By the end of 2024, there were 1160 hydrogen refuelling stations in operation worldwide, according to data from H2stations.org. Asia leads the charge with 748 stations, while Europe lags behind at 294.
The United States, despite its size, has only 89, with the majority clustered in California. Hydrogen infrastructure remains sparse globally, with expansion plans struggling against cost and demand challenges.
But that leads us to ask, how many hydrogen refuelling stations does New Zealand have in 2025? We found out the answer for you.
New Zealand's hydrogen refuelling network
New Zealand has a small but growing hydrogen refuelling infrastructure.
As of end-2024 data from H2stations.org, there are eight hydrogen refuelling stations in NZ, with three confirmed as operational and the remainder either planned or under development.
On the map shown above, green markers indicate operational stations, while yellow markers represent planned or inactive stations.
The active stations are located in Auckland, Hamilton and Wellington, supporting early adopters of hydrogen-powered transport.
Meanwhile, stations in Tauranga, Taupo, New Plymouth, Palmerston North and Christchurch are either in the planning stages or currently inactive.
The expansion reflects a broader push towards sustainable transport, but the network remains limited in coverage.
While New Zealand is taking steps towards integrating hydrogen into its fuel landscape, the number of operational stations is still minimal and accessibility remains a challenge for widespread adoption.
Global growth and ongoing challenges
In 2024, 125 new hydrogen stations were commissioned, including 42 in Europe, 30 in China and 25 in South Korea.
However, progress remains inconsistent. The USA saw more station closures than openings, and Canada added just four new locations.
Even in Europe’s most developed hydrogen market, Germany, the infrastructure remains patchy, with only 113 stations in operation.
The future of hydrogen refuelling in New Zealand
While New Zealand's hydrogen network is expanding, significant investment is needed to make it a viable nationwide option.
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are still a niche solution globally, with most experts predicting battery-electric vehicles will dominate passenger transport. Hydrogen’s role is more likely to be in heavy-duty applications, where long-range capabilities and rapid refuelling are crucial.
New Zealand’s entry into the hydrogen market signals growing interest in alternative fuels.
Local powerhouse Toyota New Zealand has mainly led the charge with its hydrogen efforts, but zooming out also gives us a global picture joined by the likes of BMW, Honda, Hyundai and Kia.
However, the reality is that the current number of refuelling stations remains low, and whether hydrogen can establish a strong foothold in the transport sector remains uncertain.