Originally published July 25 2005
Rolls Royce fuel cell plant opened by Duke of York
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Fuel Cell Works reports that His Royal Highness, The Duke of York officially opened Rolls Royce's new automated fuel-cell production plant on July 6, marking an important step forward in the commercialization of affordable fuel cell technology.
His Royal Highness The Duke of York opened a new Rolls-Royce facility in the business park of Loughborough University that will pilot the production of ceramic components for use in fuel cell systems.
Through a majority-owned subsidiary, Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell Systems Limited, Rolls-Royce is pursuing plans for the commercialisation of affordable fuel cell technology for the generation of electricity.
It draws on technology that has been provided by suppliers in Singapore, the US and Europe, reflecting again the importance to Rolls-Royce of operating on a global scale.
"The prospect of developing a new source of affordable energy using fuel cells is exciting -- especially if affordability can be combined with a technology that is friendlier to the environment than the existing alternatives."
"The East Midlands is one of the most dynamic and fastest growing exporting regions, earning around �26,000 a minute from overseas trade.
The facility, managed by Loughborough University, was originally identified by Rolls-Royce as a suitable home for their fuel cell development following a building renovation project, jointly undertaken by the University and the East Midlands Development Agency (EMDA).
Fuel cells generate electricity by combining fuel and air in an electrochemical reaction.
They were first demonstrated in the 19th century but to date have always been relatively large and expensive to manufacture, depriving them of any real commercial application.
Rolls-Royce began researching fuel cell technologies in 1992 and decided to pursue the commercialisation of its expertise in 2002.
By utilising its aerospace technology skills, Rolls-Royce has designed an electrical power system that integrates a solid oxide fuel cell with a micro-turbine.
This power system promises to be significantly more efficient than any conventional gas turbine or reciprocating engine, with far less impact on the environment.
Rolls-Royce announced on April 6th the sale of a 25 per cent stake in Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell Systems to EnerTek Singapore Pte Ltd, a Singaporean consortium of companies.
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