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Radically New Marine Propulsion

Radically New Marine Propulsion

The AIDAprima cruise liner was ranked third by NABU, despite the use of heavy fuel oil.

Environmentalists have had the maritime sector in their sights for some time. Cruise liners in particular emit large amounts of pollutants on route to the world’s natural – sometimes seemingly untouched – landscapes, or their diesel generators are running to power onboard systems while they are docked. However, now that shipping companies are switching to LNG, the market could see a change for the better. Fuel cells, too, could soon play an important part in the design of cleaner marine propulsion.

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Certifiably Complicated

Certifiably Complicated

Product approval will only be worth it if fuel cell cars are produced in greater numbers.

One thing that became apparent at the IAA Commercial Vehicles 2018 was that the issue of hydrogen tank approval had yet to be resolved. Though it had already been said years ago that tanks “must only get approved,” the process is taking much longer than expected. At present, there are few 700-bar type IV units for sale in Germany.

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Economy Ministry Draws Up National Hydrogen Strategy

Economy Ministry Draws Up National Hydrogen Strategy

W. Diwald (right) explains the benefits of hydrogen vehicles to Czech ambassador T. Podivínský.

At least once a year, the German Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association, better known as the DWV, organizes a so-called parliamentary evening in Berlin. Last year, on Nov. 8, 2018, the event took place in the Embassy of the Czech Republic. A roll call vote prevented most members of the German Bundestag from attending. Still, what Oliver Wittke, who works at the German economy ministry, had to say that evening about “Changes to the Energy System – Is Green Hydrogen the Solution?” did catch the attention of the industry representatives who had gathered at the meeting.

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H2BX Sees Opportunities in Hydrogen

H2BX Sees Opportunities in Hydrogen

Schott
C. Schott wants to make hydrogen a mainstay at the North Sea.

Eleven founding members set up H2BX – Hydrogen for Bremerhaven Region as recently as two years ago. At the first meeting, the number had already climbed to 25, while there were more than 60 last November. The subsequent information event on “Hydrogen Technology in Practice – Prospects for Bremerhaven” attracted more than 150 attendees.

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Outline of a European Hydrogen Strategy

Outline of a European Hydrogen Strategy

Hydrogen has finally entered the halls of power: Last September, the gas, as well as storage, was a key topic at the meeting of the EU countries’ energy ministers in Linz. Austria, which, at the time, held the presidency of the EU Council, had put the creation of a Hydrogen Initiative on the agenda, inviting all ministers to sign a joint statement called the Hydrogen Declaration. Thomas Bareiß, who works at the German economy-slash-energy ministry and attended the meeting on behalf of his government, put his signature on the document as well.

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