Energy company Mabanaft has announced plans to develop a hydrogen refuelling station for heavy goods vehicles in Lübeck, marking a significant step towards advancing hydrogen mobility. Designed by Hypion GmbH, the station will have a capacity of up to 2,000 kilograms of hydrogen per day and will integrate into the Staack Pooltankstellen network, a subsidiary of Mabanaft. The facility is expected to be operational by the end of 2025.
Strategic Location and Capacity
The planned site is located near the A1 and A20 motorway junction, where Mabanaft currently operates a diesel refuelling station. The new hydrogen facility will be tailored to meet the needs of HGV operators, with the ability to supply up to 50 trucks per day. Construction applications have been submitted, with work scheduled to begin in the second half of the year.
The project has received a EUR 5.1 million grant under the German government’s “Climate-friendly Commercial Vehicles and Infrastructure” programme for 2022. This initiative aims to accelerate the market development of hydrogen and fuel cell technology, particularly for light and heavy commercial vehicles.
Mabanaft’s Commitment to a Multi-Fuel Approach
Mabanaft continues to support a multi-fuel strategy, investing in hydrogen refuelling infrastructure as part of its broader energy transition efforts.
Volker Ebeling, senior vice president New Energy, Supply & Infrastructure at Mabanaft, stated:“We are convinced that a multi-fuel approach—where different fuel solutions work together—can accelerate the energy transition. Our goal is to provide customers with tailored energy solutions to support their decarbonisation efforts. The planned hydrogen refuelling station in Lübeck is a further commitment to this vision.”
Hydrogen presents a viable solution for long-haul heavy transport, offering refuelling times and payload capacities comparable to diesel-powered vehicles.
Florian Lückmann, head of commercial road transport at Mabanaft, highlighted hydrogen’s potential, stating: “Hydrogen has significant potential for heavy goods mobility, particularly for long-haul journeys. With a range of up to 800 kilometres per tank, it provides an efficient alternative to diesel. We are committed to unlocking hydrogen’s potential by developing a reliable and comprehensive refuelling network across multiple regions.”
Mabanaft is actively planning the gradual expansion of transnational hydrogen refuelling infrastructure to support the growing demand for clean transport solutions.
Aligning with EU Hydrogen Infrastructure Goals
The European Union’s Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation mandates the establishment of hydrogen refuelling stations every 200 km along the Trans-European Transport Network and in urban hubs by 2030. The Lübeck hydrogen station will contribute to this initiative, further strengthening the European hydrogen refuelling network.
Mabanaft has already made progress in this sector through its Swedish subsidiary, PS Energi, which has built two hydrogen refuelling stations in Sweden and secured funding for three additional sites.
Collaboration with Hypion for Project Development
Mabanaft has partnered with Hypion, a Schleswig-Holstein-based hydrogen project developer, to bring the Lübeck refuelling station to investment readiness. Mabanaft has now become the sole investor in the project and will continue working with Hypion to implement the station.
Volker Ebeling of Mabanaft emphasised the importance of regional partnerships, stating:“A knowledgeable and experienced partner is essential for a project of this scale. In Hypion, we have found a partner that shares our values and our vision for an energy transition tailored to our customers’ needs.”
Dr Stefan Rehm, managing director of Hypion, added:
“Now is the time to accelerate progress in the transport sector and harness hydrogen as an energy carrier to support economic decarbonisation. The challenges remain significant, but with a forward-thinking and committed partner like Mabanaft, we can achieve this goal.”
Integration into the tankpool24 Network
Once operational, the Lübeck hydrogen refuelling station will be managed by Staack Pooltankstellen within the tankpool24 network. As a leading provider of 24/7 truck refuelling stations, tankpool24 operates a network of over 2,000 refuelling stations across Europe, including more than 750 locations in Germany.
Mabanaft is the largest shareholder in tankpool24, reinforcing its commitment to expanding hydrogen refuelling options for the heavy transport sector.
By investing in hydrogen infrastructure, Mabanaft continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of low-emission freight transport. The Lübeck hydrogen station represents a crucial step towards reducing carbon emissions in the logistics industry and supporting the transition to cleaner, more sustainable mobility solutions.
For more information visit www.mabanaft.com
