(Nanowerk News) A comprehensive nationwide infrastructure for hydrogen refueling will be in place in Germany by 2015. This is the declaration of the landmark agreement signed on September 10 by leading industry representatives under the auspices of Wolfgang Tiefensee, Federal Minister for Transport, Building, and Urban Affairs. Partners in the "H2 Mobility" initiative include Daimler, EnBW, Linde, OMV, Shell, Total, Vattenfall, and the NOW GmbH National Organization Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology.
This initiative confirms Germany’s position as an early adopter and standard setter in this nascent industry. Partners in the "H2 Mobility" initiative have set a three-phase plan of action. In the first phase, concepts for the expansion of new hydrogen refueling stations should be developed by 2011 with the help of funding from Germany’s economic stimulus package. In the second phase, this infrastructure will be realized, while the third phase will be marked by electric vehicles powered by fuel cell technology hitting the roads around 2015.
With over 350 active companies and institutes and 70 percent of all hydrogen and fuel cell demonstration projects in Europe, Germany has already taken the lead in moving this technology off the drawing board to create a near-term growth industry.
Raphael Winkler, Senior Manager for the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Industry at Germany Trade & Invest: "The public and private sectors are seriously engaged in making Germany Europe’s forerunner in the hydrogen and fuel cell industry. Germany offers an excellent research and development infrastructure, dedicated incentives, and the latest in technological breakthroughs in this industry. Being in Germany means setting the pace for the future."
This year’s Hydrogen Production and Storage conference, taking place from September 30 – October 2, 2009 in Washington, DC, will look at the future of the industry, including opportunities available for investors in Germany. Raphael Winkler will be present to speak about Germany’s initiatives to translate hydrogen demonstration projects into commercially successful products.
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