London’s ‘hydrogen network’ plans unveiled

London is set to create a ‘Hydrogen network’ by 2012, under plans unveiled today (Friday 26 March) to help accelerate the wider use of this zero-polluting, zero-carbon energy in the capital.

The London Hydrogen Partnership (LHP) is working with London boroughs and private landowners on plans to deliver at least six refuelling sites to run hydrogen-powered vehicles in the capital over the next two years. One is already being built in east London for the refuelling of hydrogen-fuelled buses that will begin running on the RV1 route later this year. Hydrogen vehicles emit no pollution from their tailpipes and vehicles which use hydrogen from renewable sources have no emissions at all. This could deliver huge benefits for cities in improving air quality, cutting carbon emissions and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

The action plan published today also aims to encourage a minimum of 150 hydrogen-powered vehicles on the road in London by 2012. These could include cars, vans, taxis, motorbikes, and lorries. Fifty of the vehicles are expected to be operated by the Greater London Authority’s functional bodies – Transport for London (TfL); the London Development Agency (LDA); the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority (LFEPA); and the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA).

The London Hydrogen Partnership and the Greater London Authority are already working with BAA on a hydrogen feasibility study to explore ways to use hydrogen and fuel cell technologies at Heathrow airport. This study could then act as a model that BAA can use in its other airports.

Kit Malthouse, London’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and chair of the LHP said: 'Hydrogen is the fuel that will set us free from the ravages of the carbon economy and nowhere do we yearn for the freedom more than in London. So we are thinking big and want to lead the way in the development of this 21st century technology. By 2012, we want to have hydrogen on the ground, in the capital, propelling vehicles and powering buildings. Once the public can kick the tyres and breath the fresh air again, we will have succesfully kick started a new era in London's energy future."

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, added: 'Harnessing low-carbon technology is key to solving the pressing issues of energy security, cutting climate change emissions and improving air quality. We are ploughing millions into plans to encourage the widespread uptake of electric vehicles, to boost cycling, to expand the use of hybrid bus technology to make London a more pleasant, less polluted city. The use of hydrogen technology, which emits only water vapour, is an exciting part of our vision for the future.'

Hydrogen can also be used to provide cleaner, greener, low carbon energy for buildings. In February this year, Kit Malthouse opened the UK's largest in-house hydrogen fuel cell at TfL's Palestra building in Southwark. This fuel cell will provide a cheaper, local source of energy for the building, which is also the home of the LDA. By 2012 the LHP wants to see five large-scale fuel cells in London like the one at Palestra, as well as 10 fuel cell back-up systems, which can be used to keep powering essential systems such as computer data centres and lighting in the event of a power cut.

The initiatives outlined in the London Hydrogen Action Plan will aim to access funding support from the European Union, UK government and the private sector.

The Mayor is working to create the conditions for low carbon technologies which have future potential to flourish. Through a consortium of public and private partners led by Transport for London, he has secured £17 million for electric vehicle infrastructure in the capital. This will deliver a network of around 7500 charging points by spring 2013 with 1,600 charge points to be installed over the next 12 months. London has also introduced a fleet of 56 hybrid buses which will be supplemented by an additional 50 later this year. By 2012 every new bus entering service will be hybrid. The New Bus for London, due to enter service in 2012, will incorporate the latest hybrid technology and will be 40 per cent more fuel efficient than conventional diesel buses and 15 per cent more fuel efficient than current London hybrid buses.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

For media enquiries please call Hilary Merrett, Nicola Dillon or Alan Ali in Mayor’s Press Office on 020 7983 4755/4066. Numbers not for publication.

1. The London Hydrogen Partnership (LHP) works towards a hydrogen economy for London and the UK. Website: www.london.gov.uk/lhp It has a wide range of members including local, regional and national government, education institutions, funding bodies, companies involved in fuel cell development, gas supply, the energy industry, systems and component manufacture.
2. The London Hydrogen Action Plan sets out proposals that meet and support the Mayor of London’s policy aims and objectives. It also aims to move beyond demonstrations and trials to actual hydrogen and fuel cell projects. It consists of the Strategic Infrastructure Plan; the Hydrogen Powered Vehicles Deployment Plan; and the Stationary Fuel Cell Market Development Plan.
3. The combustion of fossil fuels by electric power plants, vehicles, and other sources is responsible for most of the smog and harmful particulates in the air. Fuel cells powered by pure hydrogen emit no harmful pollutants.