In the fall of 2025, hydrogen refueling stations will open on Hallandsåsen and in Värnamo, Ödeshög, Götene, Karlstad, Nyköpingsbro and Mariestad, and the first stage of Hydri's network is thus nearing completion. At the same time, the second phase of the deployment will start with eleven additional hydrogen stations, which are expected to be commissioned progressively over 2026-2028.
- "With the first phase of our network, we cover the most transport-intensive routes in southern Sweden, allowing hydrogen vehicles to actually start rolling on the roads. This is a major step towards breaking the fossil fuel dependency of heavy transport and reducing emissions," said Michel Thomas, Chairman of Hydri and CEO of Qarlbo Energy.
Hydri's network of hydrogen stations is needed to convert heavy and long-distance transportation that is difficult to electrify. The expansion will take place in two phases, the first of which began in December 2021. Last year, three hydrogen stations were opened in Håby, the Port of Gothenburg and Nykvarn, seven stations will be opened in the fall of 2025 and another four stations will be opened in 2026. The second phase means that another seven hydrogen stations from north to south will be put into operation gradually until 2028.
- We see a great interest from the business community to invest in hydrogen as a fuel, but this requires an expanded infrastructure with filling stations. Our network already covers large parts of Sweden. By 2030, there should be a comprehensive network of hydrogen stations throughout the EU and Hydri wants to be the driving force that realizes this in Sweden," says Kamilla Björkman, CEO of Hydri.
While several filling stations will be inaugurated during the year, not all hydrogen stations originally planned in phase 1 will be realized at this stage, as the conditions for the expansion have changed. The main reason is new safety instructions which, among other things, requires greater safety distances than are available at some of the original sites. Another reason is that there is currently insufficient capacity for electricity grid connection in some locations.
- When a new market emerges, it is natural that conditions in the surrounding world change. We are a long-term player and the most important thing is that the network of filling stations in its entirety becomes a reality, both to get a functioning market for hydrogen vehicles and to meet the EU's requirements for hydrogen infrastructure, says Kamilla Björkman.
