Benzinga | Jul 28, 2020 06:10AM EDT

Linde to Build and Operate World's First Hydrogen Refueling Station for Passenger Trains

Linde (NYSE:LIN) today announced it will start construction of the world's first hydrogen refueling station for passenger trains in Bremervrde, Germany, in September. The construction follows the successful eighteen-month trial of the world's first two hydrogen trains in the region, which was completed earlier this year.

Linde will build and operate the hydrogen filling station, which is expected to start service in early 2022. The station will fuel 14 hydrogen-powered passenger trains which will be supplied by Alstom to the regional rail traffic provider, LNVG, and will use the network of regional railway company EVB. The hydrogen refueling station will have a capacity of around 1,600 kg of hydrogen per day, making it one of the largest hydrogen stations in terms of nameplate capacity ever built. It will be constructed with scope for future on-site hydrogen generation using electrolysis.

'We are excited to play a key role in this world-leading, innovative project,' said David Burns, Linde's Head of Clean Hydrogen. 'We have long known that hydrogen as a fuel has the potential to make a significant contribution to decarbonization. Establishing hydrogen as a zero-emission and efficient fuel for trains will bring tremendous benefits for the environment.'

'The construction of the hydrogen filling station in Bremervrde creates the basis for the regular operation of our emission-free hydrogen trains in the EVB network,' said Dr Jrg Nikutta, GM of Alstom Transport Deutschland GmbH. 'We are delighted that Linde, as an experienced hydrogen supplier, is now also taking over the refueling of the series trains following the successful trial operation.'The project is co-funded by the German Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure within the scope of the National Innovation Programme Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology.

Linde is a global leader in the production, processing, storage and distribution of hydrogen. It has the largest liquid hydrogen capacity and distribution system in the world. The company also operates the world's first high-purity hydrogen storage cavern coupled with an unrivalled pipeline network to reliably supply its customers. Linde is at the forefront in the transition to clean hydrogen and has installed over 180 hydrogen fueling stations and 80 hydrogen electrolysis plants worldwide. The company offers the latest electrolysis technology through its newly formed joint venture ITM Linde Electrolysis.