Shell Hydrogen and ECD Sign Memorandum of Understanding
15 July 1999
Shell Hydrogen and ECD Sign Memorandum of Understanding TROY, Mich., July 15 -- Shell Hydrogen and Energy Conversion
Devices, Inc. (ECD) today took the first important step towards
marketing a commercially-viable hydrogen storage system for the evolving
hydrogen-fuelled transportation system.
The two companies announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding
to explore the establishment of a joint venture which would further develop
and commercialize ECD's proprietary solid hydride storage technology. Shell
will provide refuelling and distribution expertise. A decision on the full
details of the collaboration will be made in the coming months.
ECD has made a long-term investment in the development of engineered
materials that can be used to store hydrogen as a solid. These proprietary
hydride materials safely store hydrogen that can be released for use as a fuel
for conventional internal combustion engines, or as a clean source of onboard
hydrogen for vehicles powered by electricity generated by onboard fuel cells.
Stanford R. Ovshinsky, president and chief executive officer of ECD, said,
"We believe hydrogen is becoming an increasingly important fuel for the
transportation industry. Distribution and using clean hydrogen could be a
critical breakthrough to extending the viability of internal combustion
engines by burning hydrogen fuel. Further, most major global manufacturers
are pursuing the development of automotive fuel cells. This hydride storage
technology could be pivotal to the success of this endeavor."
Don Huberts, chief executive officer of Shell Hydrogen, commented: "This
collaboration with ECD is a significant additional option to bringing fuel
cell powered clean cars onto the road from 2004 onwards. Obviously, we are
already working in projects looking at onboard gasoline fuel cells and this
new project will run in parallel with these to widen the spectrum of available
fuelling options."
Initial commercial development will start immediately at ECD and a system
prototype is targeted by 2001. Shell Hydrogen believes that hydrogen is the
ideal fuel for fuel cell powered vehicles; the challenges of onboard storage
and retail infrastructure will have to be met. The proposed collaboration
aims to address these issues.
Shell Hydrogen is a company in the Royal Dutch/Shell Group. Based in
Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Shell Hydrogen was set up earlier this year to
pursue and develop business opportunities related to hydrogen and fuel cells.
ECD is a leader in the synthesis of new materials and the development of
advanced production technology and innovative products. Based in Troy,
Michigan, it has pioneered and developed enabling technologies based on
amorphous, disordered and related materials with an emphasis on alternative
energy sources, such as the NiMH battery and thin-film photovoltaics; and
advanced information technologies, such as the phase change optical memory.
This release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of
the Safe Harbor Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995. Such forward-looking statements are based on assumptions which both
parties, as of the date of this release, believe to be reasonable and
appropriate. Both parties caution, however, that the actual facts and
conditions that may exist in the future could vary materially from the assumed
facts and conditions upon which such forward-looking statements are based.
