The launch was attended by Mona Neubaur, Minister for Economic Affairs of North Rhine-Westphalia, Düsseldorf’s Lord Mayor Dr Stephan Keller, and Dagmar Fehler, Spokesperson and CEO of NOW GmbH, which coordinates the German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport’s funding programme.
The new facility on Höherweg sets new standards for hydrogen mobility, with a capacity of up to 5 tpd of hydrogen, exceeding the performance of first-generation hydrogen refuelling stations in Germany. Thanks to proprietary high-performance technology, up to three vehicles can be refuelled simultaneously, including buses, trucks, passenger cars, and light commercial vehicles. This project is made possible by a close partnership between H2 MOBILITY, Stadtwerke Düsseldorf, and Rheinbahn, who have jointly implemented hydrogen production, infrastructure, and demand within a single integrated concept.
The expansion of hydrogen mobility in North Rhine-Westphalia is supported by NRW.Energy4Climate, the state energy agency, which plays a central role in developing regional hydrogen ecosystems. The new station is a key component of Düsseldorf’s urban mobility and climate protection strategy. The city has set an ambitious goal to become climate-neutral by 2035.
Frank Fronzke, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of H2 MOBILITY, commented: “This station marks a milestone for hydrogen mobility in Europe. It represents a new generation of hydrogen refuelling stations, with more dispensers for 350, 500, and 700 bar, greater hydrogen volumes, and significantly higher performance. Our high-performance technology enables fast, flexible refuelling for buses, trucks, and passenger cars, making a tangible contribution to the transport transition. This project demonstrates how cooperation between business and government can accelerate innovation.”
Climate-friendly hydrogen from the outset
Until the Stadtwerke Düsseldorf electrolyser is operational in 2026, the hydrogen refuelling station will be supplied with renewable hydrogen (RFNBO) from a certified source powered exclusively by renewable electricity. As such, the hydrogen mobility solutions at this site have been designed with sustainability in mind from day one. Beginning in 2026, the station will be directly supplied with locally generated hydrogen produced using energy from waste via the Stadtwerke Düsseldorf electrolyser. The electricity for this process comes from the biogenic fraction of the utility’s waste-to-energy plant – creating a local, circular energy loop and a flagship example of urban sector coupling. This regional energy cycle will significantly and sustainably reduce emissions.
Julien Mounier, Chairman of the Board of Stadtwerke Düsseldorf, noted: “What sets this hydrogen refuelling station apart is that from 2026, it will be supplied exclusively with hydrogen produced locally by Stadtwerke Düsseldorf. To that end, we are constructing a 2 MW electrolyser directly behind the station. This enhances regional value creation and eliminates CO2 emissions associated with hydrogen transport. Together, we are making a substantial contribution to decarbonising Düsseldorf’s transport sector.”
For Rheinbahn, which already operates 20 hydrogen buses as part of its decarbonisation strategy, the new hydrogen refuelling station near the Lierenfeld depot represents vital infrastructure.
Annette Grabbe, Member of the Executive Board of Rheinbahn, added: “Hydrogen is an essential component of our strategy to reduce CO2 emissions. We are investing strategically in this future technology to transform public transport in Düsseldorf and the surrounding region. The new hydrogen refuelling station represents another milestone in our journey toward zero-emission mobility. Its commissioning ensures that we are now optimally positioned to refuel our hydrogen buses flexibly and efficiently for reliable operations. The vehicles have already proven themselves in daily service – our drivers value their comfort and performance. Together with our partners H2 MOBILITY and Stadtwerke Düsseldorf, we are driving the mobility transition forward and making tangible progress towards our regional climate neutrality goals.”