UK's first commercial-scale hydrogen plant opens
Sat 01 November 2014
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A consortium including Honda, Revolve, BOC, Commercial Group and Fuel Cell Systems, has launched the UK's first commercial-scale hydrogen refuelling facility, powered by solar energy, at the Honda site in Swindon.
According to the group, the new plant will produce “commercial volumes of truly ‘green’ hydrogen produced from solar power, by electrolysis, at the point of use”. It will also provide fuel to a hydrogen-powered station which employs BOC’s filling technology to serve a range of uses including the world’s first hybrid vans running on sustainable biodiesel and hydrogen, the UK’s first hydrogen powered fork-lift trucks. There will also be an education centre on site.
The facility has been integrated into the existing hydrogen refuelling station, which opened in September 2011 at Honda. It is hoped that this facility will provide an example for other refuelling stations to follow as well as reinforcing the UK’s attractiveness as a location for major car manufacturers to introduce fuel cell vehicles and encourage the growth of a national refuelling infrastructure.
Simon Graham, Environmental Strategist at Commercial Group, a LowCVP member, said: “For the UK to meet our air quality and carbon targets, it is essential that we find new ways to deliver the goods and services that the economy depends on. Using hydrogen produced from sunlight to power vehicles has the potential to help solve both environmental challenges. Commercial is proud to be part of this consortium that is demonstrating that this solution is no dream but a reality”
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