UKH2Mobility will evaluate the potential for hydrogen as a fuel for Ultra Low Carbon Vehicles in the UK, before developing an action plan for an anticipated rollout to consumers by 2014–2015.
The partnership aims to develop a definitive rollout action plan, by analysing the specific case for the introduction of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles; reviewing investments required to commercialise the technology, including refuelling infrastructure; and identifying what is required to make the UK a global hydrogen fuel cell player, thereby paving the way for economic opportunities.
The 13 industry participants are Air Liquide Hydrogen Energy, Air Products, Daimler, Hyundai Motor Company, Intelligent Energy, ITM Power, Johnson Matthey, Nissan Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd, Scottish and Southern Energy, Tata Motors European Technical Centre, The BOC Group, Toyota Motor Corporation, and Vauxhall Motors (part of General Motors).
Also participating are the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, the Department for Transport, and the Department of Energy and Climate Change, in addition to the European Fuel Cells & Hydrogen Joint Undertaking. All of the partners have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to agree to share their knowledge and expertise.
UKH2Mobility will deliver its evaluation of the potential of hydrogen as a transport fuel by the end of 2012. If the results are positive, an action plan will be developed to work through the steps needed to get the UK ready to be one of the first markets for the global commercial rollout of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
‘The UK has a number of world-class companies that are developing exciting technologies in both the hydrogen energy and automotive value chains, and it is therefore vitally important that we identify what is required to make these cars a realistic proposition for UK consumers,’ said Business Minister Mark Prisk, speaking this morning at the UKH2Mobility launch, at the Royal Society in London.
Prisk continued: ‘UKH2Mobility will bring together industry expertise to establish the UK as a serious global player in the manufacture and use of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles and the supporting infrastructure.’