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The onlinewsletter of Ludwig-Bölkow-Systemtechnik GmbH (LBST) and the German Hydrogen Association
(DWV) · 3rd Quarter 2007
· 11th Year
ã Ludwig-Bölkow-Systemtechnik GmbH
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"The Fuel Cell Activities (FCA) research division with over 600 employees is currently being integrated into regular series development, giving it key importance within the concern. We are thus preparing for the series production of fuel cell technology."
Carl-Peter Forster, President of GM Europe, Press Release, 3rd September 2007
New at H2Stations.org since 12 July 2007:
• Newly planned: Arnhem/Netherlands
• New entries: Skaramanga (Greece), South Windsor, Wallingford (CT, USA), Pico Truncado (Argentina)
• Entered into operation: Jamestown (Florida, USA), Selfridge (Michigan, USA), Minot (North Dakota, USA), Antwerpen (Belgium), Brussels (Belgium)Currently there are 290 entries in the database.
Link: www.H2Stations.org
PS
hydrogen.tech 2007 – 200 Years Hydrogen Vehicles
HyWeb, 2007-09-20: HyWeb, 2007-09-19: This year's hydrogen.tech conference is taking place on the backdrop of 200 years of hydrogen vehicles.Looking back, Swiss inventor François Isaac de Rivaz was granted a pantent and started building a demonstrator hydrogen vehicle as early as 1807. A test drive with the approximately 1 tonne Rivaz vehicle was successfully conducted in 1813 over a distance of some 100 meters with 25 ignitions in series (all hand triggered).
Image: Rivaz hydrogen vehicle (H2mobility.org / LBST)Looking forward, hydrogen.tech 2007 will cover the latest progress on hydrogen technology. The conference will take place on 4-5 December in Munich, Germany. Organiser is TÜV SÜD in cooperation with Ludwig-Bölkow-Systemtechnik. Conference language is German with some presentations being held in English. Simultaneous translation will be provided.
Link: www.akd.tuev-sued.de
PS
DaimlerChrysler: Small-scale series production of B-Class F-Cell from 2010
HyWeb, 2007-09-20: Small-scale series production of the B-Class F-Cell will begin in early 2010, DaimlerChrysler said at the Frankfurt car show (IAA) as reported by news agent Reuters. DaimlerChrysler has not yet decided about how the cars will be provided to customers, probably on a lease basis. Costs of these cars will still significantly outstrip those of conventional ones, said Thomas Weber, the group's research head and development chief at Mercedes.
Image: DaimlerChryslerPS
Air Products and HyGear co-operate on small-scale steam methane reformer
HyWeb, 2007-09-20: Air Products and HyGear have signed a co-operation agreement, which includes the sales and marketing of HyGear’s mini Steam Methane Reforming technology (5-10 Nm³/h) into various application areas including hydrogen fuelling stations. The first application under the Air Products / HyGear agreement is a fuelling station in Toulouse, France by the end of 2007. This station is to be built as part of the AltHyTude project, led by Gaz de France. The contract covers a phased deployment of HyGear’s products by Air Products at customers’ sites.PS
Europe: HyPath to develop roadmap for hydrogen buses
HyWeb, 2007-09-20: The European project HyFLEET:CUTE announces the commencement of a year long process to develop a detailed roadmap for the commercialisation of hydrogen powered buses named “HyPath”. More than 300 of Europe's most senior decision makers will be personally invited to collaborate with other government, industry, customer and the Community members in developing this roadmap. HyPath shall guide specific actions in the post HyFLEET:CUTE time – i.e. from 2009 – in the context of a European Joint Technology Initiative (JTI) on Fuel Cells and Hydrogen and other national programs. For more information on the roadmap process and to register interest in participating:http://www.global-hydrogen-bus-platform.com/hypath1/
PS
USA: Fuel cell buses to be deployed In Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York
HyWeb, 2007-09-19: The US Northeast Advanced Vehicle Consortium (NAVC) announced the start of six new projects with the signing of contracts with the Federal Transit Administration as part of the National Fuel Cell Bus Program. This program is dedicated to consolidate and accelerate the process of making hydrogen buses commercially feasible as cleaner, more energy-efficient alternatives.The new projects under contract with NAVC are:
- Nuvera Fuel Cells will design a fuel cell power module for integration into one 40 foot, hydrogen powered bus and one natural gas based hydrogen refueling station for installation at the Logan International Airport in Boston Massachusetts. Total project volume is US$ 9,750,000.
