In the United States, several pieces of legislation have promoted the current
explosion in hydrogen fuel cell development: namely, the congressional Hydrogen
Future Act of 1996 and several state laws promoting zero emission levels for
cars. Worldwide, different types of fuel cells have been developed with
extensive public funding. The United States alone has sunk more than one billion
dollars into fuel-cell research in the last thirty years.
In 1998, Iceland announced plans to create a hydrogen economy in cooperation
with German car maker Daimler Benz and Canadian fuel cell developer Ballard
Power Systems. The 10-year plan would convert all transportation vehicles,
including Iceland's fishing fleet, over to fuel-cell-powered vehicles. In March,
1999, Iceland, Shell Oil, Daimler Chrysler, and Norsk Hydro formed a company to
further develop Iceland's hydrogen economy.
In February, 1999, Europe's first public commercial hydrogen fuel station for
cars and trucks opened for business in Hamburg, Germany. In April, 1999, Daimler
Chrysler unveiled the liquid hydrogen vehicle NECAR 4. With a top speed of 90
mph and a 280-mile tank capacity, the car wowed the press. The company plans to
have fuel-cell vehicles in limited production by the year 2004. By that time,
Daimler Chrysler will have spent $1.4 billion more on fuel-cell technology
development.
In August, 1999, Singapore physicists announced a new hydrogen storage method of
alkali doped carbon nanotubes that would increase hydrogen storage and safety. A
Taiwanese company, San Yang, is developing the first fuel cell powered
motorcycle.
Where do we go from here?
There are still issues with hydrogen-fueled engines and power plants. Transport,
storage and safety problems need to be addressed. Greenpeace has promoted the
development of a fuel cell operated with regeneratively produced hydrogen.
European car makers have so far ignored a Greenpeace project for a
super-efficient car consuming only 3 liters of gasoline per 100 km.
Fort Worth, Texas
Estonia, Tallin
Colombia, Bogota,
United Kingdom, London
Downey, California
Sierra Leone, Freetown
Solomon Islands, Honiara
British Indian Ocean Territory
South Africa, Pretoria (administrative)
Ruwais, United Arab Emirates, Ruwais, UAE
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