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The news letter of HyWeb and the German Hydrogen Association (DWV) · 1st Quarter 2002 – 6th Year ã L-B-Systemtechnik GmbH
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Solar Hydrogen Congress of the German Green Party finds wide interest
HyWeb/DWV, 02-03-20: The congress "Energies for tomorrow – from Oil to Solar Hydrogen" of the Fraktion of the Green Party in the German Federal Parliament in Berlin on March 1 and 2 attracted some 500 visitors. On the first evening, German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer of the Green Party and Prof. Dr. Klaus Töpfer, Director of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and former German Environment Minister discussed about the subject of the congress.
"In my opinion, the energy question is the essential point," Fischer said. "No peace without sustainability." The decision between fossil/nuclear or sustainable energy is "the central theme that we are facing in the coming years on national and European levels, but especially internationally. [...] For me, the essential question is: how fast, how successful can we introduce the hydrogen age? The timeframe will depend a on good policy. We have to take the right decisions on national and international levels."
In addition to German Environment Minister Jürgen Trittin and the Green members of Parliament Rezzo Schlauch (group leader), Kerstin Müller (group leader), Michaele Hustedt (spokesperson for energy), Albert Schmidt (spokesperson for transport) und Hans-Josef Fell (spokesperson for research policy) representatives of industry (BMW, DaimlerChrysler, RWE, Siemens, Volkswagen etc.) and associations (BEE, VCD, VDMA etc.) were present to discuss the subject.
There was a broad consensus that in the long term hydrogen, especially generated from renewable energies, is the fuel of choice for road transport allowing to meet climate protection goals and reducing the dependancy on fossil energy resources running short. A controversial discussion developed on the question of how fast an introduction of hydrogen can be accomplished and whether intermediate steps are necessary, and if so which.
In general it is expected that stationary fuel cell systems fed with natural gas will be introduced to the market around 2004/5 and will become competitive quickly. Therefore, a rapid and broad market penetration are expected.
Tha Manuscripts of the speeches (in German language) can be found here.
DWV/MA
European Commission targets 20% alternative fuels by 2020
HyWeb, 02-03-20: At the end of last year, the European Commission has adopted an action plan and two proposals for Directives to foster the use of alternative fuels for transport, starting with the regulatory and fiscal promotion of biofuels. The Commission considers that the use of fuels (such as ethanol) derived from agricultural sources (i.e. biofuels) is the technology with the greatest potential in the short to medium term. The action plan outlines a strategy to achieve a 20% substitution of diesel and gasoline fuels by alternative fuels in the road transport sector by 2020.It concludes that only three options would have the potential to achieve individually more than 5% of total transport fuel consumption over the next 20 years: biofuels which are already available, natural gas in the medium term and hydrogen and fuel cells in the long term. One proposed Directive would establish a minimum level of biofuels as a proportion of fuels sold from 2005, starting with 2% and reaching 5.75% of fuels sold in 2010. The second proposed Directive would give Member States the option of applying a reduced rate of excise duty to pure or blended biofuels, when used either as heating or motor fuel.
"The transport market is today almost entirely dependent upon oil-based fuels" said Loyola de Palacio, the Vice-President for Energy and Transport. "This coherent action plan for an alternative fuel strategy for transport will tackle this over-dependence, which is a significant source of environmental and supply concerns for the European Union."
MA
State of Hesse goes towards a state hydrogen initiative
DWV, 02-03-20: Companies and scientists from the German state of Hesse who work in the field of hydrogen and fuel cells will establish a network to promote the technology in their state. This was one of the results of a meeting held on 6. March in the industry park of Hoechst (near Frankfurt).Wilhelm Dietzel, state minister for environment, was one of the guests and promised his support to the project. Similar statements were made by representants of the state ministry for economy. Neither, however, said something definitive about figures. Dietzel saw the fuel cell plant run by the company Infraserv Hoechst, and the hydrogen centre. About 30 million m3 hydrogen per year are available. A small part of it is used to supply the fuel cell power station, but the use in other projects is possible. Which this might be will be found out by the interested parties in a working group to be created in the framework of the German Hydrogen Association. A "Fuel Cell Forum Hesse" will be held on 11. and 12. April in Wiesbaden.
Hesse is followind similar developments in other states, like Bavaria, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Hamburg, and now also Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
DWV
Hydrogen initiative established in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
DWV, 02-03-20: A number of companies and institutes in the German state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, supported by the state ministry for economy, have teamed up to promote hydrogen technology and fuel cells in the region. An association called "Hydrogen Technology Initiative Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania" was formally established on 20. Februar in Stralsund. It aims at bringing together basic and applied research, development, politics, and production and thus accelerating the technical progress. Another intention is to disseminate information about the field.Otto Ebnet, state minister for economy, approved the foundation and said that we would fund it from the "Future Fund Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania" as well as in other ways accessible to his department.
The state Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, located at the NE corner of Germany, does not have an industrial infrastructure comparable to that of Bavaria, Baden-Wuerttemberg, North Rhine-Westfalia, or Hamburg, where similar organizations already exist. It will probably introduce hydrogen in other ways than the other states. A good basis to do this is the extensive experience with renewable energies. There is a chance not to have to repeat the development of other regions but to do it right from the very beginning with tomorrow's technology.
The industrial founder members are: Energietechnik-Elektronik GmbH (Bentwisch), GAT Gesellschaft für angewandte Technik (Greifswald), MET Motoren- und Energietechnik GmbH (Rostock) and Fertigung-Technologie GmbH (Hohen Luckow) as well as ATI-Küste GmbH (Rostock-Greifswald). Science is represented by FH (University for Applied Science) Stralsund, the Institute for Low Temperature Plasmy Physics (Greifswald) and the Institute for Organic Catalysis Research (Rostock). FH Wismar and the city of Stralsund are expected to join soon. Prof. Wolfgang Beckmann of FH Stralsund was elected chairman.