- UTC Power will develop four fuel cell-powered hybrid electric buses using the most advanced technology from UTC Power and test them with partner CTTRANSIT. The buses also will be tested with other transit agencies in diverse areas across the nation as the program evolves over four years. Total project volume is US$ 16,710,000.
- GE will apply experience in controls development and optimization to existing hybrid technologies to bring higher efficiencies and lower costs to fuel cell bus propulsion systems. A new advanced lithium ion battery from A-123 will be demonstrated as part of the program as well as a lightweight bus body and fuel cell technology. Total project volume is US$ 13,390,000.
- The New York Power Authority (NYPA) will be the lead on the program, providing cost share, which includes a large hydrogen infrastructure program. NFTA will operate two fuel cell buses from New Flyer using Ballard and ISE’s most advanced technology in transit service at Niagara Falls. This program will utilize renewable hydropower from the NYPA owned Niagara Power Project to generate hydrogen through electrolysis for a true zero emission bus project. Total project volume is US$ 12,440,000.
- NAVC will continue to staff the FTA National Fuel Cell Working Group and the International Fuel Cell Bus Committees for US$ 900,000 for four years.
PS
BMW Hydrogen 7 closest to space a car can get
HyWeb, 2007-09-18: Beginning of August this year, BMW of North America and NASA announced the successful completion of an eight-week test period of the BMW Hydrogen 7. The test period, which was initiated under a Space Act Agreement between NASA and BMW, underscores the organizations' shared commitment to advancing hydrogen technologies and to exploring innovative transportation concepts and alternative energy sources. During the test period, NASA personnel had full access to the fleet of BMW Hydrogen 7s, which run on a form of liquid hydrogen similar to what NASA uses in its shuttles. Hence, the vehicles were conveniently refueled using the space center's liquid hydrogen fueling supply located on the space center's premises.
Image: BMW
One hundred BMW Hydrogen 7s have been built, and 25 are used in test programs in the US. The cars have already covered more than 1.3 million miles in test programs around the globe. BMW is currently the only car manufacturer using hydrogen stored in its liquid state.
PS
Germany: Linde starts operation of new hydrogen liquefier in Leuna
HyWeb, 2007-09-18: Beginning of September, Linde officially started operations at their second hydrogen liquefaction plant at the chemical site in Leuna, Germany. The investment volume for the liquefier is reportedly more than EUR 20 million. Until then, Germany's only hydrogen liquefier until now was in Ingolstadt, which is also run by Linde. Both liquefiers have a production capacity of some 3,000 litres of LH2 per hour each (equivalent to ~5t of LH2 per day). The feed gas is supplied via a pipeline from the neighbouring hydrogen production plant, is liquefied and trucked to customers by LH2 container vehicles.
Image: LindeThe company aims to satisfy the fuel demand of hydrogen-powered vehicles with sustainable production methods in the near future.
PS
Fuel cell to turn paint fumes to energy at Ford auto manufacturing plant
HyWeb, 2007-09-03: Ford Motor Co. will purchase a DFC300MA fuel cell of FuelCell Energy Inc. for its Oakville, Ontario, facility to reduce paint solvents emanating from automotive painting operations by turning fumes from those compounds into electricity. From Ford's Oakville painting process emanates enough volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to power the 300 kW fuel cell unit. Paint fumes were previously vented into the atmosphere. The system will be designed to switch over to another fuel source automatically if necessary.The fuel cell power plant is being funded by Industry Canada, and the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade to assist in deploying alternative energy sources. The unit deployment in Oakville will be supported through the combined efforts of FuelCell Energy and its distribution partner, Enbridge. Installation and integration of the power plant with Ford's manufacturing facility will be managed by Arencibia Associates.
The fuel cell power plant is expected to be started up early in 2008 and over time, Ford and Detroit Edison, which jointly own the rights to the paint fume clean up and separation technology, could roll the system out to Ford's other plants, or license it to other manufacturers whose operations include similar uses of paint compounds.
