The gas station as we know it is on the cusp of transformation. As the world shifts toward sustainable energy and new mobility solutions, traditional fuel retailers face both challenges and opportunities. In Denmark, a country with ambitious climate goals and a reputation for innovation, the evolution of gas stations offers a glimpse into the future of energy distribution worldwide. Let's explore the technologies, trends, and innovations that will shape the future of gas stations in Denmark and beyond.
The Changing Landscape of Mobility
Before examining the future of gas stations, we must understand the forces reshaping mobility. Several major trends are converging to transform how vehicles are powered:
Electrification Acceleration
Denmark has set a target to have at least 1 million electric vehicles on the road by 2030, representing over 30% of the passenger vehicle fleet. The government has enacted policies to accelerate this transition, including tax incentives for electric vehicles and phasing out sales of new internal combustion engines by 2035.
Alternative Fuel Development
Beyond electric vehicles, Denmark is investing in multiple alternative fuel pathways, including:
- Hydrogen fuel cells - Particularly for heavy transport applications
- Advanced biofuels - Sustainable options for existing vehicle fleets
- Synthetic fuels - Created using renewable electricity and captured carbon
Autonomous and Connected Vehicles
As vehicle autonomy advances, refueling or recharging could become an automated process, affecting how stations are designed and operated. Connected vehicles will also be able to locate, reserve, and pay for energy services without driver intervention.
Gas Stations Reimagined: The Energy Hub Concept
As mobility evolves, gas stations will transform into comprehensive "energy hubs" that serve diverse vehicle types and offer expanded services. Let's examine the key components of these future facilities:
Multi-Energy Supply Stations
Tomorrow's energy hubs will offer multiple forms of energy under one roof:
- High-Power EV Charging - Ultra-fast 350+ kW chargers that can add hundreds of kilometers of range in 10-15 minutes
- Hydrogen Refueling - For fuel cell vehicles, particularly heavy transport
- Sustainable Liquid Fuels - Bio-based and synthetic options for internal combustion vehicles
- Compressed Natural Gas and Biogas - For specialized fleet applications
"The gas station of the future isn't about choosing between technologies—it's about providing all energy options in one location. We're building energy hubs that can serve vehicles regardless of their propulsion system, creating a transitional infrastructure that bridges today's needs with tomorrow's solutions."
— Anders Frederiksen, Chief Innovation Officer at EnergiDKAdvanced Energy Management
Future stations will be smart energy nodes in the broader grid infrastructure:
- Vehicle-to-Grid Integration - Allowing EV batteries to feed power back to the grid during peak demand
- On-site Renewable Generation - Solar canopies and small wind installations providing clean energy
- Battery Storage Systems - Managing demand spikes and storing renewable energy
- Smart Load Management - Optimizing charging rates based on grid capacity and customer needs
Enhanced Customer Experience Spaces
With charging times longer than traditional refueling, future stations will offer compelling amenities to enhance the waiting experience:
- Premium Convenience Retail - Expanded high-quality food and beverage options
- Co-working Spaces - Productive environments with reliable connectivity
- Wellness Areas - Exercise facilities, relaxation zones, and green spaces
- Entertainment Options - Immersive experiences to make charging time enjoyable
Enabling Technologies Driving Change
Several key technologies will facilitate the transformation of gas stations:
Ultra-Fast Charging
Next-generation chargers will dramatically reduce EV charging times. Denmark's research institutions are working on new battery technologies and charging systems that could eventually charge EVs in similar timeframes to current refueling.
Dynamic Energy Management
Sophisticated software will optimize energy distribution across multiple charging and refueling points, balance loads, and integrate with renewable energy sources. These systems will predict demand patterns and adjust operations accordingly.