DWV
Plans for fuel cell bus in Tokyo
HyWeb, 02-03-20: The Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT), the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Toyota Motor Corp. plan to operate a fuel cell bus in Tokyo in 2003 on a regular bus route. For this purpose, a hydrogen filling station will be built. The bus is under development at Toyota at present; a first prototype was presented in June 2001.MA
Casio to introduce fuel cells by 2004
HyWeb, 02-03-20: Japan's Casio Computer Co Ltd announced it would begin selling fuel cells in 2004. Casio's fuel cells running on methanol can power a laptop personal computer for as long as 20 hours, compared with a typical lithium-ion battery's life of about four to five hours, according to Casio.Other Japanese electronics firms such as Toshiba Corp and Hitachi Ltd are rushing to put fuel cells in the market as demand increases for smaller devices such as mobile phones, hand-held computers and digital cameras.
A Casio spokesman declined to say how much the fuel cells would cost according to media reports. He said the aim was to make them cheaper than lithium-ion batteries through mass production.
MA
H Power introduces EPAC-500 portable fuel cell power source
HyWeb, 02-03-20: H Power Corp. has introduced a pre-commercial version of its new EPAC(TM)-500 fuel cell-based power source. It can be used either as a primary or as a back-up power device in a wide range of applications, including telecommunications.The EPAC-500 is a self-contained, rack-mountable 500-Watt fuel cell power source, designed for outdoor or indoor use and intended initially for industrial customers. The unit can be mounted in a standard 19'' equipment rack and has 3 possible outputs - 120 V AC at 60 Hz, 48 V regulated DC and 48 V unregulated DC. The system can be set to act as a stand-alone power source, or to self-start upon electrical grid failure. In its initial form, the unit is designed to run on compressed hydrogen from standard industrial cylinders.
Technical specifications can be found on the H Power homepage under www.hpower.com.
MA
RWE establishes RWE Fuel Cells GmbH
HyWeb, 02-03-20: RWE, one of the largest German utilities, has established RWE Fuel Cells GmbH. The new company is located in Essen, Germany, and has been officially registered on March 5.Two managing directors will lead the company: Heinz Bergmann, responsible for the RWE Fuel Cell Project since early 2000, and Dr. Michael Fübi,so far head of company development of Babcock Borsig AG.
The new company will coordinate and manage all fuel cell related activities within the RWE concern. This includes the development and marketing of products, systems and services based on fuel cells.
MA
German utility looks for progressive home owners
DWV, 02-03-20: EnBW, a German utility, will install 25 fuel cell plants for home heating purposes in this year and 55 until the end of 2004. Now they look for homeowners willing to have such a device installed in their basement. The cells not being a serial product EnBW will run, monitor, and maintain them. The customer gets the heat for his home from the company by means of the cell which means that he bears neither a technical nor a financial risk.DWV
Japan to facilitate fuel cell regulations
DWV, 02-03-20: Japan will change the regulations applicable to fuel cells to promote the technoly. So far fuel cells can be used only under the regulations for commercial plants which leads to a lot of technical and administrative difficulties. In analogy to solar devices small fuel cells will now be exempted from them. Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi told the parliament that in three years from now he wants to see stationary fuel cells in practical use. The facilitation is to promote this without a loss of safety.DWV
Gore launches new membrane electrode assembly for stationary PEM fuel cells
HyWeb, 02-03-20: Gore Fuel Cell Technologies, a division of W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., recently announced the commercial availability of PRIMEA® Series 56 MEAs (membrane electrode assemblies) for use in stationary PEM fuel cells.Accelerated testing has confirmed the product's performance as the most durable MEA available for stationary applications, according to the company. "This is our fourth product innovation within five years,'' said John Mongan, Product Specialist.
MA
Siemens SOFC 1: e|cell project started in Hanover
HyWeb, 02-03-18: e|cell, the fuel cell project in Hanover, Germany, has been started officially. On February 26, Stadtwerke Hannover (local utility), E.ON Energie (regional utility) and Siemens Power Generation have agreed to implement an SOFC fuel cell power plant of the 250 kW class. The demonstration project named e|cell is the final step before series production by Siemens Power Generation starting in the USA in 2003.The fuel cell systems e|cell will be installed in the existing power plant "Herrenhausen" in summer 2003. Stadtwerke Hannover will operate it to deliver electricity and heat. An extensive research and measurement program will provide Stadtwerke Hannover and E.ON Kraftwerke with valuable data and experience on the operation of this type of fuel cell plant.
The investment for e|cell is about 6.2 million Euro. The project is funded by the German Federal Economics Ministry with 3 million Euro, 400,000 Euro come from the climate protection fund Hanover "pro Klima".
Milestones
April 2002 Application for operation permit and preliminary safety analysis
September 2002 start of construction works at plant "Herrenhausen"
May 2003 Functionality check of SOFC plant at manufacturing facility (Pittsburgh, USA)
June 2003 Delivery of fuel cell plant
July 2003 Commissioning of fuel cell plant in plant "Herrenhausen"
until September 2003 test operation for 500 operating hours
until October 2004 operation phase I: 8,000 operating hours in base load
starting October 2004 operation phase II: test operation in different part load regimesTechnical Data
Max. electric power 250 kW
Continuous electric power 225 kW
Thermal power 158 kW
Electric efficiency 47%
Fuel Natural gas
Fuel efficiency in co-generation mode up to 80%
Flue gas temperature 450°C
Size of entire plant (m) 3,0 x 2,6 x 14,6 (H x W x L)
Weight 32 t
Noise emissions 65 dB(A) in 10 m distance
Pollutant emissions (NOx, SOx, CO) < 1 mg/m3 AbgasMA
Siemens SOFC 2: Project in Marbach delayed by one year
HyWeb, 02-03-18: The start of the 1 MW SOFC fuel cell power plant of Energie Baden-Württemberg AG (EnBW; regional utility) in Marbach/Neckar, Germany, will be delayed by approximately one year. The delay of the plant, which was originally scheduled to be commissioned in autumn 2003, is caused by the fact that a required micro gas turbine is not available oin the market. In spite of intensive activities of all partners in the joint American-European project no model was found that would comply with the technical and commercial requirements, EnBW reported. The turbine will now be developed within the project. It is required to operate the fuel cell with higher pressures in order to raise the efficiency of the plant to 60%.The project has been developed in the framework of a bilateral agreement between the EU and the USA. Partners are EnBW, Electricité de France (France, large shareholder of EnBW), Gaz de France (France), Tiroler Wasserkraftwerke AG (Austria) and manufacturer Siemens. Zhe project receives funding from the European Commission and the US Government.
