DATS 24, Colruyt Group’s energy and fuel supplier, is opening its third hydrogen filling station at the Haasrode Researchpark, in Leuven. The opening of this public-access facility was made possible thanks to support from the EU’s H2Benelux program. Besides industrial and logistics applications, hydrogen also has a role to play in the decarbonization of transport and mobility.
“Hydrogen will play an essential role in industry, logistics processes and in transport activities. But it is important to get as many people as possible on board for the transition to emission-free driving. And hydrogen will certainly have its place in this, alongside battery-electric driving,” said Raf Flebus, Business Unit Manager of DATS 24.
“This first hydrogen filling station in Leuven fits in with the pioneering role we want to play in making Leuven a climate-neutral city,” added Mayor of Leuven Mohamed Ridouani. “It is a great example of how we as a city work together with companies and partners to realize concrete initiatives like this.”
Richard Ferrer, Head of the Alternative Fuels Sector at CINEA, the European Agency for Climate Infrastructure and the Environment, also commented: “A green energy mix coupled with a reliable alternative fuels supply network for transport is key to contribute reaching Green Deal objectives and carbon neutrality in Europe by 2050. Today opening this hydrogen refueling station in Haasrode, is not only beneficial at local, regional, and national level, it is instrumental in deploying a seamless and decarbonized European transport network”
DATS 24 brought in other hydrogen pioneers Toyota, Hyundai and partner ALD Automotive for a workshop for all the companies at Research Park on the benefits of hydrogen. “Driving on hydrogen offers a combination of unique advantages: fast refueling, emission-free driving, no infrastructure adjustments at the user’s site and a guaranteed range of 650 to 700 km, in all circumstances and at any time. All you need is a hydrogen filling station nearby. That has now been arranged for Leuven and the surrounding area,” explained Flebus.
The new hydrogen station was built with the support of the H2Benelux program, coordinated by WaterstofNet and part of the Connecting Europe Facility program (executed by CINEA), to significantly expand the existing public hydrogen fueling infrastructure and hydrogen vehicle fleet in the Benelux. After Halle, Wilrijk and Haasrode, DATS 24 will open H2 stations in Erpe-Mere, Herve and Ollignies.
Source: DATS 24
