Renault has signed an agreement with fuel cells developer Nuvera to consolidate and continue their collaborative efforts in fuel cell research.

The deal gives Renault a ten per cent equity stake in Nuvera, outlines a new research contract and licenses the international car manufacturer to use technology developed by Nuvera.

The new four-year research and design contract extends a previous deal made in 2002. This concerned the development of a hydrocarbon reformer adapted for automotive use, a prototype of which shall be available at the end of the year.

Renault's executive vice-president for industry and technology, Pierre-Alain de Smedt, said: "The agreement will enable us to play an active role in the development of fuel cells powered by reformed hydrogen."

Roberto Cordaro, president and CEO of Nuvera, added: "With the addition of Renault as a strategic shareholder, we have securely positioned ourselves for the challenges that lay ahead to execute our business plan for the next four years."

Nuvera hope to further advance multi-fuel processing, including the commercialisation of hydrogen fuel cell power modules by 2006.

Several types of fuel cell produce electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen over a platinum catalyst.