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H2Moves kicks-off in Oslo

July 10, 2010

A large demonstration project for fuel cell electric vehicles, known as H2MOVES, has been announced in Oslo July 6, 2010. The project, based in Scandinavia, will bring seventeen of the latest state‐of‐the‐art electric vehicles with fuel cells from Daimler and FIAT to Oslo including the establishment of a large scale hydrogen refuelling station in the city by H2 Logic. The aim is to advance the commercialisation of hydrogen for transport in Scandinavia as well as connecting the region with the strong German initiatives within the area. The project has a budget of €19,5 million financed by company contributions as well as European and national funding from Norway and Denmark.

Ten Mercedes‐Benz B‐class F‐CELL cars from Daimler (Germany), two Alfa Romeo MiTo fuel cell vehicles from Centro Ricerche FIAT (Italy) and five electric city cars with fuel cell range extension from H2 Logic (Denmark) will in 2011 be provided for daily operation in Oslo and on specific tours in southern Norway and the whole Scandinavian region. Thanks to its long range of around 400 kilometres and short refuelling times, the Mercedes‐Benz B‐Class F‐CELL combines local zero‐emission mobility with long‐distance comfort and compelling performance. More information on EHA’s Swedisch national member site, Hydrogen Sweden.

New UK government presents Annual Energy Statement

July 5, 2010

In the first ever Annual Energy Statement to Parliament, the new UK Energy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne on June 27 set out 32 actions being taken to accelerate the transformation of the energy system and wider economy by 2050. The Statement includes  32 actions of coalition energy and climate change policy and six illustrative ‘2050 Pathways’ that show an 80% cut in emissions is achievable. An online ‘2050 Calculator’ enables public to explore the trade-offs in building a 2050 energy system. Fuel cells vehicles are mentioned in the Transport sector along side electric (read battery) vehicles, but hydrogen is absent in the sectors on CCS and Section P on Electricity Balancing. The UK goverment will further refine the scenario’s up to mid Septemebr after which it will issue a public consultation.

EHA submits position paper to EU Energy 2011-2020 consultation

July 4, 2010

The EHA submitted its contribution to the EU’s consultation on the Energy Strategy for 2011 – 2020 pointing to the urgent need for policy support to facilitate the market uptake of the first commercial hydrogen applications that contribute to more efficient and low carbon energy use. If Europe’s energy and transport system is redirecting itself to increased use of eletricity as energy carrier, the use of hydorgen as the other energy carrier could accelerate and expand EU ‘s decarbonization objectives by providing a flexible energy storage medium produced by various energy sources in a local energy mix. The EHA position can be dowloaded on this website under Publications in the left column.

UK Fuel Cells and Hydrogen merry into new UK Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Association (UK HFCA)

July 2, 2010

The new UK Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Association (UK HFCA) was launched this week as the result of the merger of Fuel Cells UK and the UK Hydrogen Association. The new industry body will provide a common voice for the sector, advocating a positive social, political and economic environment for the development of hydrogen energy and fuel cells in the UK.  With a membership comprising the leading fuel cell and hydrogen companies in the UK as well as a range of stakeholders, from energy utilities to component developers, fuel suppliers and others involved both directly and indirectly in the industry, the newly formed UK HFCA has greater influence over key public and private stakeholders to support hydrogen energy and fuel cell research. 

The UK HFCA aims to provide an authoritative point of contact and a clear, informed and current view on research, development and demonstration priorities for Government, other funding agencies and key influencers.

EHA’s President points to green hydrogen production at hydrogen event in EU Parliament

July 1, 2010

Ian Williamson, President of the European Hydrogen Association gave a presentation on  ”Hydrogen production and energy storage: hopes and reality” at the European Parliament on Tuesday 29th June.  He indicated that hydrogen molecules have to be produced as sustainably as possible. “As we are in a competitive market place, hydrogen is currently produced from natural gas if it is sold to industry. Carbon costs will allow transition to moresustainable production methods. Technologies are multiple: wind, biogas etc.

It is essential to use different ways and not to choose a single route”. Mr Williamson stated that commercial scale green hydrogen is available in some technologies. The challenge consists of scaling up this technology. He added that centralised plants are likely to be most cost effective. He reaffirmed the industry’s will to work on green hydrogen production, in collaboration with all the players. This will be a gradual process.