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UK Gains “Common Voice” for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Industry
The new UK Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Association (UK HFCA) launched as the result of the merger of Fuel Cells UK and the UK Hydrogen Association. The new industry body will provide a common voice for the sector, advocating a positive social, political and economic environment for the development of hydrogen energy and fuel cells in the UK. With a membership comprising the leading fuel cell and hydrogen companies in the UK as well as a range of stakeholders, from energy utilities to component developers, fuel suppliers and others involved both directly and indirectly in the industry, the newly formed UK HFCA has greater influence over key public and private stakeholders to support hydrogen energy and fuel cell research.
Fuel Cells UK publishes Manifesto for the New Coalition Government
Fuel cells UK’s new manifesto highlights the key role which fuel cells and hydrogen could play in addressing the new Coalition Government’s priorities of addressing the economic downturn and national debt in the short term while simultaneously reducing greenhouse gases emissions and improving Britain’s energy security through into the medium to long term. Six key recommendations which will help stimulate the UK’s transition to a low-carbon economy are identified:
1. Extending support for fuel cells as part of the Feed-In Tariff scheme
2. Focusing support for commercial development
3. Providing ongoing demonstration support activity
4. Using Forward Commitment Procurement
5. Changing existing regulation
6. Introducing Enhanced Capital Allowances and tax breaks for the low-carbon industry
Adopting these measures will enhance fuel cells’ and hydrogen’s competitiveness and allow the market to stimulate further low-carbon technology development. Fuel Cells UK calls on the new Government to act promptly to ensure that this ‘window of opportunity’ for fuel cells and hydrogen is not closed before the benefits for our economy, climate and wider energy market can be realised.
Members
Next event
- 19 September
Progress MEA 2010 - 23 September
Emerging Support Strategies for Fuel Cells and Hydrogen - 27 September
F-Cell 2010 - 6 October
Fuel Cells Science and Technology 2010 - 17 November
H2 Expo 2010
Industry News
Fuel Cell Plug-in Hybrid Taxi Unveiled at London’s City Hall
Intelligent Energy, Lotus Engineering, LTI Vehicles and TRW Conekt unveiled a full performance, zero-emissions Fuel Cell Hybrid London taxi. The Fuel Cell Black Cab uses an Intelligent Energy fuel cell (30 kW net output) as a range extender for the 14 kWh lithium polymer battery pack, allowing the vehicle to operate for a full day without the need for refuelling. Later this year, Transport for London will start operating five hydrogen-fuel cell buses, and the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has committed to working with manufacturers to make all taxis operating in London zero tail-pipe emissions by 2020.
Nano4Energy 2010, 30th June, Birmingham
Nano4Energy 2010 is an annual update on new developments in nanotechnology with emphasis on those nearing or achieving commercialisation. In addition to a conference, exhibition and poster session, this one-day event will provide a one-to-one partnering service to help those seeking or selling technology to meet up. Two members of Fuel Cells UK - Acal Energy and the University of Birmigham, will be presenting on the day. Register before Friday 11th June to participate.
Energy and Environment in a Conservative and Lib-Dem Coalition
Following the appointment of David Cameron as a new Prime Minister and Nick Clegg as Deputy Prime Minister, the Queen has approved a number of ministerial appointments. Chris Huhne (Lib-Dem) has been appointed the new Energy Secretary. There is a speculation that as a result of the new appointment, the Department of Energy and Climate Change and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs will merge into a combined Department of Energy, Climate Change and the Environment. The Coalition is committed to maintaining banded Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs), as well as to establishing a feed-in tariff system. The parties have also agreed to create a green investment bank, provide a floor price for carbon, and to persuade the EU to move towards full auctioning of ETS permits. Approval for a third runway at Heathrow is expected to be withdrawn. Furthermore, the coalition has agreed to accelerate plans for high-speed rail links and the roll-out of smart grid technology.
Dr. J. Byron McCormick Joins ACAL Board of Directors
Dr. J. Byron McCormick has been recently appointed to Acal Energy Board of Directors. Byron, who has spent his last 25 years working in basic research, product development, manufacturing and operations in the automotive sector, has been a member of the U.S. Energy Department's Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technical Advisory Committee, as well as Executive Director of General Motors’ fuel cell car development. In Acal, Byron will work closely with the CEO and the technical team to assist in target setting, providing technical guidance and reviewing progress to ensure that technology development meets both near-term stationary power and longer-term automotive market needs.