Developed by hydrogen fuel cell experts ITM Power, the site is completely self-sufficient, using wind power combined with water to produce hydrogen.

Situated on The Advanced Manufacturing Park two miles from the M1 and within easy reach of Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley and Doncaster, the site consists of a 225kW wind turbine coupled directly to an electrolyser, 220kg of hydrogen storage, a hydrogen dispensing unit and a 30kW fuel cell which is capable of providing backup power for nearby buildings.

The site is open to the public and is capable of producing 80kg of hydrogen a day, enough for 16 fuel cell cars in one 24-hour period.

The site joins existing hydrogen refuelling facilities in Hendon, Heathrow and Swindon and will also be joined by two new stations in the Greater London area along with a new mobile refuelling station for the south of England and upgrades to existing stations in Swindon, Wales and London as part of the government funding.

Dr Graham Cooley, ITM’s chief executive, said: "We are extremely pleased to be launching the first of the company's hydrogen refuelling stations today, at this very accessible location off the M1 in South Yorkshire, and to provide clean fuel for the fuel cell electric vehicles that are now available from the auto OEMs.”

“Following the strategic forecourt siting agreement last week with Shell, this station will provide important reference for demystifying the ability to utilise renewable energy supply for its efficient conversion to clean fuel for clean transport emissions.”

The news has been welcomed by Hyundai, which is currently the only manufacturer to have a fuel cell car on sale in the UK in the form of its ix35 Fuel Cell.

Tony Whitehorn, Hyundai Motor UK CEO, commented: “Hydrogen-powered cars are the future and Hyundai is the leader in the field. This new self-sufficient filling station is exactly what’s needed.”