There is huge potential for the future development of fuel cells in China according to a leading manufacturer.

The fuel cell developer has announced plans to create research and development joint ventures in the country, believing that China would make an ideal market for producing and selling fuel cells.

Revealing that the company is in discussions with a number of Chinese firms in the hope of developing a partnership agreement in the country, Ballard's interim chief executive John Sheridan explained: "To us this is the most logical market for fuel cells in the world, when you look at the growth, at the energy issues, at the greenhouse gas emissions."

Speaking in Beijing, Reuters quotes Mr Sheridan as saying: "We think it would make sense to have one research-type partner, a university ... as well as a commercial partner."

He also claimed that by 2010 the company would be producing fuel cells competitive enough to take on the likes of gasoline and diesel in the marketplace, offering a green alternative to one of the world's fastest growing economies.

Mr Sheridan made the comments as DaimlerChrysler, which has an ownership stake in Ballard, delivered three fuel cell powered buses to Beijing as part of a worldwide trial of the vehicles.


Ÿ Adfero Ltd