Germany …
“…In the currently launched third phase of preparations initiative partners are negotiating the foundation of a joint corporate entity to implement the business model and invest in building up the infrastructure.”
So, in Japan and Germany the building of a nationwide hydrogen refueling infrastructure is moving full steam ahead. In other countries, however, the steam is more like a trickle.
good news id like a density cost model
of growth able to use different carriers.slurries etc. using existing infrastucture.this includes car adaptabilities different systems..and long life planning, 20 plus years more than enough to get job done.and keep costs low,as different other countrys and islands can make a cost analysis .plus more than enough room for expansion. plus use of miniture pems, adaptible cost as above.
looking at the total lack of intrest in both lekie cars and and other hybrids [all to expensive],youd think sombody in the uk like HONDA ,FORD,would start production of fuel cell cars on a large scale in the UK.LIKE A MONDEO fuel cell ,cars for the massess ,they allready have the tec so why dont they do it.
Germania e Giappone, sono consapevoli dei benefici ambientali ed economici che le innovative tecnologie elettrochimiche produrranno, pertanto le hanno già adottate nei loro programmi industriali. Insieme ad altri stati virtuosi, saranno i primi a raggiungere il più elevato livello di ” Welfare” a zero emissioni.
Antonio Vulpio
For those (like me) who don’t speak German, here is the Google Translate version of what Antonio has said:
Germany and Japan, are aware of the environmental and economic benefits that will produce innovative electrochemical technologies, therefore they have already taken their industrial programs. Together with other states virtuous, be the first to reach the highest level of “Welfare” zero emissions.