PS
HyCentA: Green hydrogen from Graz/Austria and 2nd Austrian Hydrogen Conference
HyWeb, 2007-08-29: In order to provide a basis for Austrian research and development in the field of hydrogen technology and to allow for international cooperation the Hydrogen Center Austria (HyCentA) was founded by Austrian partners in 2005 on the premises of the Technical University of Graz in Austria. Beside test rigs, up to date sensor systems and supplies of technical gases, such as nitrogen, helium, liquid and gaseous hydrogen at up to 1.6 MPa, there is at place a dispenser for liquid as well as gaseous hydrogen at up to 40 MPa.October this year, “the green hydrogen filling station of the future” will become operational at HyCentA. Project leader for implementation is Joanneum Research Forschungsgesellschaft in cooperation with industrial partners. Green hydrogen will be produced locally via water electrolysis with green electricity. The by-products oxygen and heat will be further utilised alike.
Image: HyCentA Research GmbH
Another activity this year is the 2nd Austrian Hydrogen Conference which Joanneum Research organises in cooperation with HyCentA to take place 26-27 September 2007 in Graz, Austria. Main conference topics are the potential of hydrogen as transport fuel, new developments in the field of hydrogen and hydrogen filling stations and the production of green hydrogen from renewable energies.
Links:
www.joanneum.at/ief/wasserstoff
www.hycenta.tugraz.at
www.H2stations.orgPS
Canada: 20 hydrogen buses for Winter Olympics 2010 in Whistler
HyWeb, 2007-08-20: British Columbia’s public transport agency, BC Transit, has awarded a CAN$ 46.4 million contract to build a fleet of 20 hydrogen fuel cell buses. New Flyer Industries of Winnipeg will be the manufacturer of the 20 buses, with delivery by the end of 2009. One pre-production bus is due to be validated 2008 in Victoria. The low-floor buses will have a range of 500 km, a top speed of 90 km per hour and a life expectancy of 20 years. The three main sub-contractors on this bus fleet project are ISE Corporation of San Diego/USA, which is responsible for the hybrid drive system; Ballard Power Systems of Burnaby/CAN, which will provide the fuel cell modules; and Dynetek Industries of Calgary/CAN, which will work on the hydrogen storage system.In November 2006, the Province dedicated an initial CAN$ 10 million for development of the hydrogen fuel cell bus concept. The federal Public Transit Capital Trust fund committed CAN$ 45 million to the fuel cell bus fleet and accompanying hydrogen fuelling stations. BC Transit will cover the remaining $34 million of the overall funding for the day-to-day operations of this new bus fleet for a period of up to five years.
When operational in late 2009, the new fleet will initially be based in Whistler and will be a very visible part of public transportation during the 2010 Winter Olympics.
PS
Samsung demonstrates fuel cell docking station for laptops
HyWeb, 2007-08-17: Samsung has demonstrated a docking station incorporating a 1,200 watt-hour fuel cell for laptop computers. When powered by this fuel cell Samsung Sense Q35 notebook may work up to one month without recharging assuming the laptop operates for eight hours a day and five days a week.End of 2005, Samsung unveiled a prototype of a fuel cell which can operate a laptop for 15 hours with around 100 cc of fuel. Samsung will spearhead efforts to introduce fuel cells into the market by the end of next year, when all safety standards are established.
PS
Germany: Südzucker and Fraunhofer Institutes to cooperate on bioethanol fuel cell development
HyWeb, 2007-08-17: CropEnergies AG from Mannheim/Germany – the research and development department of Südzucker AG – and several institutes of the Fraunhofer-Society will cooperate to promote the usage of bioethanol in fuel cells for power supply and heating. The joint research undertaking targets the use of bioethanol fuel cells for portable appliances, such as mobile phones, auxiliary power units for trucks, busses or automobiles, and leisure/camping appliances as well as their use in the stationary sector as combined heat and power plants.CropEnergies is a major European bioethanol producer. Groups involved from the Fraunhofer Society are the Fraunhofer-Team Direct-Ethanol-Fuel-Cell, the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems (IKTS).
PS
India: Future of joint Reva/Indian Oil Corporation undertaking unclear
HyWeb, 2007-08-17: According to the Indian newspaper “The Hindu”, Fuel Cell Car – a joint project of Reva Electric Car Company and Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) – is not taking off. A Letter of Intent signed by the two parties two years ago expired this June without being taken forward by IOC.As per the statement of intent, two fuel cell hydrogen vehicles were expected to be developed for a pilot project initiated by IOC with the objective of developing the use of hydrogen energy in the country. IOC was also expected to create the hydrogen infrastructure required for the demonstration project.
