Let me try to keep these straight.....you've got Ballard working with Daimler/Chrysler to bring out the pre-production Necar 5 FCV, you've got GM now working with Exxon/Mobil on a portable gasoline reformer for a GM PEM-FC, you've got Ford now collaborating with BP (formerly BP/Amoco/ARCO) on "new fuel technologies", and now we've got Shell doing a joint venture with International Fuel Cells to develop fuel processors which can reform conventional fuels into fuel cell grade hydrogen (below). This doesn't even mention Texaco's 20% ownership of ENER with their novel hydrogen storage technology and the recent addition of Robert J. Eaton, Former Chairman of DaimlerChrysler AG, to Texaco's BOD.
Does anybody else see something going on here? Oil companies, automobile manufacturers and fuel cell companies getting together to formulate some sort of consensus on the future direction of global stationary and mobile energy applications??? Even the Saudi's are getting nervous by asking multinational oil companies to come and help them develop their huge, untapped natural gas infrastructure. This is absolutely unprecedented and should be a clue as to what's coming ahead.....unless you already know.
Shell and International Fuel Cells Agree to Establish Fuel Processing Joint Venture
HOUSTON, Sept. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Shell Hydrogen US, a division of Shell Oil Products Company (Shell), and International Fuel Cells, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation (NYSE: UTX - news), today announced their intent to establish a 50-50 joint venture company to develop, manufacture, and sell fuel processors for the emerging fuel cell and hydrogen fuel markets.
Fuel processors are devices for converting fossil fuels, such as natural gas or gasoline, into hydrogen. Under the terms of the memorandum of understanding signed between Shell and UTC, the joint venture will target such devices at fuel cells in automobiles, buses, and power generators, and at distributed hydrogen fueling applications (such as at retail or commercial filling stations, convenience stores, and residences).
Shell and International Fuel Cells (IFC) are currently pursuing different aspects of the development of fuel processors for these markets. By combining the complementary technological and marketing strengths of both partners, the new joint venture will be a global competitor in this technology. The joint venture will market to a wide range of customers, including automotive manufacturers and fuel cell powerplant manufacturers (such as IFC).
``Shell Hydrogen is committed to hydrogen as the fuel of choice and to delivering hydrogen fuel on a commercial basis,'' said Don Huberts, CEO of Shell Hydrogen. ``Fuel processors provide a practical and critical bridge between today's technology and tomorrow's by providing hydrogen from safe, inexpensive, and readily available sources.''
``This joint venture combines two complementary fuel processing efforts in the industry,'' said William T. Miller, President of International Fuel Cells. ``We are pleased to have Shell as a partner in our own aggressive efforts to continue commercialization of fuel cell technologies.''
Additionally, as part of a broader strategic business relationship between Shell Hydrogen and UTC in the emerging fuel cell and hydrogen businesses, Shell will market IFC fuel cell power systems for certain stationary power applications.
Shell Hydrogen is a global business consisting of separate companies and other organizational entities within the Royal Dutch/Shell Group of Companies. Shell Hydrogen was set up in 1999 to pursue and develop business opportunities related to hydrogen and fuel cells, and has its principal office in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
International Fuel Cells is a global competitor in fuel cell production and development for commercial, transportation, residential and space applications. IFC is the sole supplier of fuel cells for U.S. space missions.
SOURCE: Shell |
