Minister lauds fuel cell technology
Energy minister Malcolm Wicks has welcomed the development of fuel cell technology in Britain.
After visiting the Loughborough headquarters of Intelligent Energy Mr Wicks said he was pleased with the progress the firm is making in its bid to create greener machinery.
He stated the government is committed to reducing carbon emissions in a bid to combat climate change and is eager to help companies in the sector continue their drive towards environmentally-friendly developments.
"This technology has the potential to make vehicles greener. I am pleased the government has been able to help with this progress, including supporting a project to develop a fuel cell-powered London taxi in time for the 2012 Olympic Games," Mr Wicks said.
He added those in power are supporting a further 15 low carbon vehicle projects through a £23 million fund provided by the Technology Strategy Board.
A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “The advantages fuel cell cars have over battery-powered cars is that they can travel for far longer distances without refuelling. Indeed, almost as far as petrol-engined car. This makes them more acceptable to the average driver.”
“It is too early to say that fuel cells rather than batteries will replace petrol engines in cars. The most likely outcome is that each will find different niches in the market.”
In other news, a boat part-driven by fuel cells and able to carry up to 100 passengers has been launched in Germany and it will come into commercial service next month.
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What is the ETA?
The ETA is a not-for-profit ethical organisation providing motorists and cyclists with carbon-neutral breakdown cover and insurance products. As well as encouraging responsible driving to reduce carbon, the ETA campaigns for sustainable transport.
