Brussels, 14 Mar 2003
Iceland's first hydrogen fuel station will be inaugurated in Reykjavik as part of event for the 'making hydrogen available to the public' conference to be held in Reykjavik from 24 to 25 April.
The conference is organised as part of the Commission co-funded ECTOS project, which will introduce to Iceland three buses powered by hydrogen, with a re-fuelling station based in the capital.
The trial period for the buses will last two years and, given a positive outcome, the next goal will be to introduce a larger fleet of hydrogen vehicles that will ultimately include private cars, marine vessels and fishing boats.
It is envisaged that the experience gained during the trial in Iceland will help prepare for the introduction of hydrogen technology in other areas of the EU, by gaining public acceptance of hydrogen, planning for the introduction of infrastructure, and analysing the life cycle and production chain of hydrogen equipment.
Speakers at the conference will include the Mayor of Reykjavik, representatives from the European Commission, and directors of the ECTOS project. Discussions will focus on two key themes: hydrogen infrastructure and applications, and socio-economic environmental research and policy measures.
For further information, please consult the following web address:
http://newenergy.mirrorz.com/
Remarks: The official conference language will be English.