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Press Release of the workshop on “Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology “Dubai
Thursday 3rd of November 2005
A Forum, backed by Zayed Intl. Prize for the Environment, to show how clean energy can work with fossil fuels for greater efficiency
(Dubai, November 2005) : Fuel efficiency, more efficient energy use and pioneering hydrogen fuel cell technology will form the basis for the first ever Middle East Forum on Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Economy, to be held in at the Dubai Police Academy, UAE, on December 6 – 7, 2005.
Public and private sector heavyweights, such as General Motors, Ballard, Hydrogenics, Plug Power, Fuel Cell Markets, UTC, and the World Fuel Cell Council have thrown their backing behind the event, which is held in association with the Zayed International Prize for the Environment.
The use of hydrogen, which powers a fuel cell through a chemical reaction that creates electricity, enables far more efficient use of fossil fuels and existing energy sources, and provides zero emissions.
The Zayed International Prize for the Environment, which is worth $1 million, is the most valuable environmental prize in the world and has demonstrated great support of the Forum, according to conference CEO Heston Harper.
Harper said: “The increase in oil prices, coupled with decreasing reserves, means governments and corporations have to adopt new energy strategies to encompass stricter fuel efficiency and promote the use of cleaner energy sources. One kilogram of hydrogen contains the same amount of energy as a gallon of gasoline, and hydrogen can be used alongside – or instead of – traditional fuels to maximize efficiency.”
More than 300 government officials, academics and vendors of hydrogen fuel cell technology will gather at the Forum to share technological breakthroughs and lobby for the increased take-up of clean energy.
“This is part of a global drive to seek out ways to increase the efficiency of fossil fuels, which is being led by oil giants such as BP and Shell, who are spending millions of dollars every year on research into renewable energies and alternative fuels,” said Harper.
“The facts are simple: the world consumes twice as much oil as it is discovering, so we need to find ways to make this oil last longer and do twice as much. The demand for oil will continue to grow, increasing by up to 40 per cent by 2025, driving demand from alternative energy sources such as wind, solar power, hydrogen and biomass.
“Governments and corporations are starting to recognize this by creating energy policies that promote economically viable – and environmentally friendly – strategies.”
Among the speakers already confirmed for the Forum is: Dr. Mohamed bin Fahad, chairman of The Zayed International Prize for the Environment.
The Middle East Forum on Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Economy will be held at the Dubai Police Academy on December 6 – 7, 2005. The full programme is available on www.me-fuelcells.com
Sponsors already on board include: Zayed Intl. Prize for the Environment, Dubai Police Academy, General Motors, Ballard, Hydrogenics, P21, Heliocentris and Quality Fairs
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Editors’ notes: About Fuel Cell Markets:
Fuel Cell Markets Ltd is an independent organisation dedicated to accelerating the commercialisation of hydrogen, fuel cell and related technologies. FCM exists to facilitate this development of technology and supply from the perspective of individual organisations, and the integration and consolidation of the system as a whole. Fuel Cell Markets (FCM) key objectives are:
1. To drive the acceleration of fuel cell and hydrogen industries;
2. To bridge the gap between fuel cell and hydrogen technologies and traditional industries;
3. To promote education and outreach to create an understanding of fuel cell and hydrogen technologies to increase demand.
For more information, go to www.fuelcellmarkets.com
About Middle East Forum on Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Economy
Middle East Forum on Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Economy (MEFH) is the first organization that is dedicated to promote fuel cells technology and to raise the awareness of the emerging hydrogen economy in the Middle East, where the largest natural gas and oil reserve in the world exists. MEFH is located in the USA where the fuel cells technology is witnessing a huge interest from the government, on the federal and state levels, as well as from auto, oil, energy, and R&D organizations, and even IT companies for its mobile applications.