Shell has announced the launch of its first hydrogen refuelling station in the UK.

It is located at its Cobham service station on the M25 and has been supplied by ITM Power.

It is one of three hydrogen stations Shell plans on opening in the UK this year and a network of 400 sites in various countries by 2023.

Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles convert hydrogen into electricity and produce heat and water when driven. They offer an alternative to the conventional internal combustion engine with no emissions.

According to ITM Power, they can be driven up to 700 kilometres without refuelling.

Matthew Tipper, Vice President, Future Fuels at Shell said: “Hydrogen has the potential to become a clean and versatile transport fuel for the future and the Cobham hydrogen site is one of the ways Shell is encouraging the use of alternative fuels to contribute to the energy transition.

“This will provide customers with hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles the ability to refuel simply and quickly, at one of the largest petrol stations in the UK.”

A total of 13 energy, transport and industrial companies have joined forces to invest €10.7 (£9.2m) in hydrogen technologies in the next five years.