Hydrogen Fueling Stations in the UK in 2023
As part of its efforts to combat climate change, the UK has pledged to significantly increase the number of hydrogen fueling stations in the country over the next few years. We will tell you everything you need to know about this initiative.
The UK’s Commitment to Hydrogen Fueling Stations
In 2019, the UK government released its plan for a Green Industrial Revolution, which sets out a plan for the country to become carbon neutral by 2050. One of the key components of this plan is a large-scale roll-out of hydrogen fueling stations, with a target of 400 hydrogen fueling stations by 2030.
To that end, the government has already committed £27 million to support early projects, and it has also created a £500 million fund to invest in larger scale infrastructure projects. In total, it is estimated that these initiatives will lead to the creation of around 3,000 new jobs.
How do hydrogen fueling stations work?
Hydrogen fueling stations work by delivering compressed hydrogen gas to vehicles via a specialized nozzle. The gas is then stored in a tank on the vehicle, where it can be used in a fuel cell to generate electricity. This electricity powers an electric motor, which drives the wheels of the vehicle.
Because they don’t produce any emissions, hydrogen-powered vehicles are considered to be much cleaner than traditional gasoline or diesel cars. In fact, they’re even cleaner than electric vehicles, as the only by-product of hydrogen fuel cells is water vapor
What Are the Benefits of Hydrogen Fueling Stations?
There are many benefits associated with hydrogen fueling stations. First and foremost, they will help to reduce emissions from transportation—a significant contributor to climate change. Additionally, they offer a number of advantages over traditional gasoline or diesel cars, including
- Reduced maintenance costs: Because there are no emissions from hydrogen-powered vehicles, there’s no need for expensive catalytic converters or particulate filters. Also these cars have very little moving parts, compared to a car with a traditional combustion engine. This can result in significant maintenance cost savings over time
- Increased range: Hydrogen cars have a much longer range than electric vehicles—up to 500 miles on a single tank of gas. This makes them much more practical for long-distance travel
- Quick refueling: It takes just minutes to refuel a hydrogen car, compared to hours for an electric car.
- Tax benefits: As hydrogen cars are zero emission cars, these are exempted from road tax. If you are in the market for an electric or hydrogen fueled car, you can do an online car tax check.
The UK government has committed to increasing the number of hydrogen fueling stations in the country over the next few years as part of its efforts to combat climate change. This is good news for drivers of hydrogen cars, as it will make it easier and more convenient for them to refuel their vehicles. Additionally, hydrogen cars offer a number of advantages over traditional gasoline or diesel cars, including reduced maintenance costs and increased range.