Wind-powered Hydrogen refuelling station opens in South Yorkshire

Hydrogen fuel experts ITM Power have opened a new retail hydrogen refuelling station by the M1 in South Yorkshire, generating its own hydrogen fuel.

It would hardly be big news that there is a new petrol station by the M1 (or maybe it would, as the UK is fast losing its filling stations?) but the news that there’s a hydrogen filling station opening in Yorkshire is news, as hydrogen refuelling centres – especially retail ones – are still as rare as hens teeth.

ITM Power has today opened the new hydrogen filling station at the Advanced Manufacturing Park – just a mile or two from junction 33 of the M1 near Rotherham in South Yorkshire – finally bring somewhere to fill up for owners of hydrogen fuel cell cars ‘Up North’, with the ability to provide refuelling for up to 16 cars a day (admittedly not a lot, but then there aren’t a lot of hydrogen-powered cars on the road).

The new facility is completely self-contained, using a 225kW wind turbine (it’s windy up north) coupled directly to an electrolyser, 220kg of hydrogen storage, hydrogen dispensing unit and even a 30kW fuel cell to provide backup power for nearby buildings.

The launch is supported by Hyundai, Toyota, and Honda – which is no big surprise as the only hydrogen fuel cell cars around at the moment are the Hyundai ix35 FCEV, the Toyota Mirai and the Honda FCX Clarity – with ‘ride and drive’ on offer for those attending the opening.

The new Yorkshire filling station joins other in Swindon, Heathrow and Hendon, and is part of the government’s hydrogen infrastructure investment strategy, which will see more stations opening in London soon.

Tony Whitehorn, Hyundai Motor UK CEO, said:

It is very encouraging indeed that the UK’s hydrogen filling station infrastructure is developing. We welcome this ultra-green new site in the north of England, which will serve a very large area and is clearly one of the most advanced sites ever constructed. Hydrogen-powered cars are the future and Hyundai is a leader in the field. This new self-sufficient filling station is exactly what’s needed.

It may be a small step, but it is a step in the right direction.