Singapore to develop hydrogen fuel infrastructure

Singapore aims to become a leading player in the development of alternative energy technology, with the government’s SINERGY (Singapore Iniative in Energy Technology) programme designed to promote more research and development and testing activities for both automotive and stationary power.

In May 2001, Singapore’s Economic Development Board (EDB) announced that DaimlerChrysler had agreed to co-operate on the launch and implementation of a fuel cell vehicle demonstration and development project. The NECAR – no emissions car – is being tested on Singapore’s roads, and is expected to be available for sale to the public from 2004.

In this latest development, BP will develop and supply the required hydrogen refuelling infrastructure for clean fuel cell cars equipped with hydrogen-fuelled fuel cell power trains.

“BP is taking up the challenge to develop inexpensive transport energy solutions to enable economic and social growth without damaging the natural environment,” said President of BP Singapore Koh Kim Wah. “BP believes that hydrogen could become the ultimate clean transport fuel of the future and aims to have one of the world’s first retail stations selling hydrogen fuel to the passenger car market.”

“We want to initiate projects which create a clean, green and safe environment,” said EDB Assistant Managing Director Tan Suan Swee. “Sinergy is a platform where we work with industry to pioneer and test-bed new technology and innovations for clean energy. BP’s participation in this initiative is a strong endorsement of our efforts to develop clean and sustainable energy solutions for the environment.”

A recent report has predicted a particularly rapid increase in the fuel cell market. In Europe alone, by 2040, the market is expected to reach €52 billion (£33 billion) (see related story).