Seamless Digital Integration
The customer experience will be streamlined through integrated digital platforms:
- Predictive Navigation - Vehicle systems that identify optimal charging locations based on route, battery level, and station availability
- Reservation Systems - Pre-booking charging slots to minimize wait times
- Automated Authentication - Vehicles that identify themselves to charging infrastructure without user intervention
- Unified Payment Systems - Seamless transactions across different energy types and service providers
EnergiDK's Vision for Future Stations
At EnergiDK, we're actively preparing for this multi-energy future with several strategic initiatives:
Flagship Energy Hub Prototypes
We're developing next-generation stations that integrate multiple energy sources, smart infrastructure, and enhanced customer spaces. Our flagship location near Copenhagen will showcase the full spectrum of future technologies, serving as a testing ground for innovations that will eventually roll out across our network.
Modular Infrastructure Development
Recognizing the pace of technological change, we're designing our new facilities with modularity in mind—allowing us to easily upgrade and adapt as technologies evolve. This approach balances current needs with future-proofing.
Strategic Partnerships
We're collaborating with technology providers, automotive manufacturers, and energy companies to create integrated solutions. These partnerships ensure our stations remain compatible with evolving vehicle technologies and energy systems.
Challenges and Considerations
The transition to future energy hubs presents several challenges that must be addressed:
Infrastructure Investment
Developing multi-energy stations requires significant capital, often with uncertain returns in the short term. Creative financing models, public-private partnerships, and phased implementation strategies will be crucial.
Grid Integration
High-power charging places substantial demands on electrical infrastructure. Stations will need to work closely with utilities on grid reinforcement, smart charging solutions, and potential on-site generation to mitigate these impacts.
Land Requirements
Future stations offering multiple energy types and expanded amenities will require more space than traditional gas stations. Strategic location planning and efficient site design will be essential, particularly in urban areas.
Evolving Regulatory Frameworks
Regulations around energy retail, electricity resale, and hydrogen handling are still developing. Station operators will need to actively engage with policymakers to ensure practical and effective regulatory approaches.
A Phased Transition
The evolution of gas stations will not happen overnight. We anticipate a phased transition that balances the needs of today's vehicles with tomorrow's technologies:
Phase 1: Enhanced Traditional Stations (2023-2025)
This initial phase focuses on adding fast EV charging to existing stations, upgrading convenience offerings, and implementing the digital infrastructure needed for future services. Most stations will maintain their traditional fuel focus while beginning to diversify.
Phase 2: Hybrid Energy Centers (2025-2030)
During this phase, stations will evolve to offer roughly equal capacity for traditional fuels and alternative energy. Enhanced customer spaces will become standard, and energy management systems will grow more sophisticated. Early hydrogen offerings will appear at strategic locations.
Phase 3: Full Energy Hubs (2030+)
By 2030, many stations will have completed their transformation into comprehensive energy hubs, with traditional fuels representing a smaller portion of their business. These locations will feature the full spectrum of energy options, advanced grid integration, and premium customer experiences.
Conclusion: Gas Stations as Energy Transition Enablers
Far from becoming obsolete, gas stations have the opportunity to play a pivotal role in enabling the energy transition. With their strategic locations, existing customer relationships, and retail expertise, fuel retailers are uniquely positioned to build the multi-energy infrastructure needed for a sustainable transportation future.
In Denmark, with its strong commitment to sustainability and history of energy innovation, we expect to see particularly rapid evolution in this space. Companies like EnergiDK that embrace the change and invest in future-focused infrastructure will not only survive the transition but thrive in the new energy landscape.
The gas station of tomorrow will be unrecognizable from today's simple fuel stops—offering diverse energy options, sophisticated digital experiences, and compelling customer spaces. These energy hubs will serve as critical infrastructure for the multi-technology mobility ecosystem that's emerging, providing flexible solutions during a period of unprecedented transformation in transportation.
As we navigate this transition, EnergiDK remains committed to providing the energy solutions that Danish drivers need today while building the infrastructure they'll rely on tomorrow. The future of fuel is diverse, integrated, and sustainable—and we're excited to lead the way in bringing that future to life across Denmark.