Plug Power Inc. (NASDAQ: PLUG), a global leader in hydrogen solutions for the green hydrogen economy, has been awarded $10 million by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to develop next-generation hydrogen refueling infrastructure for medium and heavy-duty vehicles. This funding, part of a broader $62 million DOE investment across 15 states, will accelerate the deployment of advanced hydrogen technologies, with Plug Power’s project, HYPER-Fuel, taking center stage.
HYPER-Fuel is an innovative refueling station architecture that uses liquid-to-gaseous and cryogenic dispensing systems for hydrogen refueling. In collaboration with Washington State University (WSU), the University of Maryland, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Plug Power will create a high-flow hydrogen fueling station designed to meet the needs of on-road heavy-duty vehicles. The station will offer fueling rates exceeding 8 kg/min and a daily capacity of over 2 tonnes, with options for both 350 and 700 bar hydrogen.
“This DOE support underscores Plug’s leadership in the hydrogen sector. With over 250 refueling stations globally, our expertise uniquely positions us to lead this critical commercial demonstration,” said Andy Marsh, CEO of Plug Power.
Jacob Leachman, head of WSU’s Hydrogen Properties for Energy Research (HYPER) Laboratory, emphasized the project’s significance: “This station addresses the chicken-or-egg dilemma of hydrogen adoption. By integrating cooling to minimize boil-off losses, we’re lowering barriers for heavy-duty hydrogen applications.”
Plug Power will oversee the project’s engineering, construction, and operation, while WSU will focus on developing thermofluid models and act as the end-use operator. NREL will investigate leakage and sensor technologies, and the University of Maryland will assess safety risks. The station will be built in Pullman, Washington, with operations expected to begin by 2026. This model could later be replicated across the U.S. to meet growing hydrogen refueling demands.
“This project is a testament to Plug’s world-leading role in hydrogen technology. I’m proud that Upstate New York is at the heart of this cutting-edge work,” said U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
The initiative is part of Plug Power’s larger vision of establishing a hydrogen highway across North America and Europe, complementing its previous DOE awards for clean hydrogen research under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. As Plug Power continues to build an end-to-end green hydrogen ecosystem, this project marks another significant step toward a decarbonized economy.