MA
"It's important for Americans to remember that, as we debate an energy bill, as we have a discussion about an energy plan, that America imports more than [...] 10 million barrels a day and the figure is rising. [...] Any sound comprehensive energy policy must both increase production and reduce consumption."
George W. Bush, President of the USA, Reuters, February 25, 2002
UTC Fuel Cells Signs Development Agreements With Nissan
HyWeb, 02-02-28: UTC Fuel Cells, a unit of United Technologies Corp., recently announced that it has signed development agreements with Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. to develop fuel cells and fuel cell components for vehicles. Renault, part-owner of Nissan, is also participating in the development projects (HyWeb, 00-12-05).In one of the two agreements, UTC Fuel Cells will provide fuel cell power plants to Nissan for evaluation, based on UTC Fuel Cells' proprietary ambient-pressure proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell technology.
In the second agreement, UTC Fuel Cells, Nissan and Renault will work to develop components for fuel cell vehicles.
MA
Ansaldo Fuel Cell SpA established
HyWeb, 02-02-28: Ansaldo Fuel Cells SpA (AFCo), an Italian Corporation part of the Finmeccanica Group, has started activity as of December 1, 2001.AFCo was demerged from Ansaldo Ricerche (high tech engineering company, previous R&D centre of Ansaldo, Italy), from which it inherits all fuel cell related technology, patents, rights and key personnel.
AFCo's mission is the industrial production and commercialization of fuel cells, and particularly Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell (MCFC) power plants in the mid-size range (0.1-30 MW).
MA
Toyota to launch fuel cell vehicles next year
HyWeb, 02-02-28: According to various media, Toyota plans to market the first small series of fuel cell vehicles in the Tokyo, Japan, area next year. The vehicle will be based on the Toyota FCHV4 fuel cell prototype presented in June 2001 (see www.h2cars.de). The cars will be fuelled with compressed hydrogen. It is anticipated that most of the initial customers will be large corporations and government agencies. The vehicle shall cost some 75,000 US-$.Honda has also announced to market the first compressed hydrogen based fuel cell vehicles next year.
MA
Japan opens first two hydrogen filling stations
DWV, 02-02-26: Japan has completed the first two hydrogen filling stations built under the WE-NET program (HyWeb, 00-07-18). In Osaka a plant with a natural gas reformer was installed, another one with an electrolyzer at the Shikoku Research Institute at Takamatsu (about 200 km SW from Osaka).Both stations have a dual storage system: one with a storage pressure of 250 or 350 bar for the filling of gas cylinders, another under 7 bar for metal hydride storages. 24 to 30 filling operations per day are possible, each one taking only less than five minutes if the vehicle has a pressure tank and less than ten minutes for metal hydride storages.
Photo: ENAA
The Osaka station was opened on the 7. February, while the date for Takamatsu is the 28. About 150 persons representing the project partners, government agencies, and the media were present in Osaka; the major TV networks reported about it in their prime time news. Fuel cell cars made by Toyota, Honda, Nissa, and Daihatsu were shown. Participants expect the events to give a major impulse to hydrogen use in Japan. In Osaka at least the interest was so great that the access to the opening ceremony had to be restricted.
DWV
Ballard lays off 220 workers
DWV, 02-02-26: The changes in the mode of cooperation with DaimlerChrysler and Ford causes Ballard to lay off jobs. About 80 jobs at the legal seat in Vancouver and 140 at the German daughter at Nabern will be affected. Company spokesman Lancaster pointed out that Ballard still has 1400 employees, 600 more than six months ago. Many of the workforce in Germany are on leave from DaimlerChrysler and can return there.DWV
Danish government plans to drastically reduce renewable energy and hydrogen spendings
HyWeb, 02-02-11: On January 29, 2002, the new liberal/conservative Danish government presented the draft budget for 2002 and the coming years. All R&D programmes, financial support, committees, government agencies etc. that for 20 years have been crucial in the development of renewable energy will immediately be cancelled or dissolved according to a press release of Folkecenter for renewable energy, Denmark. The government will spend the money saved (20 million EURO) on hospitals and senior citizens. The budget proposal is subject to agreement in the national parliament, where the new goverment has the necessary majority.One consequence is that Folkecenter and its sister organisation, Forum for Energy and Development, lose their support. But also all national programmes for solar thermal, biogas, biomass, hydrogen, photovoltaic, wave energy etc. stop as from January 1, 2002. The government has also cancelled the plans of large scale off-shore wind power. The power companies are no longer obliged to continue the off-shore programme; no public funding or guaranteed tariffs are available.
Obviously, the reason for drastically reducing spendings on renewable energies is the concern of the new government that energy prices will become too high if renewable energies continue to grow. Denmark has achieved its renewable energy goals and therefore the new government plans a "break" in the development of renewables.
More information under http://www.folkecenter.dk/presse/disaster_for_danish_RE.htm
MA
"Because the government is going to focus on hydrogen as the ultimate fuel, the debate over whether we use gasoline, methanol or hydrogen becomes less important [...]. They can let the manufacturers focus on using hydrogen, which is the cleanest and most effective fuel."
Thaddeus Malesh, expert on fuel cell technology, J.D. Power and Associates, AP, January 18, 2002
German Parliament enacts law on combined heat and power systems including fuel cells
HyWeb, 02-02-05: On January 25, the German Parliament finally decided about a law on combined heat and power production (HyWeb, 01-07-13). The law is an essential element in the climatre protection policy of the German Government of Social Democrats and The Greens. The measures included in the law shall step by step reduce climate changing CO2 emissions by 23 million tons annually until 2010.In addition to the "general market price", CHP fuel cell systems will receive a bonus of 5.11 Euro-cents per each kWh of electricity fed into the grid for 10 years. The "general market price" contains a component "price for the electricity", and a component "price for not using higher voltage grids".
Conventional CHP systems smaller than 50 kW receive a bonus. New systems installed until the end of 2005 receive the same bonus as the fuel cells, old small systems and systems between 50 and 2000 kW receive a lower bonus.
More information (in German language) under www.bhkw-infozentrum.de.
