Gas fuels green research centre

A research centre focusing on using hydrogen gas as a renewable energy source is being officially opened.

The project is the brainchild of the University of Glamorgan, and hopes to focus on breakthroughs in technology, especially in the transport field.

The £2.2m centre at the Baglan Energy Park near Port Talbot, will showcase a hydrogen-powered Nissan car, the first time it has been on display in Wales.

First Minister Rhodri Morgan will be on hand to put the car through its paces.

"Hydrogen provides a potential solution to a number of the most significant energy challenges that we face today," said Mr Morgan.

"The project puts Wales at the forefront of European efforts to develop hydrogen communities"
Prof Dennis Hawkes, University of Glamorgan

"Wales is one of the leaders in researching the development of technology, and I am most impressed at the level of technology and expertise in this field that exists in the centre."

The Nissan FCV X-Trail has been under development in Japan for nearly a decade, and has spent over two years being tested on public roads.

It is powered by the latest "fuel cell" system, which makes use of high-pressure hydrogen gas.

The car can hit a top speed of around 93mph (150kmh) - but the only by-product from the engine is water, rather than greenhouse gases.

But the car is not the only star at the new centre, as Professor Dennis Hawkes, who is leading the project explained: "Rather than an isolated one-off demonstration, this centre provides the basis for a range of hydrogen and transport activities.

"The project puts Wales at the forefront of European efforts to develop hydrogen communities.

"The new centre brings together technology and expertise and will provide a platform for new business development, growth and employment in the region."

The opening of the centre also builds on hydrogen energy projects already undertaken by the university, which launched the UK's first minibus powered by hydrogen fuel cells.

As well as being a base for research into hydrogen powered technology, the centre will also play a role in education, inviting school children to take part in activities on the site.

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