Quantron AG and Oilinvest Group, through their subsidiaries operating under the Tamoil and HEM brands, have entered into a strategic joint venture named “Hemtron.” The venture aims to establish a comprehensive network of hydrogen (H2) filling stations across Europe, providing a foundation for the growing demand for zero-emission fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).
Oilinvest subsidiaries, which oversee approximately 2,450 petrol stations under the Tamoil brand in Europe, including Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland, will collaborate with Quantron to set up H2 filling stations. In Germany, the Group operates petrol stations under its HEM brand. The partners plan to develop an extensive network of H2 fueling stations at existing petrol stations, third-party locations, and new sites.
The initiative begins in Germany, where Hemtron will focus on strategically locating hydrogen filling stations near transport hubs, including logistics centers and motorways. Quantron and Deutsche Tamoil / HEM had previously announced plans in September 2022 to explore the implementation of H2 filling stations at over 400 HEM filling stations, with gradual upgrades over time. The formation of the joint venture marks the realization of this collaborative effort.
Ahmed Elkerrami, CEO of Oilinvest Group, expressed the joint venture’s goal to offer customers a commercially viable solution, promoting green hydrogen as an alternative to diesel for commercial road transport. Elkerrami emphasized the strategic move aligns with Oilinvest Group’s commitment to becoming a net-zero company by 2050, hinting at the potential inclusion of more partners in their Hydrogen Fuelling Alliance.
Quantron AG’s CEO, Michael Perschke, highlighted the significance of leveraging Oilinvest’s fuel retailing expertise and refueling station network to facilitate the transition from diesel to zero-emission FCEV vehicles. Perschke emphasized Quantron’s aim to pioneer H2 fueling infrastructure, catering to the needs of both light and heavy-duty trucks. He expressed the vision of Hemtron becoming the “IONITY of H2 Fueling” and invited other stakeholders, including truck OEMs, energy companies, and Oil & HRS network partners, to join an open H2 Roaming Alliance.
The Hemtron joint venture positions itself as a transformative force in advancing hydrogen fueling infrastructure, fostering collaboration across the industry for a sustainable and zero-emission transport future.
