A new hydrogen fuel cell station is set to open at Birmingham University as part of a trial with a fleet of five fuel cell vehicles.

The station has been installed by Air Products, who are working with Transport for London (TFL) to bring at least 70 hydrogen powered vehicles to the capital next year and another hydrogen station will open at a bus garage in East London next year.

Birmingham University is currently trialling fuel-cell powered vehicles and head of the research team, Kevin Kendall, told the Times that the station was an important part of the research.

"It is absolutely necessary that we have the means to refuel our fleet of hydrogen-powered cars so that we can carry out our research project into the feasibility of hydrogen in a transport context," he said.

Ian Williamson of Air Products, believes the Japanese are the most advanced in developing hydrogen powered cars.

"Hydrogen needs to be treated with respect. It is significantly more volatile [than conventional fuel]. But the safety criteria we apply mean you end up with a very safe system," he said.

Source:

Hydrogen fuel stations for cars land in Britain, 16/04/08
http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/driving/article3753961.ece