IOC had drawn up a roadmap for taking up hydrogen production, storage and distribution. Both companies had agreed to make an initial investment of between Rs 10 crore and Rs 15 crore to develop the fuel cell powered cars that were expected to be launched by 2010. Sources said IOC may not have found the project viable.
PS
Argentine Patagonia: Southernmost hydrogen refilling station operational
HyWeb, 2007-08-17: In March 2007 the Pico Truncado Hydrogen Demonstration Plant started operation. Pico Truncado is situated in Argentine Patagonia in the Province of Santa Cruz.
Image: H2TruncadoAs it stands, the Pico Truncado Hydrogen Demonstration Plant is the southernmost hydrogen refilling station to dedicatedly provide transportation fuel. The demonstration project is to prove the reliability of hydrogen in everyday motor vehicle operation. The hydrogen is produced by water electrolysis and is transported via pipelines to compressor where it is compressed to 20 MPa (200 bar). One dispenser is at place to supply compressed gas hydrogen. The electricity comes from a nearby wind park with an installed capacity of several megawatt of wind power.
Links:
www.H2stations.org/overview/fillingdata/filling290.html
www.H2Truncado.com.arPS
Iceland advancing on its way into a renewable hydrogen future with SMART-H2
HyWeb, 2007-08-10: For three years the Mercedes-Benz fuel cell buses introduced in 2003 and the hydrogen refuelling station have operated reliably and safely. The hydrogen refuelling station has delivered over 20 tons of hydrogen, mostly to the buses but also for other hydrogen activities. The learning from the operation has been of high value to all partners who now consider it’s time to diversify and plan for pre-commercial activities.VistOrka – majority shareholder of project holder Icelandic New Energy – has allocated at least $US 3.5 million to take the next steps into a hydrogen future in Iceland which shall be entirely based on renewable energy. The SMART-H2 (Sustainable Marine and Road Transport – Hydrogen in Iceland) is a supported market introduction in mixed customer niches. SMART-H2 involves hydrogen cars, operation of a fitted auxiliary power unit (APU) fuel cell system on board a boat, further development of hydrogen distribution, as well as research. The implementation phase will start in July 2007 and is scheduled to last until 2010. Icelandic as well as international partners participate in SMART-H2. Icelandic partners in VistOrka are public companies showing the commitment of the Icelandic community to hydrogen development.
Mid July 2007, Quantum announced that it has been awarded a contract to supply ten hydrogen hybrid Priuses for the SMART-H2 project. Customers will buy or lease these hydrogen vehicles from VistOrka, who will also provide technical support. The first customers will be energy companies, investment funds, and Hertz car rental service. SMART-H2 will be expanded in the next phase of the project with additional hydrogen vehicles introduced in 2008-2009.
An auxiliary power unit will be installed on a whale watching vessel that can carry up to 150 passengers and which operates from Reykjavik. It comprises a 10-15 kW hybrid fuel cell system. Hydrogen is stored onboard in pressure gas vessels. A showroom onboard will display the concept of SMART-H2 and the hydrogen economy in Iceland.
Performance data of the equipment will be collected and used in research and supportive studies which take up a large part of the SMART-H2. Research institutes, universities, Master and PhD students have been appointed in order to follow up the outcomes, not the least on economic terms.
Contact:
VistOrka, Hjalti Páll Ingólfsson, hpi@newenergy.is
Icelandic New Energy Ltd., Jón Björn Skúlason, skulason@newenergy.isPS
German State Energy Agency lists hydrogen and fuel cell products
HyWeb, 2007-08-08: Hydrogen and fuel cell technology has significantly advanced and is entering markets in many sectors. A respectable number of products is in fact already available in the market. The Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Network of the German State Northrhine Westphalia has now published an overview of hydrogen and fuel cell products similar to the NHA/US product database (see HyWeb article 3rd quarter 2007). Information about more than 40 products and components of 11 companies are currently available from www.brennstoffzelle-nrw.de in English and German (see menu item “Fuel Cell Products). All of them are considered “serial products”, no prototypes. Those who would like to have their products or components listed may contact Dr. Thomas Kattenstein of the NRW Energy Agency (kattenstein@energieagentur.nrw.de).PS
Honda presents FCX Concept in Gotland / Youngest fuel cell vehicle driver receives FCX
HyWeb, 2007-07-26: Honda's next-generation FCX Concept fuel cell vehicle made its European driving debut at the Gotland Ring in Sweden June 25, 2007. The FCX Concept is a key stage in Honda's development of fuel cell technology and will be the basis for a totally new fuel cell vehicle which the company is currently developing. Limited marketing of this new vehicle is on target to begin in 2008 in Japan and the US.
