CAR-DATA.INFOCAR-DATA.INFOThe transition to cleaner energy is a global priority, and the UK is no exception. One of the pillars of this transition is hydrogen, a fuel that promises to be a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels. This analysis examines the current status of the hydrogen refuelling network in the UK, expansion projects at both national and local level, future forecasts, the number of hydrogen cars on the road and the available supply of cars and trucks for sale.
As of 2024, the network of hydrogen refuelling stations in the UK is still in its infancy. Currently, there are around a dozen hydrogen refuelling stations in operation, mainly concentrated in urban areas such as London, Birmingham and Manchester. These stations cater for both light and heavy commercial vehicles, although coverage is still limited compared to other European countries.
The UK has identified the need to accelerate the development of hydrogen infrastructure to meet its carbon reduction targets and encourage the uptake of hydrogen vehicles. However, growth has been slow due to a number of challenges, including high installation costs and the need for sustained demand for hydrogen vehicles to justify the investments.
There are several projects underway to expand the network of hydrogen refuelling stations in the UK. At the national level, the UK government has announced plans to invest in building at least 100 new hydrogen refuelling stations by 2030, with a focus on key transport corridors and metropolitan areas.
At the local level, projects such as the London Hydrogen Network Expansion (LHNE) are working to increase the availability of stations in the capital. In Scotland, the "H100 Fife" project aims to establish a green hydrogen network, with the installation of new refuelling stations and the production of hydrogen from renewable sources.
In addition, public-private partnerships are emerging as an effective model for financing and developing hydrogen infrastructure. Companies such as ITM Power and Shell are leading initiatives to build stations at strategic locations, leveraging both government and private sector funds.
Forecasts indicate significant growth in hydrogen infrastructure in the UK over the next decade. The number of hydrogen refuelling stations is expected to increase as the technology becomes more accessible and demand for hydrogen vehicles grows. The UK government has set ambitious targets, including a 78% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035, which will drive the uptake of clean technologies such as hydrogen.
Hydrogen is positioning itself as a key element in the UK's energy strategy, not only for transport, but also for industrial and heating sectors. The creation of hydrogen clusters in industrial regions of the country is designed to take advantage of economies of scale and reduce costs.
There are currently approximately 200 hydrogen vehicles on the road in the UK. Although this number is small compared to the total number of vehicles, it represents steady growth since the introduction of the first commercial models a few years ago. Adoption of hydrogen vehicles has been slower than expected, in part due to a lack of refuelling infrastructure and the relatively high cost of the vehicles.
However, with investment in infrastructure and the anticipated reduction in production costs, the number of hydrogen vehicles on UK roads is expected to increase significantly over the next few years.
The expansion of the hydrogen refuelling station network in the UK is at a crucial stage of development. With government support and private sector investment, the number of hydrogen stations and vehicles is expected to grow considerably over the next decade. This growth will be vital to meeting the country's climate targets and promoting a transition to cleaner and more sustainable transport.
The adoption of hydrogen vehicles in both the private and commercial sectors will depend heavily on the availability of a reliable and accessible refuelling infrastructure. Current and future efforts are aimed at creating a robust hydrogen ecosystem to support sustainable mobility in the UK.