| DTI
to launch UK Fuel Cell Vision at Grove Fuel Cell Conference
On 26 September 2003, at the Grove
Fuel Cell Conference at ExCeL in London's Docklands, the
UK Fuel Cell Vision will be launched by the Department of
Trade and Industry (DTI). The Vision highlights the benefits
to the UK in taking a leading role in fuel cell development
and deployment, and describes a pathway for fuel cells in
the UK over the coming years. As such, it provides a basis
for future policy making and strategic planning around fuel
cells.
In building the Vision, Fuel Cells UK has gathered input
from over 150 members of the UK fuel cell community. Celia
Greaves of Fuel Cells UK says "We have been tremendously
encouraged by the enthusiasm of fuel cell stakeholders to
work with us on the Vision. This represents an important first
step in providing a cohesive framework within which we can
move forward."
Stephen Timms, Energy Minister, who will formally open the
Grove Fuel Cell Exhibition, said "Fuel cell technology
has the potential to revolutionise the energy market. The
UK fuel cell vision will be key in providing a framework for
action by the leading players in the industry.
"The DTI launched Fuel Cells UK earlier this year to
bring together the industry and the research community, to
help us develop a world leading fuel cells capability. And
it will play an important role in the UK's changing energy
landscape, working with others to make the vision a reality."
The use of fuel cell technology can, in the short term offer
a more efficient use of fossil fuel resources, while in the
longer term the aim is for a hydrogen infrastructure based
on renewable energy. Attendees at the Grove Fuel Cell Symposium
will see how far fuel cells have come towards commercialisation
and view fuel cells in action powering applications from laptops
to vehicles.
A number of the various UK initiatives already seeking to
support the development and deployment of fuel cell technology
will present at the conference. Fuel cells are seen as a key
mechanism for achieving regional aspirations for economic
growth and environmental improvement.
Delegates will hear from the Tees Valley Hydrogen Project
on the challenge of creating a viable fuel cell industry -
in the Tees Valley, the expertise from the process and chemical
industry already exists for hydrogen production with obvious
benefits for the local population in creating new jobs.
In Scotland, renewable energy sources could theoretically
meet all the UK energy needs, including transport. The Scottish
Fuel Cell Consortium have been working on a variety of projects
using hydrogen as an energy source, and delegates at the conference
will hear on the use of hydrogen in a fuel cell powered vehicle
developed by the Consortium - which is on display at the event.
Gary Acres, Honorary President of the Grove Fuel Cell Symposium
and a member of the Steering Group for Fuel Cells UK, the
organisation charged with gaining input for the Vision, says,
"There had been concern, that on an international scale,
the government had left it too late for the UK to lead the
global development of fuel cell industries. However, as shown
by the number of UK companies and initiatives presenting at
this year's Grove Conference, the UK is already playing an
important role in fuel cell development and has a significant
relevant skills base in the area. The UK Fuel Cell Vision
should help us to further develop the industry at a time when
commercialisation of the technology really does seem around
the corner."
From an international perspective, funding for fuel cell
research in the UK has lagged behind other countries especially
the USA, Canada, Japan and Germany which have been very active
in supporting their own national development of the fuel cell
sectors. A series of presentations at the Conference will
review various international initiatives from residential
CHP systems to micro applications such as mobile phones. Delegates
will also learn of the various government incentives, both
in the EU and the US which is helping to drive forward fuel
cell research overseas.
Companies exhibiting at the Grove Fuel Cell Exhibition see
the launch of the UK Fuel Cell Vision as a commitment by the
UK Government to formulate a sustainable and renewable energy
policy. Judith Agar, Director of Marketing & Communications
at Intelligent Energy Ltd, who are among the 115 companies
exhibiting at the Exhibition, says "There is clearly
a global opportunity for fuel cell technology, yet there is
much still to be done across the spectrum from developing
infrastructure to building consumer confidence, to promote
the creation of market ready products and applications. From
our perspective as a UK based company with world class PEM
designs and systems, it is critical that the UK has a clear
and coherent vision which can direct support to the Fuel Cell
industry as it moves toward delivery of internationally competitive
products."
Click here to register for the
conference. Day rates are available for companies unable to
attend all 3 days …
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