Air Products, a global leader in hydrogen production and distribution, has partnered with Aers Energy België to develop a groundbreaking multi-fuel hydrogen refueling station for trucks.
This ambitious project will be located in the port of Zeebrugge, Belgium, and will also feature a secure truck stop, rest area, convenience store, and restaurant, operated by Aers Energy België. The collaboration aims to drive sustainability by significantly reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from road transport through the use of hydrogen fuel.
Aers Energy België recognizes the vital role of hydrogen in decarbonizing road transportation and sought a partnership with Air Products due to their extensive expertise in the field. Air Products’ investments in new green hydrogen production capacity make them a reliable provider, ensuring a stable supply of hydrogen for the project. Jackij Aers of Aers Energy België emphasized the importance of this partnership in advancing their sustainable goals.
First of its kind in Europe
The upcoming hydrogen refueling station at Zeebrugge will be the first of its kind in Europe to feature liquid hydrogen storage on a commercial scale. Air Products, with its wealth of experience in hydrogen production, equipment, logistics, and services, is spearheading the construction and operation of this station, in addition to other similar projects across Europe. The initiative aligns with Belgium and Europe’s ambitions for CO2-free heavy-duty road transport, contributing to their sustainable development objectives.
By strategically locating the hydrogen refueling station on the TENT-T core network in Zeebrugge, Air Products surpasses the minimum capacity requirement of 1 ton of hydrogen per day. This initiative supports the goals of the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), and when fully utilized, the station is estimated to save approximately 8-11 kt of CO2 equivalent per year by displacing diesel volume.
Kurt Lefevere, Air Products’ Vice President for Benelux, Germany, and France, expressed pride in collaborating with Aers Energy België on this significant project, highlighting the advantages of hydrogen for heavy-duty vehicles. Compared to other technologies, hydrogen offers faster refueling, greater vehicle range, and zero CO2 tailpipe and pollutant emissions. With over 60 years of experience in the hydrogen industry, Air Products is at the forefront of the energy transition and has committed over $11 billion to clean hydrogen projects globally.
Addressing needs
The concession awarded to Aers Energy België in the Port of Zeebrugge was driven by their solution to address the parking needs of trucks in the area. Apart from the hydrogen refueling station, the project includes a truck parking lot with 135 spaces, along with facilities such as sanitary amenities, a store, and a catering service. This comprehensive approach supports the logistics requirements of the port, providing a safe and convenient infrastructure for truck drivers.
Tom Hautekiet, Chief Commercial Officer of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, emphasized the importance of transitioning all forms of transportation, including road transport, to near-complete carbon neutrality by 2050. Hydrogen is viewed as a clean and viable alternative to diesel for freight transport. The development of Europe’s first liquid hydrogen refueling station by Air Products in the Port of Zeebrugge reflects their readiness to embrace the future of hydrogen-powered trucks.
