A £2.2m Hydrogen Fuel Research Centre at the University of Glamorgan has been launched with the goal of demonstrating how hydrogen can be produced using 100 per cent renewable energy.
The centre – located at the Baglan Energy Park, South Wales – is one of the first of its kind and will produce hydrogen that will be used for fuel cell powered vehicles.
Hydrogen fuel cells have long been touted as a clean alternative to internal combustion engine, but the energy required to create the hydrogen typically means that the process results in some carbon emissions. In contrast, hydrogen that draws on renewable energy during the production process can attain genuine zero carbon status.
Jon Maddy, who helped set up the centre, said that Glamorgan was the ideal location for the facility. "Wales has an abundance of natural energy resources and this project will research and demonstrate the link between these renewables and the role of hydrogen energy," he said.
An alkali electrolyser will convert a combined solar photovoltaic input from panels on the roof and a simulated wind electrical input to produce a pure hydrogen product.
The hydrogen produced by the process will be compressed and stored, and then used to refuel fuel cells that power some of the university's buildings.
The centre will be used for exhibitions and lectures on hydrogen power and as a demonstration tool.
Companies and organisations with an interest in hydrogen are invited to join a sponsors scheme.
Wales becomes fifth Low Carbon Economic Area as the government unveils plans for electric and hydrogen vehicle refuelling network along the M4 corridor 12 Feb 2010
Aurica Motors launches campaign save 4,700 jobs by converting closing Toyota factory into electric car manufacturing plant 12 Mar 2010
Bill Gates argues we must completely decarbonise our energy supply, and reckons advanced nuclear technologies may have the answer 22 Feb 2010
Waste gas from chlorine plants promise to provide answer to hydrogen supply challenge 23 Jun 2009
Plans to develop world's first "Hydrogen Economy" bolstered by generous new incentives 25 Aug 2009
Desert tortoise fears allayed? 19 Mar 2010
Cameron presents pre-election energy policy, promising greater investment certainty for low-carbon projects, green loans for households, and streamlining of planning system 19 Mar 2010
Joint statement from carbon exchange and Hungarian government aims to restore confidence in CER market 19 Mar 2010
More news
From climate change contrarians to the "KitKatastrophe" of Nestle's palm oil policy, we look at the best the green web has to offer this week 19 Mar 2010
"It needs the political enthusiasm that was behind the war on terror after 9/11" 19 Mar 2010
From the government's plans for a marine energy revolution to John Lewis' proposals for an off-grid supermarket 19 Mar 2010 More in-depth
Post your comment
Send an email to the Business Green editor at feedback@businessgreen.com
