Crime, Policing and Emergencies

Culture

Economic Policy

Education

> Environment and climate change

Equality and Diversity

Health

Housing and Homelessness

International

Planning and Development

Sustainability

Transport

Hydrogen energy

The Mayor's Energy Strategy recognises the potential for the widespread introduction of hydrogen energy and fuel cells to tackle London's pollution problems and provide a boost to regeneration and economic development.

About hydrogen

Many consider that hydrogen - coupled with a kind of dry battery called a fuel cell - will increasingly provide us all with clean energy in the future. Hydrogen, a fuel or 'energy carrier', is a common industrial gas that is no more hazardous than petrol or other conventional fuels. A fuel cell is a 160-year old technology that enables the efficient and clean generation of electricity and heat by combining oxygen from the air with a hydrogen-rich fuel.

If pure hydrogen fuel is used, the only by-product of the process at the point of use is water. And, excitingly, if the hydrogen itself is produced from a carbon-neutral source such as solar or wind power, we have the potential for carbon-neutral and emission-free energy. Our cars, buses, mobile phones, laptops, home generators, powerstations and so on could be clean ... and quiet!

Other countries such as the United States, Germany, Japan and Iceland are working seriously towards a 'hydrogen economy', and all major vehicle manufacturers now have hydrogen-powered vehicles in development. Transport for London are managing 3 hydrogen fuel cell (HFC) buses as part of a two-year, european-wide trial of the technology from 2004 to 2006.

The London Hydrogen Partnership

The London Hydrogen Partnership was launched by the Mayor of London in partnership with a number or other organisations to work towards a hydrogen economy for London and the UK.

Terms and conditions

Accessibility

Privacy 

Freedom of information