- Luxembourg’s first hydrogen refueling station in Bettembourg has remained unused for seven months following its inauguration due to ongoing system tests and pending certification. The station was developed with support from the European Commission’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) program.
- Despite government subsidies for hydrogen-powered vehicles, only four such vehicles are registered in Luxembourg. The government continues efforts to expand the hydrogen network and initiate domestic hydrogen production.
Luxembourg’s mobility minister has revealed that the country’s first hydrogen refueling station, located at the CFL Eurohub Sud truck stop in Bettembourg and operated by TotalEnergies, has not been used since its inauguration in September 2023. This comes seven months after a grand opening supported by the European Commission’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) program, with an investment of around €3 million.
The delay in the station becoming operational stems from extended system testing and the awaited certification necessary for opening to the public. Originally scheduled to be operational in early 2023, the station’s launch has faced setbacks, as detailed by Luxembourg’s ministers in response to parliamentary questions from LSAP MPs Claire Delcourt and Yves Cruchten.
Despite offering a subsidy of €8,000 to encourage the adoption of hydrogen-powered vehicles, Luxembourg currently has only four registered hydrogen vehicles. This slow uptake reflects broader challenges in promoting hydrogen as a viable alternative fuel under current market conditions.
The government remains committed to enhancing Luxembourg’s role in the European hydrogen economy. Plans are underway to expand the hydrogen refueling network and to start domestic production of hydrogen. Ministers have indicated that preparations for relevant tender calls to facilitate this production are progressing.
This situation highlights the complexities and challenges of transitioning to new energy technologies, even with substantial investments and governmental backing. The Luxembourg government is poised to continue its efforts in developing a sustainable and efficient hydrogen infrastructure, aiming for a broader integration of hydrogen energy solutions in the near future.
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