The State of Hydrogen Fueling Stations in the U.S.
The State of Hydrogen Fueling Stations in the U.S.
Hydrogen power has the potential to reshape the U.S. economy while supporting the adoption of clean energy here and around the world. More specifically, hydrogen fuel is expected to play a critical role in infrastructure, manufacturing, and other industries across the U.S. in the years to come. But hydrogen’s own infrastructure needs to be in place first so everyone can reap the benefits that hydrogen provides.
Leading this infrastructure development is the production and maintenance of hydrogen fueling stations. Below, we’ll provide an overview of what these stations are and how they work. We’ll also dive into their current status, future projections, and implications for hydrogen power.
What are Hydrogen Fueling Stations?
Hydrogen as an alternative energy source is most commonly used in hydrogen fuel cells, which power hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) among many other use cases. Vehicles and other machines that use these cells require hydrogen fueling stations to replenish them, much like their gasoline- or diesel-powered equivalents do. The way these stations look and work mirrors their conventional fuel counterparts, with storage tanks for hydrogen fuel either produced on-site or carted in, as well as individual hose lines that pump fuel into a vehicle’s receptacle.
As the Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) overview of hydrogen fueling stations notes, there are also mobile hydrogen fueling stations being developed, which will increase the availability of hydrogen fuel across the country. Another positive development in this regard is the creation of hydrogen hubs that streamline hydrogen production, storage, transportation, and utilization.
Current Hydrogen Station Infrastructure in the U.S.
Stations are arguably the most important part of hydrogen infrastructure, as they’re the point at which hydrogen fuel reaches consumers. Efforts to increase stations and station access are driving overall hydrogen infrastructure development and hydrogen fuel adoption.
According to the AFDC’s alternative fuel station counts resource, there are currently 74 total hydrogen fueling stations spread across the U.S., the vast majority of which are in California:
- California: 54 retail and 8 non-retail stations
- Colorado: 1 non-retail station
- Hawaii: 1 retail and 1 non-retail station
- Massachusetts: 1 non-retail station
- Michigan: 2 non-retail stations
- New York: 1 non-retail station
- Ohio: 2 non-retail stations
- Texas: 1 non-retail station
- Virginia: 1 non-retail station
- Washington: 1 non-retail station
Retail stations are those that are fully available to the public and accept payments directly at the point of purchase. Non-retail stations are only usable by certain clientele with specific access criteria like specialized training or membership in a given company, fleet, or other organization. Some of these are strictly private (e.g., 5 of California’s 8 non-retail stations), and their purposes vary from the relatively uniform public stations—e.g., some are for demonstrations or research.
The AFDC also provides a dynamic map of hydrogen fueling stations across the U.S. and Canada, so hydrogen fuel users can plan a trip based on where they’ll be able to fuel efficiently.
Opportunities for Growth in Hydrogen Infrastructure
Hydrogen stations are concentrated in California, and the state should see more development in the near future. A newly approved hydrogen hub in California will allocate $1.2B in federal funding to the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES) and generate an expected $11.2 billion from private investors. But California’s not the only place that should see increased hydrogen infrastructure development in the coming years; states with proof-of-concept stations are poised to build more as demand for hydrogen fuel increases.
Demand should also increase, as initiatives like the Department of Energy’s (DOE) H2USA are increasing public-private partnerships between federal/local agencies and auto manufacturers.
Beyond consumer FCEVs, another major sector hydrogen fuel could take over is heavy-duty industrial vehicles. Recent advancements such as powerful and efficient hydrogen-powered semi trucks are paving the way for greater hydrogen adoption at scale across the country.
Challenges Facing Hydrogen Fueling Stations
Despite its overall potential to optimize energy efficiency and support environmental preservation, there are both benefits and potential downsides to hydrogen fuel.
For instance, some hydrogen production methods are energy-intensive and/or reliant on fossil fuels. In addition, production and distribution are presently relatively expensive, and the lack of existing trade networks and supply lines creates a vicious cycle of building new ones. Better and more dependable hydrogen-powered cars and trucks will also necessitate more infrastructure.
The Future of Hydrogen Fueling Stations in the U.S.
Looking ahead, hydrogen stations are expected to evolve and increase in number as demand grows. The global race toward natural hydrogen and greater efficiency than current production standards provide will continue to drive demand. Consumers want efficient, eco-friendly energy, and hydrogen fuel is one of the best ways to achieve that—so long as there is infrastructure.
This is a big reason the hydrogen fueling station market projects to grow at 17.5% CAGR over the next 10 years and hit $2.3B by 2034, up from its current value of $454.1M. These are conservative estimates—the market grew at 20.6% CAGR from 2019 to 2023.
Whatever rate the market grows at, it will be driven by further advancements in hydrogen fuel technology, such as more cost-effective and accessible production, storage, and distribution.
These are exactly the kinds of advancements FASTECH’s hydrogen infrastructure design and construction services support. We’re believers in the promise of hydrogen fuel, and we help businesses prepare for and take advantage of the efficiency and other benefits it provides.
To learn more about how we can help your organization, get in touch today!