Image: HondaHonda claims a vehicle energy efficiency of around 60%, 10% better than the current FCX. In previous Honda fuel cell stacks the hydrogen and the water formed in electricity generation flowed horizontally. The Honda FCX Concept features a vertical-flow design. This allows gravity to assist in discharging the water that is produced, resulting in a major improvement in water drainage which is key to high-efficiency fuel stack performance.
New vertical stack layout where hydrogen and water flow vertically (left) versus old one (right). Images: HondaThe new fuel cell stack is 20% smaller and 30% lighter than the current FCX fuel cell stack, yet its power output is 14 kW greater. The drive motor has been positioned coaxially with the gearbox for a more compact design, with output increased by 15 kW. Overall, the power plant is about 180 kg lighter than that of the current FCX and about 40% smaller in volume. Low-temperature startup has also been significantly improved with the FCX Concept, enabling cold-weather starts at temperatures as low as minus 30°C, which is 10°C lower than the current FCX. As an auxiliary power source, the FCX Concept carries a compact, high-efficiency lithium ion battery. The cabin also includes seat upholstery and door linings made from Honda Bio-Fabric, a durable plant-based material.
Specifications of Honda FCX Concept
Number of passengers
4
Motor
Max. Output
95 kW
Max. Torque
256 Nm (188.8 lb-ft.)
Type
Honda AC synchronous motor
Fuel cell stack
Type
Honda PEM fuel cell
Output
100 kW
Fuel
Type
Compressed hydrogen
Storage
High-pressure hydrogen tank (350 bar = 35 MPa)
Tank Capacity
171 litres
Dimensions (L×W×H)
4,760 × 1,865 × 1,445 mm
(187.4 × 73.4 × 56.9 inches)Top speed
160 km/h (100 mph)
Energy storage
Lithium Ion battery
Vehicle range
570 km (354 miles)
Honda calculation based on LA4 driving cycle
In March 2007, 17-year-old Hollywood actress Q’orianka Kilcher was handed over a Honda FCX on a lease-basis. She has become the youngest fuel cell vehicle user so far. Meanwhile, more fuel cell vehicle manufacturers have targeted celebrities to promote hydrogen vehicles.
Image: HondaPS
First Chinese hydrogen internal combustion engine ignited
HyWeb, 2007-07-23: China's first independently developed high efficiency and low discharge hydrogen engine was successful ignited in Chongqing, by ChangAn Auto Co. Ltd on 18 June 2007 as reported by People's Daily Online. Research of the hydrogen engine started in 2005 at ChangAn. It was developed under the national "863" plan.PS
Image: BPA"[…] we will ask our governments to foster a large number of possible measures and various instruments that can clearly reduce energy demand and CO2 emissions in the transport sector, including inter alia innovative engine concepts, alternative fuels, city planning measures, public transport, best possible inter-linkage of transport methods, increase the share of alternative fuels and energy carriers (biofuels, hydrogen, LPG/CNG, electricity, hybrid, etc.) in total fuel consumption; fuel diversification, for example synthetic and cellulosic biofuels and CO2-free hydrogen, particularly in combination with the fuel cell, will be decisive in reducing transport CO2 emissions […]"
G8 Declaration, Paragraph no. 68 on Transportation, 7 June 2007
New at H2Stations.org since 22 March 2007:
· Amsterdam Noord (Netherlands)
· Ottawa, Kapuskasing (Canada)
· Germany: Hamburg Alster, Hamburg Köhlbrand, Hamburg Airport, Düsseldorf Fair, Stuttgart Airport, Munich Detmoldstrasse
· Porsgrunn (Norway)
· Scotland
· Turkey
· USA: Las Vegas (Nevada), Des Plaines (Illinois), Oviedo (Florida), Topton, Hopewell (East Coast)Link: www.H2Stations.org
PS
Mark your calendar: hydrogen.tech 2007 – 200 Years Hydrogen Vehicles
HyWeb, 2007-07-12: The 2nd hydrogen.tech conference is organised under the impression of 200 years of hydrogen auto mobility. Despite this, main topic of hydrogen.tech 2007 will again be recent advances in the field. The conference will take place from 4-5 December in Munich, Germany. It is organised by international certifier TUeV SUeD in co-operation with Munich-based strategy and technology consultant Ludwig-Bölkow-Systemtechnik.
