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letter of L-B-Systemtechnik GmbH (LBST) and the German Hydrogen Association
(DWV) · 1st Quarter 2005– 9th Year
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Interesting Projects HyNet - the European Thematic Network on Hydrogen European Integrated Hydrogen Project - EIHP
www.fuelcellpark.com
Introductory information on energy, hydrogen and fuel cells (website of the Bewag Fuel Cell Innovation Park, implemented by HyWeb)www.h2guide.de
Guide of German hydrogen projects by the German Hydrogen Association (in German language)Fuel cell drive project for municipal commercial vehicles – Bavarian fuel cell bus project
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Impressum
Editor Matthias Altmann, L-B-Systemtechnik GmbH (LBST), webmaster@HyWeb.de Articles AFH - Association Française de l'Hydrogène
DWV - German Hydrogen Association (DWV)
MA - Matthias Altmann, LBST
JS - Jörg Schindler, LBST
RW - Reinhold Wurster, LBST
VB - Volker Blandow, LBST
WW - Werner Weindorf, LBST
WZ - Werner Zittel, LBST
UB - Ulrich Bünger, LBSTAddress see HyWeb Impressum
other News Letters The Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Letter Clean Fuels and Electric Vehicles Report
Monthly Technology Updates by Fuel Cells 2000
"Massive R&D efforts are required for paving the way to a solar hydrogen economy. Decentralized supply structures based on efficient fuel cells would reduce the risks of large-area blackouts."
Deutsche Bank Research, Aktuelle Themen No 309, 2 December 2004, Author: Josef Auer, www.dbresearch.de
Hydrogen Strategy Group of the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Labour - Strategy Report on Research Needs in the Field of Hydrogen Energy Technology
HyWeb, 2005-03-15: In 2003, the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Labour has established the national "Hydrogen Strategy Group" composed of experts from industry and science as well as representatives of the relevant federal and state ministries. This strategy group has compiled its comprehensive report on research needs in the field of hydrogen energy technologies in January 2005. In the following the summary of the report is presented.Under the leadership of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Labour and in cooperation with the Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Housing and the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, the Hydrogen Strategy Group was instituted with the aim of defining a common goal for the national activities in the field of hydrogen technology and strengthening the German position and presence in international cooperations. The motivation for the commitment of all those involved and the driving force for the use of hydrogen in the energy sector are the following aspects:
Hydrogen – Energy Carrier of the Future
Hydrogen and the security of energy supply
Hydrogen can be produced from all (fossil, nuclear and renewable) sources of primary energy. This enables a more flexible adaptation of the energy mix to the situation of global resources.Hydrogen as a bridging technology
The transition phase to an energy economy based on hydrogen produced from renewable sources can be realized by fossil energy carriers and eventually CO2 disposal. In this case, hydrogen produced from conventional energy carriers can also provide efficiency advantages.Hydrogen and renewable energies
Hydrogen enables an enhanced integration of renewable energies into the future energy infrastructure. Hydrogen thus provides a contribution towards conserving depletable resources.Hydrogen and climate protection
Hydrogen technologies can reduce CO2 emissions while providing the same energy services. Moreover, the use of hydrogen is nearly emission-free at the users.Hydrogen and fuel cells
Hydrogen technology and fuel cells provide economic and ecological advantages independent of each other and can be combined to obtain particularly energy-efficient solutions.Hydrogen and competitiveness
Innovative hydrogen technologies open up globally new markets – technological leadership enhances the economic power and creates new jobs in German enterprises.Hydrogen in Germany
Germany's strength is the scientific and industrial know-how for the development and production of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. These competences are the basis for a pioneering role in intensive market
preparation.Hydrogen technology will thus play a significant part in a future energy economy. From the Strategy Group's point of view, there is a need for action in the following fields to attain technological leadership together with the European partners:
Need for action to attain H2 technology leadership
The research and development activities to increase competitiveness must be considerably intensified:
• improvement of hydrogen production processes, hydrogen storage and hydrogen infrastructure
• advancement of application technologies such as fuel cells and internal combustion engines
• cost reductions along the value-adding chain
• accompanying systems analysis and holistic assessment, e.g. for an efficient priority setting of R&D activitiesInitiative and lighthouse projects with the following goals must be implemented for market preparation:
• increasing the commitment by sharing the risks
• demonstrating technical feasibility
• evaluating practical experience
• increasing the acceptance in society by objective information dissemination
• enhancing national, European and international cooperation
• building up nuclei for a future hydrogen energy economyCreation of reliable boundary conditions for developers, producers and investors:
• definition of national targets and of a European roadmap
• rapid coordination and application of international regulations and laws
• binding statements on market introduction toolsIn order to maintain the actors in research, development and industry for hydrogen technology and know-how in Germany and to attract new actors, long-term and continuing policy support in the above areas is required from the Federal and state governments. This report serves to summarize the Federal Government's past funding policy in the field of hydrogen and fuel cell technology.
