The first public hydrogen refueling station in Bremerhaven was officially inaugurated on February 20. Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, together with the managing directors of HY.City.Bremerhaven and representatives of the shareholders, cut the symbolic ribbon, setting another milestone for hydrogen mobility in Germany. The refueling station at the Bremerhaven Bus depot will be opened to all road users in March 2025.
Another Step towards CO2-Neutral Mobility
Following the completion of the hydrogen production plant in the Grauwallring industrial area at the end of 2024, the refueling station has now also been completed after about a year of construction. It is a central component of the joint project HY.City.Bremerhaven, which represents a complete hydrogen value chain from production to use. The green hydrogen produced there is obtained from wind energy and serves the climate-friendly operation of vehicles.
We want to and will remain a strong, successful industrial country. In the long run, this will only succeed if we organize our prosperity in a CO2-neutral way. […] This project is emblematic of the transformation we are currently undergoing in Germany. Hydrogen refueling stations like this are emerging all over Germany, and yet they remain pioneering projects where entrepreneurial ambition and willingness to cooperate from local authorities are necessary for success.
Inauguration with High-Ranking Guests
In addition to Olaf Scholz, Bremen’s Mayor Andreas Bovenschulte, SPD Member of Parliament Uwe Schmidt, and other representatives of local politics attended the official opening. After the symbolic ribbon-cutting, Andreas Wellbrock demonstrated the refueling process on a fuel cell bus to the Federal Chancellor.
The first customer of the new refueling station is Bremerhaven Bus, the local transport company, which has already converted part of its fleet to fuel cell buses. With the approximately 900 kilograms of hydrogen produced, about 33 buses or 200 cars can be refueled daily – an important step towards sustainable mobility.
Management, shareholders, and representatives from politics came to Bremerhaven on February 20 for the festive opening of the H2 refueling station
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz congratulates HY.City.Bremerhaven Managing Director Andreas Wellbrock on the completion of the project
The Advantages of Hydrogen Buses
Quiet Operation: H2 buses are quieter than diesel buses, improving the quality of life for residents, especially at bus stops.
Greater Range: Ideal for regions without charging infrastructure, where battery-powered buses would be inefficient or impractical.
Quick Refueling: Refueling in about 10 minutes, faster than charging electric buses, enabling smooth operation.
Longer Lifespan: Hydrogen-based fuel cell systems potentially have a longer lifespan than batteries, reducing costs.
Significance for the Energy Transition
Nils Schnorrenberger from BIS Bremerhaven Economic Development drew parallels to the development of wind power in Bremerhaven: ‘This project is a pioneering investment. Similar to wind energy, which was initially started by owner-managed medium-sized companies and was able to establish itself through the framework conditions created by politics. With hydrogen, we are just at the beginning.’
Jochen Kress, Head of Department for Climate and Environmental Affairs at the Senator for Economy, Ports and Transformation, also emphasized the innovative concept: ‘HY.City.Bremerhaven is a holistic concept that shows how the energy transition can succeed through regional cycles. The project is practical for everyday use and forward-looking.’
Impressions of the H2 Filling Station
DS Group as an Active Partner in the Hydrogen Economy
The Diersch & Schröder Group is one of the shareholders of HY.City.Bremerhaven and contributes its expertise in the field of filling station infrastructure.
Through the collaboration of our subsidiary DS card + drive and HECTRONIC, the fueling automation system was designed to accommodate both open payment systems like debit and credit cards as well as closed systems such as fleet cards. This makes the filling station usable for both private and commercial customers.
Success Model of Public-Private Collaboration
With an investment volume of 12.7 million euros and funding of 5.5 million euros from the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport, HY.City.Bremerhaven is an example of how private sector commitment and public funding can jointly advance sustainable infrastructure projects. After five years of planning and construction, the filling station is now operational and demonstrates how complex, sustainable infrastructure can be successfully realized through the interaction of politics, business, and regional actors.
