The Port Authority of Valencia (PAV) has approved C.N.E. Hydrogen and Fuel Cells’ (CNH2) plans to operate a pilot hydrogen refuelling station in the docks.
The hydrogen station is currently being used by two vehicles operated by Mediterranean Shipping Company Terminal Valencia (MSC) and Valencia Terminal Europa (VTE): the ReachStacker developed by Hyster, the 4×4 hydrogen tractor developed by Atena.
Read more:Hyster hydrogen-powered ReachStacker shipped to Port of Valencia
Located on the Xità quay in the north dock, the station is expected to fill these vehicles with hydrogen before the first shift in the morning.
The agreement with CNH2 represents part of the European H2PORTS project financed by the European Commission, specifically the Fuel Cells Hydrogen Joint Undertaking, which promotes hydrogen R&D.
A statement released by the PAV said, “It is necessary to locate the hydrogen facility within the port service area as it allows the refuelling action to take place in the shortest possible time and avoids delays at the port access control points.
“The success of this type of technology lies not only in environmental efficiency and zero emissions, but also in the correct adaptation to a world as competitive and strict in terms of operational efficiency as the port activity in port terminals where it is being tested.”
Hydrogen refuelling tests began last year, carried out by technicians from Valenciaport, the National Hydrogen Centre and Carburos Metálicos. Taking place throughout January, they evaluated the hydrogen generator in the Xità quay.
Read more: Hydrogen refuelling tests kick off in Port of Valencia, Spain