China's first hydrogen refueling station went into operation at a suburban high-tech industrial base on the outskirts of Beijing.

The station, in the Beijing Hydrogen Park opened the same day, is the largest hydrogen station operated by world energy giant BP. Covering an area of 4,000 square meters, the BP-branded hydrogen refueling station will produce hydrogen from renewable energies.

BP has invested a total of 3.5 million U.S. dollars in the Sino-British joint venture. Fuel cells that generate electricity from hydrogen are an alternative to petroleum for the world's vehicles.

Instead of belching out greenhouse gases, fuel cells generate clean water and so are a much more ecological form of energy than petrol. For a city like Beijing, where vehicle emissions are a major cause of airborne pollution, fuel cells offer hope of cleaner transport and a cleaner environment.

But the cost of producing hydrogen is two or three times the cost of producing gasoline and fuel cell vehicles ten times more expensive than conventional gasoline fuelled vehicles, said Bill Fitzharris, general manager of BP hydrogen transport technology.

The Chinese station, which currently uses transported hydrogen, will be able to turn natural gas into hydrogen on site next year, said Bill.

Fitzharris said that instead of using natural gas, which is relatively costly, the Beijing station will produce hydrogen from synthesis gas -- a combination of coal, oxygen and steam. This technology offers great prospects for China, the world largest coal producer.

China has been endeavoring to develop alternatives to gasoline to ensure that its craze for vehicle ownership does not seriously damage city air. 1000 new vehicles take to the streets every day in the nation's capital alone. The Beijing Hydrogen Park is China's first demonstration project for new energy vehicles.

Source:佚名