A significant leap forward for green fuels and sustainable transport in Greece has been made with the inauguration of the nation’s first publicly accessible commercial hydrogen refueling station in Agioi Theodoroi, west of Athens, developed by Motor Oil subsidiary Avin.
This pioneering facility marks a new chapter for cleaner mobility in the country and the broader Southeast European region.
The Agioi Theodoroi station is not only a commercial refueling point but also signifies Motor Oil’s strategic pivot to becoming a key player in the green hydrogen ecosystem. Starting next year, the company’s Corinth refinery will commence with the production of green hydrogen, making it the first industry in Greece to utilize its own green fuel in its refining operations. Its subsidiary, LPC, is also slated for similar adoption. Currently, the hydrogen dispensed at the station is imported from Austria’s public electricity company, Wien Energy.
Hydrogen fuel station is the first step in Greece
This initial installation is a crucial step towards fostering a robust hydrogen vehicle fleet in Greece, particularly targeting heavy transport sectors such as large trucks and buses. Its operation lays the groundwork for hydrogen-powered vehicles to enter the Greek market, operating on the principle that “supply will also bring demand” in a market currently lacking such infrastructure.
The €3 million investment for the Agioi Theodoroi station was 50 percent co-financed by the Connective Facility Europe program, with participation from the Municipality of Loutraki and Olympia Odos. Additionally, OSY is part of the project, having secured funding for 50 hydrogen-powered buses through an upcoming tender.
Motor Oil highlights its commitment to expanding hydrogen infrastructure and plans two more stations: one in Thriasio and another in Akrata. These future additions will significantly enhance geographical coverage and market dynamics for hydrogen mobility.
Industry leaders optimistic
“We are paving the way for hydrogen mobility,” stated Ioannis Raptakis, AVIN Oil General Manager, highlighting hydrogen’s critical role in zero-carbon fuel production.
Panagiotis Charitopoulos, Coral Gas General Manager, affirmed that “fuels remain at the core of our business. Investing in hydrogen is a natural next step towards a cleaner and sustainable energy future,” underscoring the company’s dedication to clean energy transitions.
Hydrogen offers rapid refueling within three to five minutes and impressive range (exceeding 435 miles / 700 km), making it a compelling alternative for transport. Major automakers such as BMW and Mercedes are actively testing this technology.
Cost challenges and EU vision
Despite technological advantages, the current cost of hydrogen remains a challenge. George Hatzimarkakis, the CEO of Hydrogen Europe, noted at the official presentation that the cost has risen due to the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, increasing from €10 per kilogram five years ago to €15 today.
The station’s launch aligns with the European Union’s strong push for clean transport. The new Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) mandates binding targets for hydrogen and electric charging stations.
Greece’s national target is to establish approximately twenty hydrogen stations by 2030. While hydrogen infrastructure is still developing across Europe with around 300 stations currently operational, another 380 are planned by the decade’s end. Globally, there are 1,150 hydrogen stations, with 125 new units installed in the past year.
Related: Greece Launches Hydrogen Pipeline Project to Bulgaria
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
