Vancouver-based Ballard, which produced the fuel cell stack powering the Daimler-Chrysler cars, was an active participant in these events.

“Singapore’s support of a hydrogen refuelling infrastructure and its test-bedding programs provide great opportunities to further develop and advance environmentally friendly mobility,” says John Harris, Ballard’s Managing Director for the Asia-Pacific Region.

The fuel cell car, which can run at a top speed of 140 km/h, was handed over to Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA). In the coming months, six such cars, all using Ballard fuel cell stacks, will be operating in Singapore with support from the country’s Economic Development Board’s (EDB) clean energy test-bedding program.

The hydrogen pump is the world’s first to be located at an existing retail gas station. Other hydrogen refuelling stations around the world are located in stand-alones. A second station in Singapore, expected to open in early 2005, will also be ground-breaking as it will be unstaffed and produce hydrogen on site, thereby significantly reducing the price of hydrogen at the pump.

In addition to these developments in the mobile fuel cell market, Singapore is also enhancing its stationary fuel cell capacity. 

Singapore’s Housing & Development Board, in cooperation with the EDB and NEA, is seeking out companies interested in taking part in a pilot project using parking lots. 

The NEA is aware of Canada’s strength in developing alternative energy technologies and would welcome Canadian fuel cell company involvement in this project.

To further support the growth of its hydrogen economy, Singapore will be hosting the World Hydrogen Technologies Convention (WHTC) in October 2005. 

A three-day trade exhibition, held in conjunction with the conference, will provide opportunities for companies to showcase advanced
technologies in hydrogen production, storage, transportation, distribution, and new fuel cell technologies.