Aug 27 2008
Air Products, the global leader in hydrogen fueling infrastructure and technology, recently fueled the General Motors (GM) Equinox fuel cell vehicle for an exclusive demonstration for GM customers and Thai dignitaries including the Prime Minister and government officials in Bangkok. The hydrogen fueling and demonstration was part of an exclusive event including vehicle rides and a technology symposium organized by GM at the Impact Convention Hall in Bangkok.
"Air Products and GM have been working closely on hydrogen fueling initiatives around the world. We are privileged to take part in this showing of hydrogen fueling capabilities for the future of transportation in Thailand and are excited with the interest of the Thai officials in examining the potential of hydrogen as an energy carrier. Air Products and our joint venture, Bangkok Industrial Gas (BIG), look forward to the opportunity to work on additional innovative projects in Thailand," said Robert Kelly, business development manager, Hydrogen Energy Systems at Air Products.
Air Products' Series 100 hydrogen fueling system, complete with hydrogen compression, storage and a fueling dispenser, provided the fuel to the GM Equinox fuel cell vehicle at the demonstration. The gaseous hydrogen for the Series 100 fueling system was supplied by BIG.
"We are pleased to work with Air Products and BIG for the show. This is our key step to show that we are ready for the development of fossil fuels free automotive technology that are renewable and clean," said Steve Carlisle, president of General Motors Southeast Asia Operations Ltd. and Chevrolet Sales Thailand Ltd. "The Equinox is hydrogen-powered. Equinox not only has advanced technology but also great driving functionality with no pollution. The only emission from the exhaust is pure water," added Carlisle. "The co-operation with Air Products and BIG for this show has given Thai people a chance of accessing the innovation that will be real in the near future."
"It was our great honor to be selected as an exclusive partner for this show in Thailand. BIG is a committed and responsible corporate citizen, and is visionary on future alternative energy from hydrogen. We will continue to work cooperatively with government representatives on hydrogen energy projects," said Piyabut Charuphen, managing director for BIG.
Air Products has more than 50 years of hydrogen experience and is at the forefront of hydrogen energy technology development. Air Products has placed over 85 fueling stations on-stream in 15 countries, including one in Beijing, China, for the fueling of three buses and 21 cars to be used to shuttle athletes and visitors during the 2008 Olympic Games. Over 66,000 vehicle fuelings have already taken place worldwide using Air Products' technology.
As the world's largest supplier of merchant hydrogen, Air Products is a leader in the development of the hydrogen infrastructure necessary to fuel hydrogen fuel cell and hydrogen internal combustion engine automobiles, HCNG (hydrogen/compressed natural gas) vehicles, and hydrogen powered forklifts, lift trucks and automated guided vehicles in the developing materials handling market. Air Products has an extensive patent portfolio with over 50 patents in hydrogen dispensing technology.
More information on Air Products' hydrogen fueling station technologies and activities can be found at http://www.airproducts.com/h2energy.