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GERMANY’S transport minister Wolfgang Tiefensee has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with eight industrial companies to develop a national hydrogen fuel network which could be up and running as early as 2015.

The industrial partners of the H₂ mobility scheme are Daimler, EnBW, Linde, OMV, Shell, Total, Vattenfall and the NOW GmbH National Organisation Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology. Further partners can join H₂ Mobility, which will evaluate the setting up of a hydrogen network.

Phase 1 of the MoU will involve the assessment of various options for a nationwide hydrogen network and measures to increase public support. Also during phase 1, new hydrogen fuelling stations will be installed to expand the existing small hydrogen network in areas such as Berlin and Hamburg. This should be complete by the end of 2011. Phase 2 will involve further development of the hydrogen fuel network and the introduction and commercialisation of electric vehicles fitted with fuel cells. The industrial partners hope to have several hundred thousand such cars on the road by 2015.

“Our aim is to continue consistent and systematic promotion of electromobility based on batteries and fuel cells. Today we can see that Germany is setting the pace when it comes to hydrogen and fuel cell technology. We are aiming at establishing the nationwide supply with hydrogen in Germany at around 2015 in order to support the serial-production of fuel cell vehicles,” says Tiefensee.

“The widespread adoption of fuel cells will only occur when drivers can readily refuel with hydrogen. To accomplish that end, we’re working together with oil companies, energy providers and public policymakers to help drive the development of the necessary infrastructure,” adds Dieter Zetsche, ceo of Daimler and head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.