The Indian Space Research Organisation has announced that zero-emission buses powered by technology which has been used on rockets will be available soon.

The government group has put together its first prototype using the cryogenic hydrogen fuel cell technology and the first road-ready bus should be released next year.

It was also confirmed that Tata Motors - which has been working on the bus project since 2006 - will be enlisted to work on the engine and hydrogen system.

http://www.cleantech.com/news/3889/india-hydrogen-fuel-cells-using-rocketship-technology-moon-mission

Kia Motors launched its brand new fuel cell electrical vehicle (FCEV) at the Los Angeles International Auto Show last month.

The Kia Borrego FCEV makes use of a 154-hp fuel cell and a new 450-volt supercapacitor, while its 202-litre hydrogen storage tank gives it a range of around 426 miles.

Dr Hyun Soon Lee, President of Research and Development at the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, said: "Now we will be able to build fuel cell electric vehicles in higher volumes and lower cost for fleet testing and the latest Borrego FCEV drives us closer to making fuel cell vehicles available for consumers."

http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=80562

Volkswagen's new high-temperature, phosphoric acid fuel cell was the most prestigious of the firm's three new hydrogen-power strategies to be unveiled at the recent Los Angeles Auto Show.

The company believes it has found a way to stop the problem of phosphoric acid exhaust steam turning to water and leaking out of the cell if it is made to operate any lower than its peak temperature of 160C.

The Daily Telegraph reports that the cell membrane is cut and sandwiched between coated carbon tiles, before being sealed and compressed between carbon plates, whose surfaces allow the inflow of hydrogen and oxygen.

Volkswagen believes the development - which is being using on Tourag models - could result in a 20 per cent efficiency improvement over water fuel cells.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/environment/3520714/Driving-VWs-fuel-cell-prototypes.html

Meanwhile, MTI MicroFuel Cells has released a new intent external power-pack prototype which can offer 25 hours of cordless power in any given cartridge.

The charger is based around its Mobion chip, which is based on 100 per cent methanol fuel, passive, direct methanol fuel cell technology and can run at temperatures from 0C to 40C.

Tests reveal that the chip can produce power in excess of 62MW/cm sq and 1,800W hours per kg.

http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20081210005157&newsLang=en

Central Grocers is now powering its entire lift truck fleet at its new Illinois distribution centre with GenDrive fuel cell units, developed by Plug Power.

Replacing lead-acid batteries, the cells will mean the company no longer has to invest in a battery charging and changing infrastructure, while also decreasing operational costs and opening up more floor space for the distribution business.

http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/news.html?d=156211

In addition, it has been confirmed that Air Products will be installing an indoor hydrogen fuelling infrastructure to serve the trucks when the centre opens in the first quarter of 2009.

Tom Joseph, Business Development Manager for Hydrogen Energy Systems at Air Products, has explained that the centre will be a "true indication of the positive results of the hydrogen economy".

"The operational and environmental benefits of hydrogen powered materials handling management systems will be very evident from day one," he said.

http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseContent.aspx?ACCT=ind_focus.story&STORY=/www/story/12-11-2008/0004940492&EDATE=

Finally, the University of Delaware has announced that it has established a new facility aimed at improving the understanding of fuel cells and addressing issues surrounding their commercialisation.

The new Center for Fuel Cell Research - which will encourage the participation of undergraduate and postgraduate students - hopes to improve performance and durability through new materials, architectures and operating strategies.

http://www.udel.edu/udaily/2009/dec/fuelcell121008.html