The Hydrail (hydrogen rail trains) conference is internationally focused as past gatherings have been held in places such as Charlotte, NC, USA, Herning, Denmark, Salisbury, NC, Valencia, Spain, Charlotte, NC and now Istanbul, Turkey.

The purpose of the hydrail conferences is to foster communication and collaboration among universities, public industries and the various governments. The ambitions for hydrail include the building and conversion of commuter trains, locomotives used for shipping, trains used in rail yards and trolleys (hydrolley). Hydrogen trains make sense from a practical standpoint in regard to the refueling infrastructure.

Unlike automobiles that wander the highways and byways of each country, trains run particular routes and refuel in particular locations. These particular locations can be equipped with hydrogen fueling stations, in a similar way that corporate fleets refuel their hydrogen cars generally from one location.

The conference is being co-hosted by the Istanbul-based International Centre for Hydrogen Energy Technologies and Appalachian State University’s Energy Center. The event will feature the latest research, deployment opportunities and industry developments in the Middle East, Japan, Korea, European Union and the United States, as well as a presentation by the first-ever doctoral candidate focused on hydrogen train technology.

For more information click here

The EHA AGM appointed Ian Williamson from Air Products as President of the European Hydrogen Association.
The following new members were approved:
National Associations:
1. Macedonian Association for Hydrogen;
2. Bulgarian Hydrogen Society
3. Danish Partnership for Hydrogen
4. Slovenia Development Cetnre for Hydrogen Technologies
SME’s:
5. Hydrogenics Europe
6. Renewable Energy Storage Ltd.

The General Assembly approved Massimo Prastaro, Stein Briskebey and Sven Wolf as new members of the EHA Board 2010-2011.

Over the last decade several hydrogen refuelling stations (HRS) have been constructed in various European countries as part of EU or local projects. Most of the stations provided hydrogen to a selected number of prototype hydrogen and fuel cell vehicles and served testing and promotional purposes. In almost all cases no long term commercial strategy was developed for these stations and some are facing difficulties in sustaining operations until larger number of FCV arrive. In addition experiences of larger demonstration projects as HYFLEET CUTE, HYCHAIN and Zero Regio are pointing to a need to address technical issues regarding operation and authorisation of these stations in a structural manner.

Recently the world’s main car manufacturers signed a Letter of Understanding in which they indicate their commitment to put several thousands of fuel cell vehicles on European roads by 2015. In addition the “H2 Mobility” Initiative in Germany of large infrastructure development companies, that has been set up to evaluate a hydrogen infrastructure built-up plan to fuel these cars in Germany last September, could become the model for similar initiatives in other European countries in the coming decade. There is also an independent initiative of the main energy and hydrogen supply companies to conduct a major study on the FCV commercialisation plans of car manufacturers and subsequent hydrogen infrastructure needs in Europe.

HyRaMP, a now over 30 member European Partnership of regional and municipal entities promoting the use of hydrogen and fuel cells, includes several cities that have actively participated in EU demonstration projects, co-funding applications and hydrogen production and distribution infrastructure. Many HyRaMP member regions have developed a long term strategy for the integration of the use of hydrogen in their territory and established strong interregional collaborations to confront challenges and share experiences.

This seminar will highlight the main local infrastructure devdelopments in Europe and will bring together local authortities to discuss how HyRaMP could support the further roll-out of HRS to faiclitate the market uptake of hydrogen transprot applications.

Around 150 companies and institutions from around the globe will showcase a full spectrum of hydrogen/fuel cell-related products & services at this longest running H2/FC exhibition in Europe. The latest developments in stationary, portable & mobile fuel cells, fuel cell applications, components, test systems, hydrogen production, transport, storage & infrastructure, reformers and beyond will be shown.

More information on the Conference and the registration here

The seminar went very well with excellent speakers from the Commission and regional initiatives as well as the main EU programmes ERTRAC for electric battery car development (see roadmap at www.ertrac.org) the EIB and the JTI.

Please find all presentations given on the top of the page.