The developer and manufacturer of hydrogen generation and fuel cell products, announced that the company is a contributor and supporter of a new study on transportation in Europe. As part of a consortium of thirty organizations, Hydrogenics Corp., along with other global automobile companies, major oil and gas, an NGO, and two government organizations released a study in Brussels in November which concludes that a combination of engines – battery, fuel cell and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles – is needed with hydrogen fuel as a critical contributor.
A portfolio of power-trains for Europe: A fact-based analysis compares the economics, sustainability and performance of four different types of vehicles in helping achieve the overall 80% decarbonization goal by 2050.
The study, A portfolio of power-trains for Europe: a fact-based analysis compares the economics, sustainability and performance of four different types of vehicles in helping achieve the overall 80% decarbonization goal by 2050 set by the European Union and the G8 leaders in September 2009.
“If there has ever been any doubt about the future role of hydrogen in our energy systems this report makes it clear that across any planning scenario for decarbonization, hydrogen technology is an essential part of the mix,” says Hydrogenics President and CEO Daryl Wilson. “The report supports electrolysis as a clean, practical, and cost effective pathway for hydrogen refueling.”
Highlights of the report include:
* Identifying electrolysis as a key technology in two production mixes deemed most relevant for the study. One assumes at least 30% of the supply mix for hydrogen, as well as a consideration for 100%, noting the advantage of linking electrolysis with renewable power generation ( see report pg. 37).
* The cost trajectory of power-train technologies over the next 10 years will see convergence in cost for fuel-cell, battery, and fossil fuel approaches. Fuel cell and hydrogen technology will offer greater driving autonomy and environmental benefit for larger passenger cars (see report pg. 39).
* Recommendation for a comprehensive and coordinated EU market launch study for development of fuel cell electric vehicles and hydrogen infrastructure in Europe, starting with the creation of an in-depth business case and implementation plan for a member state. A member state (such as Germany) should lead with the necessary policy and government support for new directions in transportation. (see report pg. 52).
In the last twelve months, the company has provided quotations for more than 25 hydrogen fueling stations. This is a significant increase in market interest when one considers that there are only 200 stations globally today which have been installed in the last ten years. Hydrogenics says it is selling hydrogen fueling stations throughout the world in conjunction with major gas companies and local system integrators. The link between renewable energy and electrolysis, as a means to generate hydrogen for transportation has caught the interest of major electric utilities in Europe. Electrolysis allows smart grid stabilization and offers energy storage capacity well beyond alternative solutions. Growth in automotive fuel cell applications will drive further cost reduction and lift the supply chain for non-automotive applications. In the emerging world of our energy future this report points to a critical role for hydrogen.
Access the full study: www.zeroemissionvehicles.eu
Hydrogenics Corp.
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