ITM Power plc (LON:ITM) has, alongside Johnson Matthey Plc (LON: JMAT), announced the opening of the company’s seventh public access hydrogen refuelling station (HRS).
The new site is located on Johnson Matthey property in Swindon, on the ‘M4 corridor’, and it is supported by innovative car makers Toyota, Hyundai and Honda. Significantly, the new HRS is the first of two to be deployed as part of the pan European H2ME2 project – funded by the European Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCHJU) and the Office of Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) - and the second will be opened at Gatwick airport before the end of this year.
"We are extremely pleased to have launched our seventh hydrogen refuelling station,” said Dr Graham Cooley, ITM chief executive.
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He added: “We are again collaborating with local stakeholders to develop a significant FCEV fleet around the new station."
Johnson Matthey group strategy director Matthew Harwood said: "There's no doubt that hydrogen will be part of our energy mix going forward and we are delighted that ITM's seventh refuelling station is located at our site in Swindon.
“JM has a great heritage in the development of fuel cell technologies, as well as in the catalysts and technologies for the large-scale production of hydrogen.”
Paul Van der Burgh, Toyota GB managing director, added: "The opening of this new ITM Power facility establishes a valuable, strategic link in the development of the UK's hydrogen fuel infrastructure.
“We welcome it not only as a benefit for drivers of the Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell electric saloon but also as another step towards realising the wider benefits of hydrogen as a clean and sustainable energy source in the future - a key mission for Toyota globally."
Hyundai Motor UK chief executive Tony Whitehorn said: "As the demand for zero-emission vehicles of all types is increasing at a rapid rate, it's imperative that the necessary infrastructure is deployed at a pace that matches.
“For Hyundai, the opening of the 7th station from ITM shows a clear and timely commitment to hydrogen deployment from both the public and private sector as we prepare for the imminent UK launch of NEXO, our next generation fuel cell electric vehicle"
And, Honda chief project engineer Thomas Brachmann added: "The opening of the new hydrogen refuelling station in Swindon is an important step for the UK's infrastructure, as it now enables travel along the M4 corridor to the M25.
“This will further enhance the uptake of hydrogen vehicles and will help our Clarity Fuel Cell drivers in the UK with the knowledge that there is increased hydrogen refuelling capacity available."