A South Yorkshire gas containment specialist has signed a five year deal with Shell to supply hydrogen cylinders for refuelling stations across Europe.
Sheffield-based Chesterfield Special Cylinders is described as a world-leading provider of bespoke, high-pressure systems and services.
The framework agreement follows Shell becoming the first branded fuel retailer to sell hydrogen on UK forecourts. It has since grown its network of hydrogen stations across Europe and North America to encourage the adoption of hydrogen in transport systems.
Jake Martin, CSC commercial manager said: “There is an unprecedented demand for new, clean energy solutions and hydrogen is leading the way. Storing hydrogen under high pressure requires a highly technical solution and we are specialists in this field.
“We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded this framework agreement, which is an acknowledgement of our core strengths in innovation, design and manufacturing capabilities.
“Working closely with Shell, we have developed a highly effective solution for their hydrogen storage requirement that meets the stringent demands of international safety standards.”
A ground storage unit is required to safely store hydrogen under pressure, and with territorial differences in standards, Shell needed a specialist partner to provide a precise, highly reliable and versatile technical solution.
CSC has designed a solution that meets the needs of both the European and US required standards, bringing the first standardised solution of its kind to market.
As clean air legislation begins to incentivise the use of non-fossil fuelled mass transit, particularly with respect to buses and trains, the number of hydrogen refuelling stations is growing worldwide.
Chris Walters, Pressure Technologies’ chief executive, said: “Supporting growth in the global hydrogen energy supply chain is a strategic focus for Chesterfield Special Cylinders and Pressure Technologies Plc. We are committed to a pioneering and long-term partnership with Shell to deliver and support safe, reliable and cost-effective hydrogen refuelling stations.”