Download the full final report ("Draft" will be eliminated as soon as the report will be officially published in print by the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Labour).
MA
Linde: Cost is not a big obstacle to hydrogen car infrastructure
HyWeb, 2005-03-15: With a total value of about EUR 3.5 billion, the cost of developing a hydrogen infrastructure in Europe by the year 2020 is significantly lower than previously believed. That is the conclusion of a study of the economic feasibility of a hydrogen infrastructure presented in Berlin on 24 February by the Linde technology group as part of “International Hydrogen Day.”
“The results of this study are a clear signal to us,” declared Dr. Wolfgang Reitzle, President and CEO of Linde AG. “A transition to the hydrogen economy is feasible.“
The study describes a total of 12 different scenarios for the production and distribution of hydrogen for automobiles. The calculation of the infrastructure costs is based on some 6.1 million hydrogen cars throughout Europe by 2020, which would necessitate a network of about 2,800 filling stations. Based on Germany, the infrastructure to supply 1.9 million cars with hydrogen would cost EUR 870 million.
These costs are manageable compared to other investments in the overall infrastructure systems. The cost of the Trans-European Network for Transport (TEN-T) in the EU by 2020, for example, is estimated at EUR 220 billion.
The current Linde study provides for the infrastructure to be developed first in high-population areas of Europe in order to ensure the greatest possible market access. The necessary hydrogen production capacities and filling stations would be built up in stages so that step by step all of the major population centers of Europe would be included. The plan also provides for filling stations along the main connecting highways so that long-distance driving would also be supported. This would enable hydrogen access for approximately one third of the entire EU population or 120 million people.According to the study, centralized hydrogen production would be more economical than decentralized generation directly at the filling stations since in the latter case the investment costs would rise more sharply as the number of hydrogen vehicles increased.
The study also runs through a cash flow calculation for hydrogen producers and distributors in different EU countries in order to examine the economic feasibility of various models. The result: For potential investors, investments for the production and distribution of hydrogen can be calculated – with regional differences – within 10 to 15 years – a time period that is not unusual for projects of this magnitude.
Questions remain as far as the commitment of the European governments to building a hydrogen infrastructure. Linde CEO Reitzle: “A positive sign from the politicians would be important to give investors and consumers a sense of security. For example, a tax exemption for hydrogen until the year 2020 would be very beneficial to the success of the hydrogen infrastructure.”
Further information about the outcomes of the “International Hydrogen Day”, Berlin/Germany, February 24, 2005 through www.hydrogenday.com
PS
European Hydrogen Association starts new Phase and steps up Activities and Profile - Launch of new ambitious programme
DWV, 2005-03-15: During an Extraordinary Meeting in Brussels, the EHA decided to step up its activities and to launch an ambitious programme for the coming years. The association believes that hydrogen can address major societal issues like global warming, air quality and energy security, whilst enabling innovative products that are attractive to consumers. For the EHA it is important to promote hydrogen in front of policy makers, opinion leaders and the general public. From its Brussels base the association will develop new activities ranging from public awareness campaigns, communicating the benefits of hydrogen based energy systems to decision makers, coordinating activities with national hydrogen associations across Europe, and supporting the efforts of other European and international organisations in the field.To provide a strong foundation for these activities the EHA has agreed statutory changes to welcome new direct company membership and foster the development of a well-resourced organisation based on a new mission, clear and strong objectives. The first companies to join were: Air Liquide, Air Products, BOC, Norsk Hydro, EHN, and Shell Hydrogen. The EHA will take further action to broaden its membership base.
