Shell will install a nationwide network of hydrogen fuelling pumps at retail sites in Germany from 2016.

The company, which opened its first hydrogen fuel station in Germany in 2011, has signed a declaration of intent with joint venture partners and Germany’s federal transport minister, Alexander Dobrindt. It will lead to hydrogen fuelling pumps being available at around 400 locations across the country by 2023.

In Germany, Shell is part of a joint venture called H2 Mobility Deutschland, between Air Liquide, Daimler, Linde, OMV, Shell and Total, which has an aim to progress the commercialisation of hydrogen.

"Hydrogen-fuelled electric vehicles could play a key part in a low-carbon, low-emission, future," said Oliver Bishop, general manager of hydrogen at Shell. "It will take technical innovation and bold policies to transform the global energy system into a progressively cleaner, less carbon-intensive one. H2 Mobility Germany shows what we can achieve through close collaboration between governments and business. The next step is for consumers to embrace this opportunity and consider buying hydrogen vehicles as they become available."

Shell currently operates three hydrogen stations in Germany, including one in Berlin and two in Hamburg. Shell anticipates the first four new fuelling points will be installed at existing retail sites.