A Flow-Based Approach for the Optimal Location and Sizing of Hydrogen Refueling Stations Along a Highway Corridor

The development of hydrogen refueling infrastructure plays a strategic role in enabling the decarbonization of the transport sector, especially along major freight and passenger corridors such as the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). Despite the growing interest in hydrogen mobility, existing methodologies for the optimal location of hydrogen refueling stations (HRS) remain fragmented and often overlook operational dynamics. Following a review of the existing literature on HRS location models and approaches, this study highlights key methodological gaps that hinder effective infrastructure planning. In response, a two-stage framework is proposed, combining a flow-based location model with a stochastic queueing approach to determine both the optimal placement of HRS and the number of dispensers required at each site. The method is applied to a real segment of the TEN-T network in Northern Italy. The results demonstrate the flexibility of the model in accommodating different hydrogen vehicle penetration scenarios and its utility as a decision-support tool for public authorities and infrastructure planners.