Contact: Ute Alius, ute.alius@tuev-sued.de, Tel. +49 (0)89 5791-1647
PS
"Très chic" – The Canadian Hydrogen Installation Code (CHIC)
HyWeb, 2007-07-11: A new Hydrogen Installation Code defining in a comprehensive document the installation requirements of different types of hydrogen installations has been published in Canada. Before, hydrogen installations could only be put in place following approval by the competent authority under an exemption procedure, a tedious process both for the owner of the hydrogen installation and the regulatory authority. The need for such a code had been recognised from the outset by the Governments of Canada and Québec, which both sponsored the development of the new code.
With the Code in place, it is expected that it will further facilitate the commercialisation of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies as well as help build consumer confidence in the use of hydrogen. As an example, the CHIC defines the installations requirements of hydrogen refilling stations that dispense gaseous hydrogen, whether the hydrogen is produced on site by water electrolysis or natural gas reforming or delivered by truck in a liquid or a gaseous form. It also provides the guidelines for the installation of fuel cells and internal combustion engines that provide emergency or back-up power to commercial buildings and residential homes.
Published by the Bureau de normalisation du Québec (BNQ) as a National Standard of Canada, the Canadian Hydrogen Installation Code (CHIC) [CAN/BNQ 1784-000] was prepared by a technical committee chaired by Randy Dey of CCS. The Code has been approved by the Interprovincial Gas Advisory Council (IGAC), which represents 14 regulatory authorities across Canada from the federal, provincial and territorial regions.
Contact: bnqinfo@bnq.qc.ca
PS
GM en route to commercialisation of fuel cell vehicles
HyWeb, 2007-07-09: General Motors (GM) is moving more than 500 fuel cell experts from advanced development laboratories to core engineering functions to prepare this technology for future production. Thereof, more than 400 fuel cell engineers will report to GM's Powertrain Group to begin production engineering of fuel cell systems. Another 100 will transfer to GM's Global Product Development organisation to start integrating fuel cells into future company vehicles. Finally, more than 150 fuel cell scientists and program support will remain as part of GM's Research and Development centre to continue advanced research in hydrogen storage, fuel cells and program commercialisation.The next step is likely to be the announcement of supplier contracts for fuel cell membranes, Burns said in an interview with the Free Press.
Later this year, the Chevrolet Equinox fuel cell vehicle will be launched as part of Project Driveway. This will place more than 100 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles with consumers in New York, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles. More fuel cell vehicles are to come with GM intending to be ready producing some 1,000 fuel cell vehicles by 2010 and some 100,000 vehicles by 2015 respectively according to Larry Burns.
Chevrolet Equinox (Image: H2mobility.org / GM)The latest addition to GM's range of fuel cell vehicles is the HydroGen4 which will début at the Frankfurt auto show in fall 2007. The GM HydroGen4 is the European version of the company's Chevrolet Equinox.
GM's Sequel recently went into the record books as the first electrically-driven fuel cell vehicle to achieve more than 300 miles on one tank of hydrogen, in and out of traffic on public roads. This was publicly demonstrated in a drive from GM's Honeoye Falls facility (near Rochester) to Westchester County (near New York).
GM Sequel (Image: H2mobility.org / GM)According to news ticker Adfero, in a podcast released by the GM recently product chief Bob Lutz announced General Motors is to switch emphasis, with fuel-efficient vehicles now coming out on top. As a result, vehicles such as the Cadillac Sixteen have been sacrificed, and resources redirected towards the development of more fuel-efficient vehicles as well as alternatives such as hydrogen fuel cell and hybrid-electric vehicles.
