More than 500 hydrogen and fuel cell professionals, from 21 countries and four continents, have gathered in the German city for one of the oldest international hydrogen and fuel cell trade events – f-cell, which starts tomorrow.
Held at the 19thcentury Haus der Wirtschaft, f-cell is an international conference and trade fair that attracts members of associations, government groups, different company levels and engineer experts, as well as members of the public that are searching for an update.
More interactive formats like workshops, topic tables and matchmaking sessions support the event and offer a great platform to network, meet new business partners and find out about news in the field of hydrogen and fuel cells.
Over the course of the next two days, the event will provide a comprehensive overview of relevant international markets and industries, as well as technology advances.
It seems the perfect time for such an event to be held in Germany, with Chancellor Angela Merkel announcing just last month a national hydrogen strategy for aviation.
The German Government is also expected to decide on a hydrogen strategy by the end of the year.
Conference programme
One of the highlights of the conference programme is the international market overviews, where participants will hear about current projects and investment programmes in countries like Germany, China, the US, Japan, Australia, Chile, Netherlands and Switzerland.
This year, f-cell is focusing on countries that have announced large funding programs, like Chile, or ambitious targets towards zero emissions.
The two-day programme will feature a range of topics including:
- The German hydrogen and fuel cell landscape – Thorsten Herbert, National Organisation Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology (NOW)
- Demonstrating sectorial integration through hydrogen valleys – Bart Biebuyck, Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU)
- CertifHy: A European guarantee of origin platform to prove the environmental benefits of hydrogen – Guy de Reals, Air Liquide
- Commercialisation of HD fuel cell trucks – How to get going – Rolf Huber, Hyundai Hydrogen Mobility
- Fuel cells and hydrogen in America: Moving forward – Morry Markowit, Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA)
- Current status of hydrogen society in Japan and Tokyo Gas’ initiatives – Dr. Kazuyoshi Honda, Tokyo Gas
- Hydrogen in Australia: Ramping up commercialisation – Dr. Attilio Pigneri, the Hydrogen Utility (H2U)
- The Netherlands, a frontrunner in hydrogen? – Drs RC Afkenel Schipstra, N.V Nederlandse Gasunie Gasunie Research
- Toyota’s hydrogen and electrifications strategy – Dr. Stephan Herbst, Toyota Motor Europe
24-hour hydrogen rally
For the first time, the 24 Hour Hydrogen Challenge will be coinciding with the f-cell. A strategic game for fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), teams choose their own routes through Germany to collect as many points as possible.
Points are awarded for refuellings, driving kilometres, visiting landmarks and completing tasks. Creative points are awarded for the best photo, best video and best blog.
The start signal will be given at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart this evening (9thSeptember) at 5pm, from where teams will criss-cross across Germany for the next 24 hours.
The finish line for the challenge will be at the f-cell evening event, located at the Wagenhallen, tomorrow. A total of four rally winners will be recognized for reaching the finish line.
The rally is intended to raise public awareness for hydrogen and fuel cell technology in the automotive sector. Four such rallies have already been held in the Netherlands.
Stay up-to-date with all the latest news, views and developments at the f-cell event via the gasworld website, updated throughout the two-day event.