EHA's new mission is to foster the development of hydrogen technologies and their utilisation in industrial, commercial, and consumer applications and promote the role of hydrogen in the energy field in Europe. With this mission and the new membership structure, the EHA shifts the emphasis from research and development to accelerating deployment of hydrogen in Europe.
“I am extremely pleased for EHA and the national associations across Europe, including in Eastern Europe, with this new development in the EHA. It constitutes an important milestone in the life of our organisation”, said Lars Sjunnesson, Chairman of EHA. “With the support of leading companies, redefined statutes and objectives and new leadership, I am strongly convinced that the EHA will become in the near future a key voice for hydrogen related matters in Europe. Any new national association or company is welcome to join and take an active role within the organisation.”
For further information about EHA activities visit http://www.h2euro.org.
DWV
EU Commission Launches CARS 21 Initiative to boost competitiveness; most prominent technical challenge is the fuel cell
HyWeb, 2005-02-11: In a joint press conference Günter Verheugen, Vice-President of the Commission, and Bernd Pischetsrieder, President of ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers Association) and CEO of Volkswagen, launched a new initiative to boost the competitiveness of the European car industry. A high level group called “CARS 21” will be set up. The group's objective is to generate recommendations to improve the worldwide competitiveness of the European automotive industry. Commissioner Verheugen also announced his intention to make life easier for the industry by the simplification of the car type approval in the EU through the increasing application of United Nations rules.According to the press release of the European Commission of 13 January 2005, the EU automotive industry is facing a number of challenges:
- The EU automotive industry lags behind the US and Japan in terms of productivity. Labour productivity in the EU-15 is 25% lower than in the US and 30% lower than in Japan.
- Labour costs per hour worked in the EU-15 are comparable to those in the US, but more than 10% above those in Japan and almost three times as high as in Korea.
- There are major technological challenges ahead, most prominently the fuel cell. Competition and innovation will be key determinants for the viability and strength of Europe's automobile industry.
The European Competitiveness Report 2004, published in November 2004, provides an in-depth analysis of the automotive sector with regard to its competitiveness, challenges and future strategies. It can be found under: http://europa.eu.int/comm/enterprise/enterprise_policy/competitiveness/index.htm#ecr2004
MA
HFP: Annual Event open for registration
HyWeb, 2005-02-08: The European Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Technology Platform (HFP) is inviting all stakeholders to participate in its second Annual Event, which will take place in Brussels on 17 and 18 March 2005 at the European Commission, Charlemagne Building, Rue de la Loi 170, 1040 Brussels.For the first time in Brussels, the HFP will organise a prototype exhibition of innovative stationary applications and refuelling systems and demonstration of hydrogen fuel cell prototypes from the leading international car manufacturers, on 17 March at the AutoWorld Museum in Brussels for all the event participants from 4pm until 10pm.
Make sure you register for the Annual Event through the HFP website: www.HFPeurope.org (number of participants limited to 400).
MA
HFP: Technology Platform releases major reports on hydrogen and fuel cells
HyWeb, 2005-02-08: Throughout 2004, excellent progress has been made in developing the Strategic Research Agenda (SRA) and Deployment Strategy (DS) proposals of the European Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology Platform (HFP). Very many people have been involved in this effort, which was steered by the SRA and DS Steering Panels under the overall guidance of the Advisory Council of the HFP.Jeremy Bentham: "As Chairman of the Advisory Council, I’d like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who has been involved in generating, reviewing, and enriching this work. I am delighted to be able to report that the Advisory Council endorsed Foundation Reports for the SRA and DS at its meeting on December 16th. While development and refinement work will continue throughout 2005, these Foundation Reports provide a broadly supported body of knowledge, conclusions and recommendations. The foundation Reports are now available for review by members of the HFP community at https://www.hfpeurope.org/hfp/news."