MA
Italy's Lombardy region plans to ban the sale of gasoline and diesel cars
HyWeb, 02-02-05: Italy's Lombardy region, one of the leading industrial European regions, is planning to ban the sale of new petrol- and diesel-powered cars as part of a unique and ambitious clean air programme unveiled by the region's president, reports the Guardian.Driven by a two-month smog emergency, Roberto Formigoni has challenged car manufacturers to come up with alternative "green" vehicles to meet a deadline in three years. He aims to tackle the emergency by improving the environmental performance of private vehicles, replacing traditional oil-based fuels with electricity, natural gas and hydrogen.
"I would like to set a date that is as near as possible, and I think January 1 2005 would be suitable and I have sent the message: car-makers, get cracking," Mr Formigoni told the Guardian. The regional capital, Milan, and other northern cities have already been forced to ban cars at the weekend and restrict their use during the week because of levels of atmospheric pollution as much as five times the legal limit.
MA
First French-German Fuel Cell Conference
HyWeb, 02-02-05: The French fuel cell association "Club PAC" in collaboration with the "French national Fuel Cell Network" are organising the France - Deutschland Fuel Cell Conference 2002, "Materials, Engineering, Systems, Applications", at Forbach (France) - Saarbrücken (Germany) on October 7-10, 2002. This will be the first French-German meeting on fuel cells, fuel cell systems and fuel cell applications. The conference will be accompanied by an exhibition.The main goals of the conference are firstly to present technical and scientific results on fuel cell materials, fuel cell stacks, fuel cell systems and fuel cell applications, and secondly to initiate international scientific exchanges between laboratories, fuel cells suppliers, components manufacturers and industrial end-users.
Authors wishing to present papers at the conference must return a 250-word abstract (in English) before April 6, 2002 to FDFuelCell2002@clubpac.net. More information can be found under www.clubpac.net.
More conferences, workshops, exhibitions and fairs on hydrogen and fuel cells can be found in the HyWeb event calendar.
MA
Swiss and Chinese Hydrogen Associations
HyWeb, 02-02-05: Swiss and China have established Hydrogen Associations.„Hydropole" is an association which was founded on 23. November at Villigen (Switzerland). Its purpose is to promote the energy carrier hydrogen and the fuel cell in Switzerland; the Swiss Federal Office of Energy supports the project. Hydropole will inform the public, politics, and economy about potential and possibilities of the new technology. Contacts will be established to national and international organizations, including the European Hydrogen Association (EHA). There is also the intention to offer services and expert knowledge commercially. The board consists of seven persons which represent industry and research. The non-profit association will have its seat at Monthey. More information can be found under www.myteam.ch/hydropole.
The Chinese Association for Hydrogen Energy has 34 members from research and industry. More information can be found under hydrogen.newenergy.org.cn.
DWV/MA
Small series production of portable fuel cell of SFC
HyWeb, 02-02-05: At the end of January, Smart Fuel Cell GmbH (SFC) hast started the small series production of its direct methanol fuel cell system.The first customers will evaluate the products during extended field tests in the areas of traffic systems, remote sensor applications, camping and outdoor equipment. Production capacity for 2002 is 1,000 units. From mid-2002 on, the system will be obtainable on order for additional customers.
SFC obtains the necessary components from its world-wide network of suppliers and development partners. In the production facility in Brunnthal near Munich, Germany, the system is finally assembled, equipped with the fuel tank and tested.
The product is equipped with an exchangeable fuel tank that provides 2.5 kWh of electric energy at up to 100 W power output. This system operates from sub-zero temperatures up to 40° C and thus makes a perfect stand-alone power supply in many remote situations according to SFC.
MA
Toshiba presents fuel cell running PDA
HyWeb, 02-02-05: Toshiba Corp., Japan, demonstrated how to operate its personal digital assistant (PDA), "Genio e," with its fuel cell under development at an engineering exhibition held at its Oume Office on Jan. 30. The direct methanol fuel cell, operated on an aqueous solution of methanol, has a power output of 3-5 W on average with a maximum of 8 W. The dimensions of the fuel cell are 127 mm x 105 mm x 25 mm.According to Toshiba, the cell size can be further miniaturized through optimization of the cell structure and the peripherals. The weight of the prototype is about 500 g, but weight saving shall be possible down to 200 g by the use of lighter materials.
MA
Fuel Cell Technologies delivers residential SOFC to Stockholm
HyWeb, 02-02-05: Fuel Cell Technologies Ltd. of Canada has won an international competition to supply and install three SOFC power systems in a progressive residential development project in Stockholm, Sweden that is focusing on environmental concerns.FCT's installation will be part of a new residential district in Stockholm where the plan is to have up to 8,000 housing units, largely powered by renewable energies, including FCT's power systems fueled by biogas. This new district will function as a prototype, and as a source of inspiration, for ecologically planned construction and living.
These are FCT's first sales into the European market of its 5 kW SOFC power system, which co-generate electricity and heat for hot water and space heating.
MA
"The developed world needs to embrace renewable power in order to create volume of scale and the expertise to drive the cost of renewable energy down."
Mark Moody-Stuart, co-chair of a Group of Eight (G8) taskforce on renewable energy, former head of Royal Dutch/Shell, World Environment News, January 21, 2002
HYNET – Kick-off for the European Thematic Network "Hydrogen"
HyWeb, 02-01-30: After an application phase of exactly one year the European Commission finally set their signature under the contract for the establishment of the European Hydrogen Thematic Network (HYNET) on December 19, 2001. The 12 contractors are BMW (D), bp (UK), CSIC (E), Linde (D), Messer Griesheim (D), Norsk Hydro (N), Raufoss (N), Shell Hydrogen (NL), TÜV Nord (D), TÜV Süddeutschland (D) und Vandenborre Technologies (B) who cooperate with the coordination done by L-B-Systemtechnik (D), Dr. Ulrich Bünger.The three year project is funded by the Research Directorate of the EC at 100%. Its goals are
- to counsel the EC in the strategy finding process for the research and demonstration funds in EC‘s 6th Framework Program starting in late 2002. Invited by the EC, HYNET will contribute by a balanced collection of opinions of as many European interests as possible from European industry, national governments, institutes and other organisations,
- to incorporate a European database on hydrogen experts (who is who),
- to realise elements of a business-to-business platform, which facilitates or intensifies a commercially based exchange of components and services surrounding hydrogen technologies especially focusing on small and medium enterprises and institutes Europe-wide and
- to inform a wide public about the HYNET activities by Internet as well as to participate in the international hydrogen energy network.
