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Wider use of fuel cell technology

“Reformer-based fuel cell systems are much more compact than current hydrogen systems, while operating on widely available fuels. It provides a practical solution to end-users. This innovation contributes to our mission to ensure a sustainable energy supply for everyone”, says Robert van den Hoed, hydrogen and fuel cell expert at Ecofys.
A reformer-based system avoids the difficulties of a separate infrastructure for transport and storage of hydrogen. What’s more, the limited size of this compact energy system and the usage of LPG open up the possibility of many new applications, such as in boats, portacabins and generators used on construction sites. In addition to traditional fuels like LPG, the system will also run on liquid biofuels in the near future. Ecofys aims to demonstrate a small-scale reformer using biomethanol.  

Prototype for Ministry

On 1 November 2007, Camiel Eurlings, the Minister of Transport, Public Works and Water Management awarded the Small Business Innovation Research-award to this compact energy system, in recognition of its innovative character. Ecofys and its partners will develop a prototype of the system and install it on a mobile warning trailer.

Note for the editor

Ecofys International (www.ecofys.com)

Ecofys is a leading company in the field of sustainable energy, energy saving and climate change. More than 350 employees in thirteen countries deliver sustainable energy services and innovations. Ecofys is part of the Econcern group, one of Europe’s 500 fastest-growing companies with the mission ‘to ensure a sustainable energy supply for everyone’.

Ecofys is one of the front leaders on hydrogen and fuel cells. In 2006 Ecofys developed the First Dutch Hydrogen Boat, the Frisian Hydrogen Xperiance.

Brinkmann & Niemeijer Motoren BV (www.bnmotoren.nl)

Brinkmann & Niemeijer Motoren (B&N) is a leading company in building and customizing generator sets, pump sets, hydraulic units, soundproof canopies and containers.

JD Nederland (www.jdnederland.com)

JD Nederland is specialist in mobile warning trailers (design, building and assembly).

Voller Energy  (www.voller.com)

Voller Energy Group PLC (LSE: VLR) is one of the first companies in the world from which you can buy fuel cell systems. Voller is a developer and manufacturer of portable fuel cell systems that produce electrical energy but without the toxic emissions produced by petrol or diesel generators.

For more information about the small-scale reformer and fuel cells, please contact:
Robert van den Hoed
Senior Consultant

T: +31 30 280 8479

E: r.vandenhoed@ecofys.nl

For more information about Ecofys, please contact:

Lies Mantingh-Louwers

Marketing & Communication Consultant

T: +31 30 283 38 32

E: l.mantingh@ecofys.com

Picture of a mobile warning trailer