A hydrogen infrastructure to service the transportation sector is one step closer.
Nikola, Iveco and pipeline operator OGE have announced plans to collaborate on hydrogen-powered transportation.
Specifically, the trio want to create a pipeline network from production sources to hydrogen fuelling stations.
This continuing maturity of the hydrogen infrastructure is a major boost to fuel-cell-vehicles.
Hydrogen is seen as an essential part of future transportation systems.
In Europe there are specific policy and industry needs that need to be addressed to advance the technology.
Therefore, the primary focus of the Nikola/Iveco/OGE project will be in Germany.
Above all, the goal will be to further develop hydrogen fuelling solutions in the country in support of the European commercial transportation system.
The project team will also work with industry partners to install storage and fuelling locations for FCEVs.
Pablo Koziner, president, energy and commercial, Nikola, emphasised the importance of hydrogen.
“Nikola is committed to delivering and advancing industry-leading hydrogen production, distribution and supply,” he said.
Koziner also stated that the collaboration presented “a very compelling long-term fuelling distribution solution”.
Meanwhile, Gerrit Marx from CNH Industrial (Iveco’s parent company) agreed with his Nikola counterpart.
“Current business models will change with the introduction of hydrogen and battery-powered heavy-duty trucks,” he said.
“Therefore, our collaboration is a great first step in starting up a growing platform of partnerships to make this a reality here in Europe.
Finally OGE, which owns and operates a 12,000km-long natural gas pipeline in Germany, will be a key partner.
“OGE is committed to establishing a pipeline infrastructure to transport hydrogen,” said Dr. Thomas Hüwener, OGE’s chief technical officer.
“We are proud to play an essential role in enabling fuelling station development through our network capabilities.”
