Acta announces hydrogen project that could result in new transport system in 10 years

Acta stated its belief that a hydrogen fueled transport system is ten years away, not 20 to 30 years. The company made its pronouncement after inking a development project deal with an unnamed Asian carmaker.

Acta produces hydrogen from on-board catalysts that use ammonia or ethanol and can work with the existing fuel infrastructure.

Earlier this week, researchers in England announced a process to convert glycerol to hydrogen gas. The new process is reported to be substantially cheaper than water electrolysis, the most popular production method for hydrogen. In the process, researcher mix glycerol with steam and produce water, carbon dioxide and hydrogen, producing pure hydrogen gas after the carbon is absorbed by special filters.

ExxonMobil, QuestAir Technologies and Ben Gurion University said recently that they had completed initial development on a hydrogen production system for fuel cells that would convert biofuels on-board to hydrogen. Plug Power said that it will join the group to develop the technology for use in lift trucks, and expect to complete this phase of development by 2010. Earlier this month, an ExxonMobil manager said that hydrogen will not play a significant role in transportation looking ahead to 2030 either.

Free Subscription to the Daily Biofuels Digest e-newsletter

Related Stories

2 million hydrogen cars possible by 2020; $54 billion in subsidies required; platinum supply, cost are barriers to adoption

A report requested by Congress and prepared by the National Research Council found that the market for hydrogen fuel cell cars is projected to reach 2 million by 2020, but only if technological hurdle...

National Research Council hydrogen report: “The cost premium for hydrogen fuel cells offset to be offset by savings in fuel costs by 2023″

In Washington, more details emerged from the National Research Council Report on Hydrogen Fuel Technology. A copy of the report obtained by Biofuels Digest revealed 13 distinct conclusions. "1:  A...

First hydrogen fuel station in California opens in Los Angeles

In California, the first hydrogen fueling station in the state opened in Los Angeles, near interstate 405 on the west side of the city. State officials said that they foresee a "hydrogen highway" in t...

Ronn Motors announces hydrogen-ethanol hybrid; to run on 30/70 mix

In Texas, Ronn Motor announced that it had commenced a new R&D effort to study the use of ethanol and hydrogen blended fuels. The company's hydrogen-powered Scorpion model will be the first car to...

Italian research teams examines ethanol-to-hydrogen fuel cell system

In Italy, researchers at the University of Milano are testing an ethanol-powered GH2-5000 Energy System fuel cell made by Helbio and Exergy Fuel Systems, that produces five KW of electrical energy and...

Hydrogen Hybrid displays new hybrid fuel cell system, reports 30-50 percent fuel economy boost in testing

In California, Hydrogen Hybrid said that it will display a class 8 semi truck with a modified hydrogen hybrid fuel cell system. The system, according to the company, produces enough hydrogen to increa...