A major industry-government venture to develop a sustainable future transportation energy infrastructure has begun with the signing of an agreement in Germany. The Clean Energy Partnership Berlin (CEP) will investigate the practicality of using hydrogen, as well as alternatives such as methanol and synthetic diesel, and mirrors the California Fuel Cell Partnership and work in Japan.
CEP comprises oil company Aral, automakers BMW, DaimlerChrysler, Ford Europe (through its Aachen research center) and Opel (General Motors' German operation), commercial vehicle builder MAN Nutzfahrzeuge, industrial gases company Linde, electrolyzer developer GHW, and the Berlin transit agency BVG. The only notable non-participant is Volkswagen.
In Berlin an Aral gas station will generate hydrogen from water by electrolysis, for storage and supply in both liquid (cryogenic) and compressed gaseous form. The hydrogen will be available to refuel vehicles with either modified combustion engines or fuel cell technology.
The five-year project is a component of the national sustainability strategy, and is supported and promoted by the German federal government. The German energy agency (Deutsche Energie Agentur) will coordinate the project, and communicate with the federal government. The sustainability strategy aims to demonstrate advanced technologies as well as identify the technical and economic conditions required for using alternative fuels in vehicles. A fundamental aim is to demonstrate the environmental benefits, so the hydrogen is to be manufactured as far as possible by means of renewable sources, e.g. by hydroelectric or wind power.
The automotive companies involved will operate a test fleet of about 30 vehicles, from 2003. After a testing phase the cars will be used in everyday activities. The project aims are proving the technologies' suitability for everyday use, and encouraging customer acceptance of new refueling technologies. Afterwards the partners will determine what further steps are needed, such as perhaps an extension of the project with partial commercialization. The CEP is also willing to bring in further partners, including from other industries such as banks or insurance.