Fieten Oil thinks with hydrogen on future, sustainability and efficiency

Fieten Olie is an established name in the Dutch petrol station sector. At the end of April, the 83rd filling station was added to the chain in Norg. Following the opening of the very first station in Zeeland at the end of January, Fieten Olie is now represented in all twelve provinces. But besides growth in the traditional marketing of fuels, Fieten Olie also focuses on the future. And when it comes to being emission-free, hydrogen will lead the way, is director Richard Fieten’s conviction.

Fieten Olie has long been based in Hollandscheveld, Drenthe. From here, with hydrogen filling stations in Steenwijk and Vriezenveen, it is building on the regional hydrogen chain of the north-eastern Netherlands. They are the calling card of Richard Fieten’s philosophy on future filling stations, which will be supplied with 100 per cent locally produced green hydrogen. This will then be available there for passenger cars, but also for heavy and light transport; the two market segments currently targeted in the region.

Stimulated

As the exploitation of hydrogen is still in its infancy, its use is stimulated from the government through subsidies. Some 40 million euros are available from the SWIM subsidy under the slogan ‘Take it, then it will move!’ This subsidy scheme aims to break the chicken-and-egg problem surrounding hydrogen. This will encourage both the construction of hydrogen refuelling stations and the purchase of hydrogen vehicles. The scheme focuses on a partnership between the operator of a hydrogen filling station (Fieten Olie) and transport companies. For transporters, this is a unique opportunity to purchase a hydrogen vehicle under favourable conditions.

Fast and far

Hydrogen vehicles are zero-emission: ideal for long distances and for heavy transport. Moreover, there are fast refuelling times and a long range. Within ten to 15 minutes, the car is refuelled, with a range of up to around 600 kilometres. Taking advantage of the SWIM subsidy is financially attractive. Up to 80 per cent of the additional cost of a hydrogen vehicle is reimbursed through the subsidy. Thereby, subsidy amounts range from EUR 50,000 to EUR 300,000 per vehicle, depending on the type. Through Hydronex, Fieten Olie relieves the new filling station owner, by guiding and completing the subsidy application in detail. To bring the use of hydrogen to the attention of potential customers, Fieten Olie organises regular networking events and has already purchased two hydrogen-powered trucks.

Thinking along

Hydrogen makes the user completely independent of traditional fuels. Moreover, you can have fixed prices because you are not dependent on the fluctuating price of oil. But if it is still too early for hydrogen, Fieten Electric can think along with you about electric driving. A filling station owner wants to continue offering his service by installing a charging point at his location, but preferably without investing himself. Fieten Electric installs and maintains the charging stations and relieves the operator of the management and settlement of the charging costs. In short: Fieten Oil is a fuel supplier that thinks about the future, sustainability and returns.

Would you like to know more? Mail to Annemiek Scheltinga of Fieten Olie (annemiek@fieten.info) or call (0528) 34 12 93. www.fieten.info