- On October 16, 2020, LANDI Zofingen opened Switzerland’s first AGROLA hydrogen filling station at Bleicheweg 6 in Zofingen.
It is part of a pioneering project to build a Swiss-wide hydrogen ecosystem. Private companies are working together on the world’s first commercial cycle for renewable hydrogen. This includes H2 trucks and filling stations as well as the production and logistics of hydrogen. At the beginning of 2021, the project was awarded the Swiss Federal Office of Energy’s prestigious “Watt d’Or” energy prize.
LANDI Zofingen, together with AGROLA AG, is actively shaping the transition from fossil to renewable forms of drive. Martin Süess, Operations Manager at LANDI Zofingen, takes stock one year after the H2 filling station went into operation.
What is the conclusion after the first year of operation of the hydrogen filling station in Zofingen?
Answer Martin Süss: As of today, Zofingen is the hydrogen filling station with the highest turnover in all of Europe. We are correspondingly satisfied with the development so far.
What makes the Zofingen H2 filling station so successful?
The majority of hydrogen vehicles in Switzerland are commercial vehicles. More and more transport and logistics companies are relying on the new technology. The first H2 three-axle trucks will soon be on the Swiss roads and can therefore also be admired at the AGROLA petrol station in Zofingen. Zofingen is very centrally located on the A1 / A2 motorway axis. Numerous destinations can be reached in a short time from our petrol station. We notice this especially when it comes to heavy traffic: Many drivers of hydrogen trucks fill up with us on a regular basis. The refueling stop is firmly integrated in your tour plan.
How much is the H2 filling station frequented?
Several hundred fuel cell vehicles, mostly trucks, fill up with us every month. With the development of the hydrogen cycle in Switzerland, the number of hydrogen commercial vehicles in particular is constantly increasing. The aim of the Switzerland-wide “Hydrogen Ecosystem” project is around 1,600 fuel cell trucks on Swiss roads by 2025.
How does the hydrogen refueling process work?
Basically not much different from a gasoline or diesel vehicle. The filler neck is connected. The fuel pump then controls the refueling process together with the on-board computer and closes it automatically when the fill level is reached. As with diesel or gasoline, the refueling process can also be stopped manually at any time.
What else does the gas station in Zofingen offer?
In addition to hydrogen and conventional fuels, the AGROLA petrol station in Zofingen also offers a fast charging station for electric vehicles. In addition, customers will find a modern portal and lance washing system at Bleicheweg 6 in Zofingen, as well as a diverse range of shops with various catering options.
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