Alexela and Utilitas are building two hydrogen fueling stations in Tallinn. They are expected to start operating by the end of summer, once all permits are obtained. Alexela also plans to establish hydrogen fueling stations in Pärnu and Tartu in the coming years.
Utilitas has already installed an electrolyzer in Väo. Last December, green hydrogen was also produced there. Now, plans include building two hydrogen fueling stations. One will be located in Väo, where hydrogen is also produced. The second station will be on Peterburi Road.
Alexela's manager Artur Dianov said the project is nearly complete. The operating permit application has been submitted. It is hoped that all permits will be obtained by the end of summer. According to Dianov, a hydrogen fueling station is similar to a conventional one. The difference is that hydrogen dispensers communicate with vehicles. They can tell when the vehicle is full.
The hydrogen fueling stations will begin by refueling 30 Bolt taxis. According to Dianov, there are other interested parties as well. Public transport vehicles and taxis will be the first to use hydrogen. Alexela is already in talks with partners. There are many people in Estonia who want to drive hydrogen-powered vehicles.
Alexela plans to build hydrogen fueling stations in Pärnu and Tartu as well. These stations will be integrated into existing fueling stations. The tenders are open and supported by the Environmental Investment Centre. It is hoped that the tenders will be completed by autumn.
The Estonian state has invested millions of euros in hydrogen development. This project received five million euros in support from the government. Tallinn University of Technology professor Allan Niidu said such projects are necessary. They help determine whether hydrogen has a future in Estonia. Currently, hydrogen is used very little. The projects help understand the real costs and opportunities.