Nissan has launched the UK Hydrogen Network (UK-HyNet) project at its technical centre in Bedfordshire, an initiative that aims to position the country as one of the world’s leading hydrogen economies by 2015.
The hope is that a network of hydrogen infrastructure will be created throughout the UK and that the country can compete on the international stage.
With the majority of automotive manufacturers to begin commercial mass deployment of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in 2015, it is the intention of UK-HyNet to create the conditions that make the UK the first choice for car makers to launch their fleets. It is also hoped that it will provide a platform for the regeneration of the car industry, as well as a showcase and test bed for its innovative technologies.
At the same time as UK-HyNet, a UK Hydrogen Roadmap is being created with a strategic plan for the emerging industry.
Nissan, for its part, continues to draw attention to the growth of UK infrastructure and is acting as a catalyst to bring together organisations including local and national government, as well as academic institutions and regional development agencies. In addition to its near term plan to introduce electric cars to the mass market by 2012, it has outlined a fuel cell vehicle as a longer range programme to enhance practicality and reduce the costs of the technology.
