Nikola and OPAL to co-develop and construct hydrogen fueling stations

Nikola Corporation and OPAL Fuels LLC have signed an MOU for the development, building, and operation of hydrogen filling stations in North America, as well as the use of renewable natural gas (RNG) in hydrogen generation.

Nikola and OPAL Fuels have agreed to collaborate on the development and marketing of hydrogen refueling infrastructure in order to expedite the adoption of heavy-duty zero-emission fuel-cell electric cars (FCEV).

“Given their experience developing and running filling stations, this collaboration with OPAL Fuels presents tremendous potential synergies,” said Nikola President, Energy and Commercial Pablo Koziner. “Today represents another significant step forward in Nikola’s stated energy infrastructure aspirations and its commitment to offer consumers with hydrogen fueling services.”

“We are very thrilled to be collaborating with Nikola to assist fleets realize the promise of hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles with dependable, cost-effective fuelling infrastructure,” said OPAL Fuels Co-CEO Adam Comora. “We envision a very potent combo for the future when combined with RNG as a fuel source to decrease the carbon intensity of hydrogen.”

The collaboration’s initial focus will be on building the infrastructure needed to better service the demands of big private fleets who use their own dedicated property fueling infrastructure “Behind the Fence.” Nikola and OPAL Fuels will also look for and assess potential locations for public hydrogen stations.

Nikola’s proposed FCEV bundled lease offer, which will include Nikola’s FCEVs, vehicle service and maintenance, and hydrogen fuel supply, will be combined with OPAL Fuels’ extensive experience developing, constructing, and operating heavy-duty truck fueling stations to provide a complete end-to-end solution.

Nikola and OPAL Fuels plan to start beta projects with a few select clients as part of their Memorandum of Understanding, in order to increase participation and speed up development. The Parties also seek to create best-practices and standards for hydrogen refueling station design and procedures, enabling for a safer, more dependable, scalable, and low total cost of ownership in the transportation industry.