Fuel Cells
North East England is in a unique position in the UK. It has many miles of pipelines and underground storage facilities for the hydrogen produced as a by-product by chemicals companies in the Tees Valley. One major future use of the gas will be in fuel cells.
A range of pioneering projects are underway, involving trials of fuel cells developed with funding from the Centre for Process Innovation at Wilton International.
The famous Transporter Bridge at Middlesbrough has signs powered by fuel cells, and one of the lighthouses at Teesport is being commissioned using this form of power.
One important project is looking at developing fuelling systems using low carbon fuels. A range of power systems, from internal combustion engines to fuel cells in hybrid vehicles, are involved. The project includes enabling fuelling stations to dispense natural gas and hydrogen.
This company, based in Middlesbrough, designs and manufactures electronic display systems used on roads, railways and other public places. It teamed up with fuel cell equipment maker Intelligent Energy and hydrogen supplier Air Products to produce a portable traffic calming sign. The prototype, created as part of a project led by the Centre for Process Innovation, had a successful trial and will be developed further.
Fuel Cells Fact Sheet [pdf]
(300 KB)
