Recent research by the Arnhem-based hydrogen company Hygear and the local authority shows that a total investment of around € 2 million is required to build a refuelling station and eight vehicles. Arnhem local authority hopes that the government will contribute to these costs. The filling station will be able to cope with around 25 cars. The local authority prefers the Toyota Prius, whereby the engine is converted in the USA. Hygear and coffee manufacturers Peeze plan to purchase hydrogen cars. The new filling station will also supply natural gas.

The local authority and Hygear are recruiting participants, including institutions and private companies in Arnhem, which will use a hydrogen car for three years, and become shareholder and/or sponsor of the Netherlands'first hydrogen filling station.

The town is also investing in knowledge. Construction has recently started on a testing and demonstration laboratory for hydrogen and fuel cell equipment at the higher education college for Arnhem and Nijmegen (HAN), where courses will be given in the latest car techniques. The laboratory will become a testing ground for hydrogen equipment and fuel cell systems (the 'batteries' that convert hydrogen into electricity and heat).

The Arnhem Hydrogen Network currently consists of 12 companies and institutions, including NedStack (fuel cells), Hygear (hydrogen equipment) and Silent Energy (plug-in fuel cell systems). Some of these companies have already indicated that they'll make use of the new laboratory.

Arnhem local authority has already joined the Dutch Hydrogen Association. Arnhem is also working towards hydrogen-based electricity generation.