Plug Power has completed its 13th hydrogen refuelling stations (HRS) in Europe, supporting the conversion of lead acid battery-powered materials handling equipment to hydrogen fuel cell-powered.

The company says its HRS installations support a range of material handling and mobility applications across the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain and the Netherlands. 

All systems are currently in the commissioning phase, with remaining systems expected to be fully operational by the European summer.

The hydrogen refuelling stations support Plug’s European material handling customer base, which includes Amazon, Stef, ASDA and Lidl. 

The stations also serve Plug’s own facilities and HYVIA locations, a joint venture between Plug and Renault to build hydrogen fuel cell electric commercial vehicles. The largest of these sites will consume close to half a ton of hydrogen per day.

“The rapid uptake of our turnkey hydrogen refuelling stations demonstrates growing demand in the European market,” says Plug chief executive officer Andy Marsh. 

“This milestone underscores the importance of Plug’s experience with hydrogen refuelling stations in delivering hydrogen supply to customers. Our team’s expertise has driven down time-to-market for a refuelling station from 18 months to six months.”

Plug has deployed more than 69,000 fuel cell systems and more 250 fuelling stations, more than anyone else in the world, and is the largest buyer of liquid hydrogen.