Link: Video "GM Sequel 300 Miles" [YouTube]
PS
Germany: National Innovation Programme Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology publishes work plan
HyWeb, 2007-07-10: Since the first announcement of the National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Innovation Programme (NIP) in March 2006 much has happened. Just recently the current version 2.1 of the "National Development Plan", working plan of the NIP, has been published. It is available in German and English.The NIP has a duration of 10 years (2006-2016) and is equipped with 500 Mio Euros funding volume of which 5 Mio Euros will be provided in 2006, 39 Mio Euros in 2007 and 40 Mio Euros each in 2008 and 2009. For the period 2010-2016, 351 Mio Euros will be provided within the scope of the "Hightech-Strategy Germany".
NIP's work plan foresees the following investments:
Application
Million EUR
(2007-2015)Percentage
[%]Percentage
[%]Transport
R&D
658
57
54
Demonstration
478
42
Cross-section
8
1
Transport total
1.144
100
Domestic energy
R&D
361
72
24
Demonstration
141
28
Domestic energy total
502
100
Industry
R&D
80
32
12
Demonstration
170
68
Industry total
250
100
Special Markets
R&D
69
31
10
Demonstration
152
69
Special markets total
221
100
Total
R&D
1.168
55
100
Demonstration
949
45
Grand total
2.117
100
Overall coordination of the NIP lies with a state-run programme company NOW (Nationale Organisation Wasserstoff- und Brennstoffzellentechnologie GmbH), which is currently in foundation. Two associations will share the task of content implementation and organisation of the NIP. NOW will be responsible for the assessment and selection of demonstration projects, while the PTJ (Projektträger Jülich) will be the contact for plans regarding research and development. Control over content-related issues of the National Innovation Programme is carried out by the coordination group of the Strategy Council (Strategierat) which acts as NOW's advisory council.
Link: National Development Plan Version 2.1 as of April 30th, 2007 [Englisch | Deutsch]PS/SG
Proton Power Systems relocates to prepare ground for volume ramp-up
HyWeb, 2007-07-09: Proton Power Systems plc, through its subsidiary Proton Motor Fuel Cell GmbH, an expert in industrial fuel cells, fuel cells and fuel cell electric hybrid systems, announced its relocation to new company headquarters in Puchheim, near Munich, Germany. The former five, separately located, sites in Starnberg (some 20 km off Munich) had become too small for the company and unable to accommodate further expansion. The new site, which can accommodate around 100 staff, will house the company's administration, research, development, production and test departments, with further potential for expansion as required. The move to new facilities will enable Proton Motor to scale business and enter into volume and automated production which is seen a key requirement for cost-effective production of commercial fuel cell components and systems.
Images: Proton MotorPS
NHA launches online hydrogen and fuel cell product catalog
HyWeb, 2007-07-06: The US National Hydrogen Association has launched an online hydrogen and fuel cell product catalog. The catalog can be searched by manufacturer, application type, product name and category. Currently, the catalog lists 36 products. Companies can add their products free-of-charge to the list.Links:
:: Search: www.hydrogenassociation.org/general/productsSearch.asp
:: Add: www.hydrogenassociation.org/general/productsAdd.aspPS
British Columbia and Scandinavian Hydrogen Highways to collaborate
HyWeb, 2007-07-04: British Columbia's Hydrogen Highway (BC Hydrogen Highway) and the Scandinavian Hydrogen Highway Partnership (SHHP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding formalising their intent to collaborate on development of "hydrogen highways" in the two regions based on meetings at the 2007 Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Conference and Trade Show in Vancouver beginning of May 2007. The objectives of this partnership include:
- supporting the development of codes and standards that encourage the introduction of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies;
- sharing lessons learnt and best practices related to hydrogen station installations and vehicle operations;
- coordinating product specifications;
- increasing public awareness and encouraging collaboration in the application of new hydrogen and fuel cell products.
The Memorandum of Understanding links the participants of the two projects in jointly addressing the common barriers to commercial deployment of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.
Links:
www.scandinavianhydrogen.org
www.hydrogenhighway.caPS
Belgium: First steps in hydrogen for transport
HyWeb, 2007-07-02: Belgium has its first hydrogen bus, refuelling station and car running in Brussels and Antwerp respectively.
Image: VanHoolSince June 18, 2007, passengers between Lier and Antwerp can take a hydrogen fuel cell hybrid bus. Belgium bus manufacturer VanHool together with six partners built the bus. A demonstration period of six month is foreseen during which the fuel cell bus will do regular public transportation service.
