Shell will next year be operating a brand-new hydrogen station in Emmen, the Netherlands.

Plans for the development were confirmed today (June 30), with the company placing an order with Sheffield-based Chesterfield Special Cylinders for the hydrogen storage solution.

Developed just for Shell, the Chesterfield solution incorporates an optimised Type 1 steel cylinder design that meets international standards and allows modular expansion to meet future demand.

Storage has also been configured to enable cost-effective in-situ inspection and recertification with maximum availability.

The order marks the first under a newly signed five-year framework agreement.

On the transaction, Chris Walters, Chief Executive of Pressure Technologies, commented: “We are delighted to receive this first order from Shell under the five-year framework agreement announced in June 2020, as we continue to make strong progress in the fast-developing hydrogen energy market.

“The design, manufacture and maintenance of systems for pressurised hydrogen storage require specialist knowledge and expertise. Working closely with Shell, the Chesterfield Special Cylinders’ team has developed a safe and cost-effective modular design that combines our technical and operational experience in hydrogen storage built over many years.

“We are looking forward to supporting Shell further with their plans for hydrogen infrastructure and clean energy transport across Europe.”

Shell’s Emmen refuelling station will be operational in mid-2022 and is part of the company’s wider plan for hydrogen refuelling infrastructure to support the growth of zero-emission public transport and commercial vehicle networks in the region.