California, US, is set to benefit from a new agreement between Hyundai and Shell Hydrogen which will see the development of 48 new and two upgraded Shell hydrogen refuelling stations.

Revealed today (Oct 8) as part of National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day, Hyundai Motor North America will join Shell hydrogen in developing the hydrogen infrastructure in California as a means to support the growth of the hydrogen sector the region.

The agreement, known as Project Neptune, will see the 48 new hydrogen refuelling stations and two upgraded shell stations developed across the Golden State in 2021.

Hydrogen refueling infrastructure growth has been regarded as critical to rapidly increase consumer adoption of zero-emission fuel cell vehicles.

By joining Project Neptune, Hyundai reinforces its commitment to fuel cell technologies and their positive impact on the environment, a key pillar of its long-range strategic vision.

The new hydrogen stations will be partially funded by public funds from the California Energy Commission (CEC).

Two other fuel cell vehicle manufacturers have also joined the consortium with respective agreements for fuel cell vehicle sales to support infrastructure growth.Olabisi Boyle, Vice-President of Product Planning and Mobility Strategy at Hyundai Motor North America, said, “We’re proud to join Shell Hydrogen’s ‘Project Neptune’, expanding California’s hydrogen infrastructure to meet increasing consumer demand for clean, zero-emission transportation solutions.

“Hyundai offers a superb fuel cell vehicle in its NEXO SUV, and this effort will help ensure that every eco-focused fuel cell driver has convenient refuelling options wherever they choose to go.”