Image: TotalOn June 12, 2007 Total installed the first hydrogen fuel dispenser at the Anderlecht service station in Brussels, Belgium. The new facilities at Anderlecht are a temporary arrangement pending the opening of a purpose-built facility in the Brussels area. At the station, the hydrogen is stored and distributed in liquid form to service BMW hydrogen vehicles. The final service station will be equipped to supply both hydrogen in liquid form but also in gaseous form for buses and other vehicles. See H2stations.org for more details.
From left to right: European Commissioners Andris Piebalgs, Günther Verheugen and BMW board member Ernst Baumann (image courtesy of BMW)The Brussels hydrogen refuelling station is part of a project by Total, BMW and Linde. BMW has further advanced its hydrogen powered version of the conventional 7'series model, dubbed "Hydrogen 7". The hydrogen is stored on board in liquid form and used in a modified internal combustion engine. Currently, BMW is offering a first batch of 100 hydrogen cars to selected prominent customers. In Belgium, a Hydrogen 7 was handed over to the European Commissioners Andris Piebalgs and Günther Verheugen beginning of May this year.
PS
Kick-off German micro fuel cell programme
HyWeb, 2007-07-02: During a kick-off event on 15 June 2007 in Munich the door to Europe's greatest promotion project for micro fuel cells was opened. About EUR 18 million are being provided by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research.Nine joint projects are promoted in the programme "Leitinnovation Brennstoffzelle": myPower (100W direct methanol fuel cell system), BZ-Battext (fuel cell system as a battery extender), DDMFC (steam-powered direct methanol fuel cell), I2 BRENN (micro fuel cell cascade with integrated hydrogen storage), MIMEMIZ (methanol micro-reformer and high temperature PEM), MicroPower (methanol micro-reformer and high temperature PEM), ZiLuZell (zink/air micro fuel cell), mobile and portable fuel cells (improvement of periphery components as well as systems integration) and PemGen (PEM fuel cells with hydrogen micro-generator).
All projects have in common that they are targeted on industrially realisable products and are designed as complete systems which consist of storage, energy converter and control respectively periphery.
Link (German only): www.mikrobrennstoffzellenzukunft.de
PS/SG
European Parliament adopts Declaration on Green Hydrogen Economy
HyWeb, 2007-07-02: The European Parliament adopted a written declaration on establishing a green hydrogen economy and a third industrial revolution in Europe through a partnership with committed regions and cities, SMEs and civil society organisations with 420 Members of the European Parliament signing the declaration. At the beginning of the session in Strasbourg the President of the European Parliament Hans-Gert Pöttering announced, that with more than half of all MEPs signing the declaration it had been adopted. The written declaration calls upon the EU Institutions to:
- pursue a 20% increase in energy efficiency by 2020,
- reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2020 (compared to 1990 levels),
- produce 33% of electricity and 25% of overall energy from renewable energy sources by 2020,
- institute hydrogen fuel cell storage technology, and other storage technologies, for portable, stationary and transport uses and establish a decentralised bottom-up hydrogen infrastructure by 2025 in all EU Member States,
- make power grids smart and independent by 2025 so that regions, cities, SMEs and citizens can produce and share energy in accordance with the same open-access principles as apply to the internet now.
Global warming and costs of fossil fuels, say MEPs, are increasing and having regard to the debate launched by the European Parliament and the Commission on the future of energy policy and climate change. A post-fossil fuel and post-nuclear energy vision should be the next important project of the European Union.
The declaration says the five key factors for energy independence are: maximising energy efficiency, reducing global-warming gas emissions, optimising the commercial introduction of renewable energies, establishing hydrogen fuel-cell technology to store renewable energies and creating smart power grids to distribute energy.
Download: MEP Declaration on Green Hydrogen Economy
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Interesting Websites www.H2Mobility.org
All hydrogen/fuel cell vehicles, trains, ships, aircrafts, ...www.H2Stations.org
All hydrogen filling stations world-widewww.Infotools.HFPeurope.org
Database information tools on hydrogen and fuel cell projects, centres of excellence, introductory information on energy, hydrogen and fuel cellswww.H2Data.de
Fact sheet on hydrogenwww.EnergyShortage.com
Information and facts about fossil energy resources
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