SOCAR Energy Switzerland opens first hydrogen filling station on a Swiss Motorway
On Friday, 9 June 2023, SOCAR Energy Switzerland opened the first hydrogen filling station on a Swiss motorway, located at Grauholz Süd near Bern. This milestone marks SOCAR's commitment to developing a nationwide network of hydrogen filling stations, promoting sustainable mobility and reducing CO2 emissions.
On 9 June 2023, Socar inaugurated the first-ever green hydrogen filling station on a Swiss Motorway. The official event was attended by the representatives of the company as well as the governmental departments involved. Honoured guests included Christoph Neuhaus, Government Councillor of the canton of Bern and Director of the Building and Public Transport Office (Bau- und Verkehrsdirektion Kanton Bern), Jürg Röthlisberger, the Director of the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO), and Edgar Bachmann, the CEO of SOCAR.
A nationwide commitment to hydrogen mobility
The Grauholz Süd filling station, strategically located on the motorway connecting Bern to Zurich, will feature dedicated hydrogen dispensers for fuel-cell cars and trucks. The filling station will be able to provide up to 600 kilograms of green hydrogen per day, which is equivalent to about 1650 litres of petrol. SOCAR is committed to promoting environmentally friendly solutions and will exclusively sell green hydrogen at the station. Green hydrogen is one of the cleanest forms of hydrogen made using electrolysis powered by renewable energy. It is carbon-free and good for the environment. Green hydrogen is expected to rise in the future, especially in the transport sector.
The future of sustainable mobility
In the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable mobility, hydrogen technology stands out as a promising solution for a greener future. Not only is it electric and emission-free by nature, but it also offers many benefits to reshape our transportation systems. Much like refuelling with petrol, hydrogen vehicles typically take only three to five minutes for a refill. With long-driving ranges, cost savings on fuel and short refuelling times, hydrogen vehicles are on its path to a sustainable future.
Edgar Bachmann, SOCAR’s CEO said: “Hydrogen technology provides the necessary elements for a sustainable reduction of CO2 emissions from road traffic. SOCAR's first hydrogen refuelling station on a highway will make a significant contribution to sustainable mobility and thus to the energy transition.”