Shell set to open first cluster of hydrogen filling stations

Shell today opens its second hydrogen filling station in the greater New York City area. With a third due to open in the area later this month and one already operating there for more than a year, this is Shell’s first cluster of hydrogen filling stations.

The station opening today - at JFK international airport – is the result of a partnership between Shell, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the US Department of Energy and General Motors. A third station in the Bronx, due to open late in July, has been developed with the New York City Department of Sanitation. A station has been operating in the City of White Plains, New York, since April 2008.

The cluster of stations will provide New York drivers of hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles with greater flexibility and convenience. It is a significant step on from stand-alone, demonstration stations and is part of Shell’s strategy to build expertise in the distribution and dispensing of hydrogen.

“The prospects for hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles are strong in the longer-term”, said Duncan Macleod, Shell Vice President of Hydrogen. “This first cluster is an important step as we continue to build capability in retailing hydrogen fuel, in line with the auto makers’ plans to develop hydrogen vehicles.”

Port Authority Executive Director Chris Ward said: “Through efforts with governmental and corporate partners, the Port Authority leads by example towards the goal of sustainability. The opening of this hydrogen pumping facility is another positive step for the region and the globe. I want to personally thank everyone at Shell for helping to bring this project to fruition.”

NYC Sanitation Commissioner John J. Doherty said: “As all city agencies strive to reach the goals of Mayor Bloomberg’s PlaNYC initiative and bring a sustainable future to all New Yorkers, public-private partnerships like the hydrogen cluster project announced today will be critical to our success.”

The average range of a hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle is between 150 and 200 miles (240-320 km). The three hydrogen stations in New York are within approximately 30 miles (50 km) of each other.

Royal Dutch Shell plc is incorporated in England and Wales, has its headquarters in The Hague and is listed on the London, Amsterdam, and New York stock exchanges. Shell has operations in more than 100 countries and territories with businesses including oil and gas exploration and production; production and marketing of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and gas to liquids (GTL); manufacturing, marketing and shipping of oil products and chemicals and renewable energy projects. For further information, visit http://www.shell.com

Notes to editors

* An invitation-only event is being held at the new hydrogen station at JFK international airport at 11:00 EDT. For information, please contact Liliana Esposito on (212) 681-1380 or (917) 941-4225.

* Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles emit only water vapour and heat. The overall CO2 footprint depends on how the hydrogen has been produced and its journey to the vehicle. There is the potential for very low or zero-carbon hydrogen to be produced at scale. Today most hydrogen is made from natural gas.

* Shell buys the majority of hydrogen for its filling stations from third parties. However, Shell does produce hydrogen from electricity on site (via electrolysis) in three of its stations (Santa Monica LA, White Plains New York and Reykjavik Iceland). Shell is conducting research into lower CO2 hydrogen.

* Shell currently provides six filling stations, in collaboration with auto makers, local authorities and universities. These are in Tokyo, Reykjavik, Shanghai, Washington DC, Los Angeles and New York.

* Some stations are specialised sites, used by agreed vehicles only. Others, namely Washington DC and Los Angeles, are on every-day filling stations at busy intersections, where you can also buy gasoline and diesel.

* The dispensers at the JFK international airport station will provide hydrogen at both 350 bar and 700 bar pressure. The Bronx station will provide hydrogen at 700 bar pressure.