California is anticipated to fall significantly short of its 2025 target for hydrogen fueling stations, achieving only 87 out of the planned 200, as reported by the California Air Resources Board.

The state of California could fall short by 60% of its 2025 target to establish 200 hydrogen refueling stations according to a new report by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

The entity has published an evaluation that reflects the results of Governor Gavin Newsom’s 2018 executive order, which states that only 87 stations will have been established by the end of 2025. In addition, the number will also mean missing the mid-decade target, as by 2030 only 129 stations are projected to be established.

“The current projection in the 2024 annual survey is historically the lowest compared to the prior surveys and could imply auto manufacturers no longer expect an accelerated expansion of the hydrogen fuelling network,” states the CARB report.

The piece also reflects the impact of Shell closing its H2 refueling network across the state and the low number of locations opened, despite encouragement for co-funding by public and private organisations.

Some of the issues pointed out in the record include supply and reliability. In turn, the lack of new stations have also impacted the adoption of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV).

Despite delays in network expansion and FCEV adoption, CARB projects that the state’s total hydrogen fueling network capacity will exceed demand through 2030 by nearly ten times, excluding station downtime.

https://www.mobilityplaza.org/news/39949