For this purpose, annual strategy reports to the EC will be compiled which are developed by thematic working groups in expert workshops. Furthermore, a HYNET Internet page with a public and an internal project access will use important features but also the broad readership of the internationally well established HyWeb Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Information System in the Internet.
The HYNET organisation will comprise a board for strategic decisions and direct communication with the EU for contextual aspects, a secretariat, coordinating technical as well as organisational tasks, and (initially) five thematic working groups. L-B-Systemtechnik is responsible for project coordination and moderation, with the HYNET-secretariat location being Ottobrunn, Germany. The thematic working groups, in which interested participants from industry, politics, institutes and other European organisations convene, will meet about twice a year. Tentatively chosen topics are hydrogen infrastructure, hydrogen use, safety and codes®ulations, socioeconomic aspects and public relations.
HYNET’s goal is to use the engagement of interested industry for signalling the national governments to foster a dynamic and strategic development process for hydrogen energy accompanied by a large variety of interest groups.
In the future, information about HYNET will be available under www.hynet.info.
UB
CUTE-Project: European Commission awards 18.5 million Euro for hydrogen fuel cell bus demonstration
HyWeb, 02-01-30: In late December, the European Commission has awarded 18.5 million Euro of funding for the CUTE Project (Clean Urban Transport for Europe; HyWeb, 01-03-26) of DaimlerChrysler, the bus operators in nine European cities as well as energy and infrastructure partners.Thanks to European Union funding, this fuel cell bus project will be the first volume production test of this scale conducted anywhere in the world. The Energy and Transport Directorate General of the European Commission has committed one of the largest funds ever to this demonstration project.
The fuel cell buses will operate in the following cities: Amsterdam (Netherlands), Barcelona (Spain), Hamburg (Germany), London (United Kingdom), Luxembourg, Madrid (Spain), Porto (Portugal), Stockholm (Sweden) and Stuttgart (Germany).
The buses will be produced by EvoBus GmbH, and will be delivered to the cities during the year 2003. The performance of the bus is comparable to conventional diesel driven buses and the capacity will accommodate up to 70 passengers.
The world-wide pioneer bus operators will have the opportunity to gain both vehicle and infrastructure experience with this innovative technology at an early stage. Each of the bus operators will build a filling station for gaseous hydrogen. Fuel producers are partners in the creation of the hydrogen infrastructure, some of whom will subsequently operate the filling stations so as to gain experience with alternative fuels themselves. Hydrogen will be produced through different methods in order to provide data for an efficiency comparison.
MA
Magna Steyr develops LH2 tanks suitable for mass production for BMW
HyWeb, 02-01-30: During the CleanEnergy Partner Forum 2001 in Munich late last year, BMW Group and Magna Steyr of Austria have signed a Letter of Intent for the development and delivery of a liquid hydrogen tank for the new 7 series BMW car.In the first project phase, experts of both parties (BMW and Magna Steyr) will closely cooperate. It is the objective of this joint activity to advance the technology of the tanks, which are hand-made at present, to be suitable for mass production.
Magna Steyr, an automotive supplier, has experience in mass production, not the least in vehicle tank systems. On the other hand, they are also experienced in hydrogen cryo-technology from developing and delivering fuel feed lines for the Ariane 4 and 5 rockets.
"The process of going into the hydrogen society is irreversible", said Dr. Burkhard Göschel, board member of BMW responsible for development during the signing of the LoI.
MA
Chrysler: Chemical hydrogen storage - with sodium
DWV, 02-01-30: DaimlerChrysler is testing an experimental car which is fitted with the "Hydrogen on Demand" system of the company Millennium Cell. The tests are being done at Chrysler in USA with a car on the basis of a Chrysler model. Inside the tank there is sodium borohydride. This is gained from sodium borate, commonly known as borax (Na2B4O7), a cheap and common compound. It reacts with water in a comparatively simple process and generates very pure hydrogen, which is just what the PEM cell needs. Water and borax are left. One tank filling can bring the vehicle almost 500 km far; the tanks are no pressure vessels, which means that the weight and space problems associated with these do not occur. The name of the vehicle is, fittingly: „Natrium“.The most important technical problem on the road to the hydrogen car is to achieve an energy density in the tank which is comparable with that of hydrocarbons. Apart from hydrogen itself the possible candidates are also hydrogen containing compounds, like methanol, gasoline, or the one mentioned above.
DWV
Fuel cells cross the Alps
DWV, 02-01-30: Tthe Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) at Wuerenlingen (Switzerland) and ETH Zuerich together with a number of other technology companies have converted a car of the Volkswagen type Bora to hydrogen and fuel cells. „We wanted to demonstrate the potential, not only in the laboratory, but in the reality of road traffic“, said project head Philipp Dietrich. This was done, because in mid-January the car crossed the Simplon pass in the alps. Braking energy is stored in ultracapacitors; this enhances the efficiency of the car to a degree which is higher than for a gasoline car. Such a car with the same efficiency would consume only 3 l gasoline per 100 km (corresponding to the famous 80 miles per gallon). The test car weighs 1950 kg, and with a nominal power of 28 kW it accelerates in only 15 s from 0 to 100 km/h. The top speed is 115 km/h. One tank filling is enough for 100 to 150 km on even ground.All hydrogen and fuel cell vehicles: www.h2cars.de
DWV
German Environment Minister assumes patronage for Hydrogen Expo
HyWeb, 02-01-30: The German Federal Environment Minister Jürgen Trittin of the Green Party will again assume the patronage for "Hydrogen Expo" in 2002 (www.h2expo.com). Hydrogen Expo takes place for the second time from October 10 to 12, 2002, on the Hamburg fairgrounds.International corporations and research facilities showcase solutions for a climate-friendly supply of energy and mobility. Hydrogen Expo's goal is to establish an information exchange and networking forum for suppliers and users of H2 technologies and thereby to pave the way for a huge growth market.