MA
Volkswagen buys large number of fuel cell test stations from FuelCon
HyWeb, 2005-02-08: In December, FuelCon of Magdeburg, Germany, has received a repeat order for a large number of Evaluator® C600 fuel cell test stations from Volkswagen AG. These test stations will allow VW to test high power density PEM single cells, short stacks and complete stacks.MA
"The main purpose of the state project is to build our own capacity in competing with developed countries in tomorrow's auto industry."
Xu Jing, vice-director of the Ministry of Science and Technology High Technologies Department, in an interview with Xinhua News Agency on Wednesday, 22. December 2004 about the Chinese state research and development project on fuel cell and hybrid cars which has an equivalent value of more than US$ 100 million (see also here).
GHW is looking for new partner
HyWeb, 2005-01-25: GHW (Gesellschaft für Hochleistungselektrolyse zur Wasserstofferzeugung) is looking for a new partner to take over MTU shares in GHW. GHW is a German pressure electrolyser company that is equally owned by MTU Friedrichshafen GmbH and Norsk Hydro Electrolysers (NHEL) in Norway. The new partner shall match with NHEL, which is the world market leader for atmospheric electrolysers. MTU and NHEL are successfully developing the pressure module electrolyser, PME, which is an entirely new type of pressure electrolyser, mainly targeted for the MW power range. The company claims PME to be a next generation of electrolysers, having superior performance and low cost.
PS
Hydro-Québec donates CAN$ 3 million for hydrogen research
HyWeb, 2005-01-25: Canadian energy company Hydro-Québec donates CAN$ 3 million (approx. EUR 1.87 million) for hydrogen research of the Institut de recherche sur l’hydrogène – IRH at the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières. Nearly half of the amount is targeted for scholarships in the field. Furthermore, infrastructure as well as dissemination and outreach of the institute shall be supported.
PS
World record: H2 vehicle top speed over 300 km/h
HyWeb, 2005-01-25: BMW has set up 9 records for hydrogen-drive cars with combustion engine. The H2R Record Car comprises a six-litre 12 cylinder power unit developing an output of more than 210 kW. This accelerates the BMW prototype to 100 km/h in approximately 6 seconds and gives it a top speed of 302,4 km/h (185,52 mph). The hydrogen internal combustion engine is based on the gasoline power unit featured in the BMW 760i. The main modifications to the engine involve the fuel injection system adapted by BMW to the special features and requirements of hydrogen.
PS
World record II: 250 km with 1l gasoline equivalent
HyWeb, 2005-01-25: On its 3,000 km ride from Berlin to Barcelona the fuel cell vehicle HYSUN3000 used only 3.3 kg hydrogen (equivalent to 12 l gasoline) – World record! HYSUN3000 is a fully covered one-man recumbent tricycle equipped with a 1.2 kW Ballard fuel cell. It is powered by two motors made by Kasbauer, Austria. While braking the electric motors work as generators and charge a super capacitor that serves as additional energy source (hybrid system). At the bottom of the vehicle two hydrogen tanks are located which store up to 0.9 kg pressurized hydrogen each. The vehicle body is aerodynamisch optimized (air drag coefficient 0.15). HYSUN3000 weighs 120 kg (without hydrogen and rider) and reaches 80 km/h max speed. A team of 22 Ballard engineers worked over three years on this non-commercial project, assisted by further companies and institutes.
PS
China spends 100 million US$ for fuel cell and hybrid R&D
HyWeb, 2005-01-25: In the current R&D programme, the Chinese government has been investing Yuan 880 million (some US$ 100 million) into a state research and development project on fuel cell and hybrid cars. The programm also comprises the production of several prototype vehicles. The Ministry of Science and Technology is managing the programme.
The state project also aims at setting up national technical standards for the relevant automotive sectors. Six tryout centers have already been established in Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai and Dalian.
However, the main purpose is to build up Chinese know how in order to compete with developed countries in tomorrow's auto industry.
The technological progress in China in the field of fuel cell technology for automotive applications over the recent years is in fact astonishing.
PS
