It is hoped that the two companies’ partnership will allow them to develop the technology to such a point where it might make sense to deploy it at Shell stations. The technology holds a great deal of promise because unlike other traditional sources of hydrogen today such as fossil fuels like natural gas and coal, these newer sources would be much more greener and cleaner.
A Vice President of Shell Hydrogen; Duncan Macleod was quoted as saying; “One of the main challenges to introducing the environmental benefits of the hydrogen economy is reducing CO2 emissions associated with hydrogen
production. This agreement further emphasizes Shell Hydrogen's commitment to collaboration and working with the world's most innovative companies to overcome the challenges associated with realizing the hydrogen economy.”
The CEO and President of Virent; Eric Apfelbach had the following to say: “This collaboration will speed development and deployment of our technology not only in hydrogen fueling station applications, but in the broader industrial hydrogen market as well.”
Currently the market for hydrogen is approximately 45 million tons a year according to some estimates.
For additional information:
http://www.virent.com/ http://www.virent.com/press/Virent%20Shell%20Release%20052407.pdf www.shell.com