MA
Plug Power delivers 132 fuel cell systems in 2001
HyWeb, 02-01-30: During 2001, Plug Power delivered 132 fuel cell systems including: 131 5kW systems that operate on natural gas and one 50kW prototype system that operates on hydrogen. Included in the 131 5kW systems were two Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems that provide supplemental heat as electricity is produced and four CHP subsystems that were delivered to Vaillant GmbH in Germany, one of Plug Power's European partners, to be integrated into fuel cell heating appliances.During the fourth quarter of 2001, a total of 81 fuel cell systems were delivered:
- 50 systems to the Long Island Power Authority totaling 75 systems in 2001.
- 21 systems to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority totaling 44 systems in 2001.
- Two 5kW CHP systems to Kubota Corporation in Japan.
- Three CHP fuel cell subsystems to Vaillant GmbH to be integrated into heating appliances for utilization as part of the North Rhine-Westphalia field demonstration program.
- Two systems to DTE Energy Technologies. The fuel cells will support the DC battery systems that provide backup power.
- One 50kW hydrogen-fueled system to Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. for installation in a hydrogen vehicle refueling station in Las Vegas, Nevada.
- Two systems to a gas supplier in Buffalo, New York.
MA
Global Thermoelectric Inc. and Bonneville Power Administration plan strategic alliance
HyWeb, 02-01-30: Global Thermoelectric Inc. (Calgary, Canada) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") with the Bonneville Power Administration of Portland, Oregon, USA, to establish a strategic relationship for the purpose of developing, evaluating and distributing Global's solid oxide fuel cell products. Bonneville is expected to purchase three Global SOFC systems for an anticipated aggregate cost of US$240,000 for field testing in 2003. The MOU with Bonneville contemplates that the parties will compile and share market and customer data to ensure product specifications meet the needs of Bonneville's client base.MA
Shell Hydrogen, Mitsubishi, Johnson Matthey Set Up Fuel-Cell Venture Capital Firm
HyWeb, 02-01-30: Mitsubishi Corp., Johnson Matthey PLC and Shell Hydrogen, have agreed to form a venture capital firm focused on fuel cells and related hydrogen technologies reports AP (see also HyWeb, 01-09-12).The firm, called Conduit Ventures Ltd., plans to raise a fund of $100 million, with initial investment from Shell, Mitsubishi and Johnson Matthey. It will invest in companies that have established fuel cell and hydrogen technologies and are seeking further capital for commercial sales and development, the companies said. Conduit will be based in London and will invest primarily in Europe, Canada and the United States. It plans to invest between $1 million and $10 million in mid-stage private companies.
MA
China Announces Investment in Auto Fuel Cell Development
HyWeb, 02-01-30: Chinese scientists have begun a three-year development of fuel cell technology for automotive applications reports Xinhua News Agency. According to the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), China's top research body, the state is expected to invest more than 100 million yuan (12 million U.S. dollars) in developing the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEM) technology, which is also a sub-project of the state's high-technology advancement program.Researchers from the CAS Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics are scheduled to focus on research and development of fuel cell systems with a generating power of 75 kilowatts and 150 kilowatts.
MA
Scooters India to develop fuel cell scooter
HyWeb, 02-01-30: State-owned Scooters India Ltd is working on a zero-emission fuel cell technology based vehicle slated to be launched in 2003 reports Asia Pulse. It is likely to be unveiled by next year. Scooters India is being assisted by the Ministry of Non-conventional Energy Sources on this project. The new zero-emission vehicle is being developed with an initial investment of Rs 400-500 million (8-10 million US-$).Scooters India will release two battery-electric three-wheelers by the end of this year.
MA
About the nutritive value of hydrogen for microorganisms
DWV, 02-01-30: Conditions as if they were not from this world were found by scientists in the USA in an almost 60 °C hot hydrothermal spring 200 m below ground in Idaho. They found microorganisms which need neither organic carbon compounds nor the products of photosynthesis to exist. All they need comes from the ground: chemical reactions between hydrothermal fluids and volcanic rocks generate molecular hydrogen, and carbon dioxide is generated anorganically as well. The microbial communities make methane and water from them. This discovery has given new fuel to speculations about life or Mars or elsewhere running along similar lines. (F. H. Chapelle et al., Nature 415 (2002) 312-5)DWV
"We want to cooperate with other car manufacturers in alternative vehicles. We have a common goal, the 'zero emission vehicle'. Both possible solutions, an electric vehicle with the power coming from a fuel cell, and our car with the internal combustion engine have the most important aspect in common: hydrogen as fuel."
Dr. Burkhard Göschel, Member of the Board of BMW AG, Development, presse release November 8, 2001; translation: LBST
Unexpected Success of Hydrogen Conference "Hydrogen Age of Asia"
HyWeb, 02-01-21: On 27/28 November 2001 a hydrogen conference took place in Tokyo, the focus being an accelerated facilitation of hydrogen energy. For the original goal to gain more interest for this topic in Japan the eventual participation of more than 500 mainly Japanese delegates from industry, politics and research was unexpectedly large. Even more so as a parallel conference also taking place in Tokyo focused on fuel cell electric vehicles, and a number of invited experts from the U.S. were still suffering from the travel ban.The conference remained more or less unnoticed by the European or U.S. public. It developed from ideas to early design hydrogen features into a planned natural gas transport pipeline spanning from Russia to Japan across Mongolia, China and Korea. These plans had been pursued for a number of years by Prof. Hirata from the Shibaura Institute of Technology, a well known and accepted expert in energy strategies, and co-workers.
Motivated by recently intensified interests in the introduction of hydrogen energy by politics, industry and research in Japan the conference ended with the proposal of an 8 person expert panel, to establish a new Japanese Hydrogen Association. In opposite to the existing Japanese Hydrogen Association, which is headed by the well-known Prof. Ohta, the new group would foster the commercialisation of hydrogen energy, but especially the introduction of a hydrogen infrastructure. The panel, under guidance of Prof. Hirata, who is thought to be an influential and renowned scientist in Japan, was staffed by international representatives from industry and science (Mr. Okano/WE-NET, Mr. Hansen/GM-Japan, Mr. Nakamura/Toyota, Mr. Frank/BMW, Prof. Ichikawa/Hokkaido University, Dr. Bünger/L-B-Systemtechnik, Mr. Honda/Osaka Gas, see picture below, from left).
