H2Accelerate urges EU to keep hydrogen refueling targets on track
Industry coalition calls for continued support for hydrogen station deployment as Europe reviews alternative fuel infrastructure requirements.
H2Accelerate has called on the European Commission to maintain its existing ambitions for hydrogen refueling infrastructure in the upcoming review of the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), arguing that a robust station network is essential for the rollout of zero-emission trucks across Europe.
The coalition, which includes Daimler Truck, Hyundai Hydrogen Mobility, Linde, TEAL Mobility, TotalEnergies and Volvo Group, said hydrogen will play a key role alongside battery-electric technologies in decarbonizing the road freight sector. To support this transition, it argues that a comprehensive network of hydrogen refueling stations must be in place across the continent by the end of the decade.
In a new position statement, H2Accelerate urged the European Commission to preserve mandatory deployment targets for hydrogen refueling infrastructure in urban hubs and along the core TEN-T transport network. The group also called for targeted adjustments to ensure station requirements better reflect the operational needs of heavy-duty trucking.
The organization highlighted examples from the Netherlands and Germany, where public support schemes have encouraged the coordinated deployment of hydrogen trucks and refueling infrastructure. According to H2Accelerate, these initiatives have helped reduce investment risks and support the early development of the market.
“AFIR is a cornerstone policy for the development of Europe’s zero-emission trucking ecosystem,” said Hannah Bryson-Jones, spokesperson for the H2Accelerate collaboration. “Maintaining its current ambition reinforces the regulatory certainty needed to unlock investment in hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, support vehicle deployment, and give fleet operators the confidence to transition to zero-emission trucks.”
The group warned that reducing infrastructure targets could undermine investor confidence, delay station deployment and increase costs for companies investing in hydrogen transport solutions.
H2Accelerate also called on the EU to help member states establish effective incentive programs to accelerate the rollout of AFIR-compliant infrastructure. The coalition argues that maintaining clear and consistent infrastructure requirements will be critical to supporting hydrogen-powered freight transport and achieving Europe's long-term decarbonization goals.
