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Rolls-Royce considering Singapore for fuel cell factory UK-based solid oxide fuel cell developer Rolls-Royce is looking at setting up manufacturing plants in Singapore. The firm is considering starting two plants: one to make diesel engines, and another to produce SOFC systems.
'We are in discussions about locating elements of manufacturing here,' Rolls-Royce chief executive John Rose told The Straits Times in Singapore. 'We hope to come to a conclusion on that within the next few months,' adding that the firm is interested in setting up a production plant there for fuel cells.
The news builds on a US$100m initiative that got under way last year, with partners including Temasek Holdings, to develop a commercially viable power system based on RR's SOFC technology [FCB, May 2005]. And last fall RR announced that it is setting up a US fuel cell subsidiary on the campus of Stark State College of Technology in Ohio [FCB, December].
State fuel cell, hydrogen activity database
Fuel Cells 2000 and the US Department of Energy Hydrogen Program have launched a new searchable database that documents fuel cell and hydrogen activity in the US. The database includes stationary installations, vehicle demonstrations, fueling stations, and policies, initiatives and legislation designed to advance the development and use of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.
The database builds on the recent Breakthrough Technologies Institute report, State Activities that Promote Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Infrastructure Development, with additional information about demonstrations and installations in a searchable format that provides more utility.
'We had such a great response to our comprehensive state report that we wanted to make it even easier for users to learn more about what's going on in their area or around the country,' says Jennifer Gangi, program director at Fuel Cells 2000. 'Combining the policy and incentive information in a free searchable database with stationary fuel cell installations, vehicle demonstrations and hydrogen fueling stations not only gives the public a portal to the growing fuel cell and hydrogen industry, but also offers a valuable tool for state and local government officials looking to get involved.' Users can search for information and activity either across the entire US, within an individual state, or in a cluster of states. Advanced search options include fuel cell size/power range, fuel source, fuel cell type, fuel cell manufacturer, and vehicle manufacturer. A text search is also available. Images and links for further information are included with most entries.