A number of interesting contributions presented individual technological developments (advancement in the safety of composite high pressure vessels, PEM-electrolysis, long distance transport of renewable energies etc.). Other both international and Japanese speakers presented demonstration activities and more strategic developments. Among other things Trygve Riis from the Norwegian Research Ministry, who represented the H2-Working Group of the International Energy Agency, pointed out, that this group is currently understaffed, and that the IEA would invite the (renewed) participation of a number of important countries, specifically Germany.
UB/MA
"Energies for tomorrow - from oil to solar Hydrogen" in Berlin on March 1 and 2, 2002
HyWeb, 02-01-21: The hydrogen congress of the German Green Party originally announced for the end of last year and postponed because of the September 11 attacks will now take place in Berlin, Rathaus Schönefeld, on March 1 and 2. Among others, Dr. Klaus Töpfer, ..., and Joschka Fischer, German Foreign Minister, will be speaking. The congress is expected to spur a dialog between industry, associations, politics and society on the subject of stationary and mobil hydrogen applications.To register, send an e-mail to wasserstoffkongress@gruene-fraktion.de. For further questions contact Andreas Rade under andreas.rade@gruene-fraktion.de. More Information (in German language) under www.gruene-fraktion.de/rsvgn/rs_rubrik/0,,61,00.htm, the program in pdf-format: http://www.gruene-fraktion.de/service/020301wasserstoffkongress.pdf.
VB/MA
Toyota creates new fuel cell research center
Hyweb, 02-01-21: At the end of last year, Toyota Motor Corp. announced that it would create a new fuel cell research center on Jan. 1 to strengthen development of fuel cell vehicles. The center will consolidate research now conducted by divisions scattered throughout the firm in a bid to accelerate preparations for development of a viable fuel cell vehicle. It will consist of a development section, a production technology section and a planning section, and will initially be staffed by 450 people.VB/MA
PSA and H Power form joint development agreement
HyWeb, 02-01-21: H Power Corp., USA, announced on January 3, 2002, it has formed a joint development agreement with PSA Peugeot Citroen, France, to develop low power fuel cells that will be used in light duty vans. These 7 kW fuel cells will be employed as "range extenders,'' an on-board device that increases the current range of an electric power car through an alternative energy source.The minimum revenue to H Power expected to be generated from this joint development agreement will be $2.0 million over three years. Based on the results of these efforts, both companies will jointly seek to identify additional fuel cells applications. During the first year of the agreement H Power will receive $1 million for the development and delivery of two separate generations of fuel cell systems.
MA
Sanyo and Samsung team on residential fuel cells
HyWeb, 02-01-21: The Japanese company Sanyo is teaming up with South Korea's electronics giant Samsung for the joint development of residential and small commercial fuel cells, news agencies report; an official statement from the companies is still missing. The companies are aiming at reducing costs and accelerate market introduction as other manufacturers are moving quickly to enter the market. Sanyo is working with Osaka Gas Co., Japan’s second-largest gas utility, and is looking to Samsung for its expertise in miniaturization and manufacturing processes. Most Japanese manufacturers are aiming to have residential fuel cell systems on the market within two to three years.The potential for small fuel cell systems is enormous as in many Asian countries warm water is produced using electricity. Japan on theother hand has a well established natural gas grid supplying practically all private housholds for heating purposes.
VB/MA
Vaillant fuel cell cogeneration units to start into field tests
HyWeb, 02-01-21: Three years after the start into what the company itself regards as their most important mid-term future project Vaillant has achieved the first important milestone in fuel cell cofeneration units on their way to market commercialization: The units are ready to start into field tests after receiving the first ever CE certification of a fuel cell cogeneration unit in Europe.The Vaillant fuel cell units, jointly developed with Plug Power, USA, have accumulated about 300,000 operating hours in the labs in Germany, the USA and the Netherlands as well as in first field tests in the USA. The first field test results are expected already this January.
MA
EWE starts fuel cell field tests
HyWeb, 02-01-21: The German regional utility EWE will start field tests of fuel cell cogeneration systems, reports dpa. Member of the board Werner Brinker said that until 2003, 155 systems will be installed at cleints' sites in the northern German supply area of EWE (HyWeb, 01-11-08). EWE expects the systems to be commercially mature by 2005. Partner of EWE is the swiss company Sulzer Hexis, which has achieved the European Union certification this January.By 2015, fuel cells could produce about 10% of the German power consumption, EWE projects. The systems might already be commercially viable by 2005 to 2007.
MA
Ballard, Tokyo Gas and Ebara enhance relationship
HyWeb, 02-01-21: Ballard Generation Systems, Tokyo Gas, Ebara Ballard and Ebara Corporation have signed a three-year collaboration agreement to commercialise residential 1-kW PEM fuel cell cogeneration units comprised of a Ballard fuel cell and fuel processing system manufactured by Ebara Balard based on Tokyo Gas' fuel processing technology.Ballard Generation Systems and Ebara Ballard also signed a Patent and License Agreement to license Tokyo Gas' unique fuel processing technology worldwide for PEM fuel cell systems.
MA
H2fuel develops membrane technology for hydrogen purification
HyWeb, 02-01-21: H2fuel, LLC, a 70% subsidiary of Avista Labs, itself subsidiary of Avista Corporation of Spokane, Washington, USA, is developing technology for hydrogen extraction and purification. The new membrane-based technology works by eliminating carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide from gases produced by reforming natural gas and propane, thus allowing the production of nearly pure hydrogen for fuel cell applications.H2fuel, of Mt. Prospect, Illinois, USA, expects this membrane-based approach to be less expensive than other methods.
MA
Leak detection system for hydrogen
HyWeb, 02-01-21: Sensistor Technologies GmbH, German subsidiary of the Swedisch mother comapny, offers H2000, a small hydrogen leak detection system for industrial applications in leak detection and tightness testing. The Sensistor development is apllied world-wide in various areas and industries, among others in leak detection in the production and operation of fuel cells and hydrogen vehicles.
MA
Natural Resources Defense Council and Union of Concerned Scientists demand commercialisation of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles
HyWeb, 02-01-21: In their new study "Ending America's Oil Dependence" the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Union of Concerned Scientists present an action plan to curb oil dependence. In addition to increasing the fuel economy of conventional cars, the introduction of hybrid vehicles, requiring steadily increasing renewable contents in gasoline through non-petroleum fuels such as ethanol and encouraging "smart growth" instead of suburban sprawl, the plan calls for the massive market introduction of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.MA
EIHP: UNECE/GRPE ad hoc Working Group established
HyWeb, 02-01-14: As a result of the work of the European Integrated Hydrogen Project (www.eihp.org) working on the establishment of harmonized rules and regulations for hydrogen road vehicles, the UNECE/GRPE (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe www.unece.org / Working Party on Pollution and Energy) has established an ad hoc Working Group "Hydrogen Vehicles – Onboard Storage Systems". The main task of this Working Group is to develop consensus on the draft regulations for liquid hydrogen and compressed gaseous hydrogen onboard storage systems, so they can be forwarded to the GRPE to apply for new ECE regulations.As international regulations are missing, the group regards it as essential to develop new legal requirements in this area in order to ensure the necessary safety standards. The existing national requirements and standards are not sufficient to register vehicles running on hydrogen.
Under German Chairmanship, the Working Group includes members from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, the Russian Federation and the United Kingdom as well as from ISO (International Organization for Standardization), CLEPA (European Association of Automotive Suppliers), OICA (The International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers) and EIHP.
For more information see the special section on the EIHP Internet homepage under www.eihp.org/unece.
MA/RW
Chemical industry in Hesse and hydrogen
DWV, 02-01-14: Since July 2001 a power station based on a fuel cell is running in the industrial ara Frankfurt-Hoechst for the company Infraserv Hoechst. The core is a phosphorous acid ONSI cell running on hydrogen and delivering 200 kWel and 220 kWth in stationary service. After the pilot phase of one year the station will provide power and heat for the production of one of the companies of the area. If refrigeration is needed it can be generated by means of an absorption device.Hydrogen is generated as a byproduct from a chemical process. The high availability of hydrogen at this site is a good basis for further projects of Infraserv; at this time a trailer filling station is being built. The idea is to establish the first "hydrogen center" in the state of Hesse at this site. A platform for the bundling of all hydrogen activities in the state could be created.
DWV
Webasto invests in fuel cells
DWV, 02-01-14: Webasto, an important autopmotive supply company, opens a hydrogen research department in Neubrandenburg (Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania). The ministry for economy in the state capital Schwerin stated that Webasto Thermosysteme GmbH will employ up to 80 scientists and engineers for the development of fuel cells heating cars and other things. The state supports this with a few M€ from its future funds.DWV
Honda concentrates on hydrogen
DWV, 02-01-14: Honda has decided to concentrate on hydrogen fuel in the development of fuel cell cars. Up to now the reforming of methanol had also been investigated. This, however, is said to be uneconomical in the long term because of the technical complexity. A gas tank at 350 bar maximum pressure is the optimum in terms of technology and marketing. A similar Ford member said similar things recently, while General Motors and others are additionally pursuing the on-board reforming of liquid fuels.DWV
Zetek out of business
DWV, 02-01-14: The British-belgian fuel cell manufacturer Zetek Power is out of business. The german daughter Zetek-Power GmbH in Cologne-Porz as well has delcared preliminary insolvency. Zetek-Power head Claude Rivoire is now looking for partners to continue the work as independent company. He is convinced that it has a chance. This is also the opinion of the administrator Andreas Amelung. To save the company he will acquire orders and secure the financing. He will also try to bring a few departments scattered over Europe to Porz: marketing is done in London, invoicing in Holland, research in Belgium, France, and Russia, and there is another production plant in Belgium.DWV
"For centuries we have lived and prospered in carbon-based economies. Energy sources like coal and oil once overcame an economy based on horsepower. So, I suspect, our carbon-based economy may itself pass from the scene to be replaced, perhaps, by hydrogen."
Spencer Abraham, US Secretary of Energy, The Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Letter December 2001
US Government announces joint research project "Freedom Car"
HyWeb, 02-01-10: On Jnuary 9, 2002, the big three auto makers Ford, General Motors and DaimlerChrysler together with the US Government have announced a joint research project calles "Freedom Car". Fuel cell cars shall be made viable, and a hydrogen infrastructure shall be developed and established. The project is designed as a long-term initiative for the next decades US ENergy Secretary Spancer Abraham said on the joint press conference. The time frame is explained by the fact that 50,000 to 70,000 refueling stations have to be converted to hydrogen. Nonetheless, first effects are supposed to become visible within the next years according to Abraham. It is the goal to offer efficient cars in order to reduce the US import dependancy on foreign oil. In addition, air qualitiy will be increased, especially in urban areas."The long-term results of this cooperative effort will be cars and trucks that are more efficient, cheaper to operate, pollution-free and competitive in the showroom,'' Abraham said. "The gas guzzler will be a thing of the past.''
No information was made available on concrete goals or budgets yet; decisions will be taken during the coming weeks. Even though some strong announcements are a common activity in difficult times, this announcement is taken very seriously by analysts. Such an alliance between the US Government and the car industry on such a long-term project is something new.
VB/MA
GM re-invents the car
HyWeb, 02-01-10: "AUTOnomy" is the official answer of General Motors, largest car manufacturer of the world, to the question what a car would look like if it was invented today. The concept was presented on the Detroit Motor Show on monday. AUTOnomy is not - as so often the case - yet another concept vehicle, it is a completely new vehicle concept.
The basis is formed by a overdimensional "Skateboard" with a fuel cell system and four wheel-mounted electric motors of 25 kW each. Different bodies can be mounted onto this chassis according to the customer's requirements. The driving commands are transmitted electronically to the chassis, there are no mechanical connections. The "drive-by-wire" concept is perhaps not new, but it is realized without any compromise. Until autumn 2002 the 140 horse power concept shall be driveable.
Based on this basic idea many concepts may be developed. The chassis shall have a long lifetime, during which new bodies can be mounted depending on changing fashions, new requirements etc., for example transforming a sports car into a family sedan. All cars of one manufacturer can be based on two or three bases. The 100 kW of the electric motors mean more power on the road than 140 horse powers of a combustion engine as electric motors have their maximum torque from start.
AUTOnomy will probably be part of the joint "Freedom Car" program of the US Government and the big three car manufacturers in the USA. The name is program: autonomy from foreign oil imports.
VB/MA
