ITM Power PLC
05 July 2006
Strictly Embargoed until: 0700 hrs, 5 July 2006
ITM Power Plc
('ITM' or 'the Company')
Hydrogen Combustion Development Programme
ITM Power Plc is pleased to announce today that it has initiated a joint
development programme with The University of Hertfordshire ('the University') to
develop an electrolyser refuelling system for use in hydrogen internal
combustion engine powered cars. Hydrogen can be burnt in conventional internal
combustion engines and after conversion, enables the vehicle to produce
virtually zero emissions.
The development programme has been initiated following ITM's successful cost
over life electrolyser testing. ITM's electrolyser, using water and low tariff
electricity, could address the cost issues of hydrogen fuel and the requirement
to build a hydrogen refuelling infrastructure.
The aim of the joint development programme is to improve internal combustion
engine emissions; with the potential to bring very significant advances in the
global quest to move to zero carbon fuels.
The programme includes the following objectives:
• To develop a safe, low-cost modification package for a town car to run
on hydrogen and to provide the ability to refuel the vehicle at home or at
work, independently of the current fuel delivery infrastructure.
• To investigate the conversion of existing petrol fuelled electrical
generating sets to run on hydrogen produced from zero carbon sources, such
as solar and wind.
• To investigate how the addition of hydrogen to the diesel combustion
process can either reduce fuel consumption or pollutants and to provide the
necessary on-board hydrogen generator system for diesel engines.
ITM will own all intellectual property (IP rights) including any new discoveries
made during the development carried out under this programme.
Jim Heathcote, CEO, ITM Power Plc, said: 'We believe this development programme
will help to demonstrate the importance of electrolysers for use in the
automotive industry. The University is renowned for its close automotive
industry relationships, excellent test facilities and high calibre engineers.
These capabilities are crucial to the success of this development programme.'
Derek Eade, Director of Sustainable Energy Technologies, Hertfordshire
University added: 'We believe that the development programme that we are
jointly undertaking could be significant to the automotive industry. We hope it
will accelerate the market penetration of clean renewable transportation fuels.
Widely distributed electrolysers could address the cost and availability
problems that have prevented the adoption of hydrogen as a competitive fuel. We
hope the programme will successfully place the University and ITM Power at the
forefront of the hydrogen economy.'
Ends
For further information please contact:
Gemma Chandler Tim Linacre / Katherine Roe Simon Hudson/ Clemmie Carr
ITM Power Plc Panmure Gordon Tavistock Communications
Tel: 01799 532 860 Tel: 020 7459 3600 Tel: 020 7920 3150
Mob: 07921 057712
Notes to Editors
ITM Power plc believes it has developed and patented the keys to revolutionise
the hydrogen economy and is set to become one of the UK's leading innovators
within the alternative energy sources industry.
Electrolyser:
An electrolyser converts water and electricity into hydrogen and oxygen. These
gases can be used as fuel for combustion engines, fuel cells, heating and
conventional electricity generation.
Existing electrolysers cost in the region of $2,000/ kW and the US Department of
Energy 2010 target is $300/kW for an electrolyser stack.
ITM Power has identified low cost electrolysers as a vital component to replace
hydrocarbon fuels with hydrogen. ITM has achieved costs as low as $164 / per kW.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange