ITM Power opens second London hydrogen station

Energy storage and clean fuel company ITM Power officially launched its third public access hydrogen refuelling station (HRS) and the second HRS in London at the Centre of Engineering Manufacturing Excellence CEME, in Rainham, on Tuesday.

The AIM-traded firm’s HRS was opened to the public by Bill Williams, CEO of CEME and Prof Roger Putnam CBE, Chairman of ITM Power, with the opening supported by automotive manufacturers, who also presented and participated in a Q&A session.

ITM said the station is the first of its kind using solar energy from a solar PV array at CEME to make renewable hydrogen on-site, and is the second of three UK stations to be deployed as part of the pan-European HyFive project, which was funded by the European Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking and the Office of Low Emission Vehicles.

Located at the heart of the Thames Gateway, the HRS lies just off the A13, linking London City Airport and the M25, and is now available for public and private fleets operating fuel cell electric vehicles.

Before the station opening, a hydrogen rally took place to the finishing line at the CEME HRS from two locations with journalists and transport industry commentators - some of whom became the first to make the 186 mile drive from a wind hydrogen station in South Yorkshire to the solar hydrogen station.

A second rally commenced at ITM Power's hydrogen station in Teddington, West London, crossing central London to CEME.

In total 11 FCEVs took part, provided by automotive manufacturers Toyota, Hyundai and Symbio FCell Renault and vehicle owners JCB, Anglo American, Johnson Matthey, Green Tomato Cars and ITM Power.

“As London's Centre for Engineering and Manufacturing Excellence, CEME is very proud to be able to offer a site for this hydrogen fuel station and utilise our solar energy to make a fuel for vehicles,” said Bill Williams, CEO at the Centre of Engineering Manufacturing Excellence.

“It is perfectly located to offer a clean hydrogen source for London and improve air quality for London.”

Dr Graham Cooley, CEO of ITM Power, said the company was extremely pleased to have launched the second of its HyFive hydrogen refuelling stations in London.

“The hydrogen rally was a great way of demonstrating the benefits of these vehicles for both longer commutes and throughout the city.

“ITM Power is grateful for the co-operation of our HyFive partners and for the funding support of FCHJU and OLEV.”

At 1429 BST, shares in ITM Power were up 2.82% at 21.85p.