Sheffield-based firm develops hydrogen-refuelling station for vehicles

It is believed that the car could revolutionise green energy and transport.

The centre is supposed to be a hub of entrepreneurial activity for technology firms in the UK.

[…] the future for hydrogen as an alternative means of storing and utilising energy cost-effectively has never been brighter

Jim Heathcote

Chief Executive

ITM Power

The hydrogen technology and fuel cell company's Chief Executive, Jim Heathcote, explained to reporters that the refuelling system enables users to fill their cars from home with a ready supply of hydrogen, thereby reducing trips to the petrol station.

"Given the pressing need to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, especially oil, and to cut CO2 emissions, the future for hydrogen as an alternative means of storing and utilising energy cost-effectively has never been brighter," he observed.

Mr Heathcote went on to acknowledge the scepticism of some scientists regarding hydrogen's "inefficient" production and the expense of transporting it.

He concluded, however, that a home refuelling station could provide "much-needed infrastructure" to kick-start a hydrogen-based economy.

The station functions via an electrolyser which produces gas from water and electricity, with an internal combustion generator converting the gas back into electricity to provide power.