Daily News

written by Werner Stützel, w.stuetzel@presscontact.de

Friday, 11 April 2003

+ Günter Siegmund, Sales Manager, P21 GmbH: We actually came to Hannover with few expectations. We are really surprised to be met with such general acclaim. There were lots of important discussions with potential customers who are dealing with network application providers in the telecommunication field and future application integraters. The company was founded as a Spin-Off of Vodafone/Mannesmann. They strive towards the commercialisation of Fuel Cell technology with an efficient Fuel Cell system. The first step hereby would be in the market area of uninterrupted electrical supply at mobil telephone stations, and in the future market area would provide for a large sales volume. The final thought is an independent system that will produce Hydrogen with electrolysers.

+ Johannes Schneider, Consultant, Millennium Cell, USA: Everything we experienced here was more than a positive surprise – from satisfying visits of experts on our booth to the perfect organization at the Group Exhibit. We received valuable contacts with manufacturers of Fuel Cell systems promising us active business relations as a supplier. Younger visitors were especially impressed by the remote controlled Fuel Cell model vehicle Voyager of DaimlerChrysler.

+ Stefan Richter, Scientific Assistant, wiba – Coordination Center of the Hydrogen Initiative Bavaria: Wednesday and Thursday were peak days for our initiative because we had interesting discussions and important first contacts. One of the reasons for our participation at the Group Exhibit was to find new participants for one of the 30 projects wiba is supporting. Furthermore we were looking for sponsors and partners for a special exhibition around the topic Hydrogen technology in the German Museum, Munich.

+ Judith Agar, Director Business Development, Intelligent Energy Ltd., London: After being in Hannover as a visitor last year, we decided to participate at the Group Exhibit this year. We are exhibitors for the first time, in general. We are more than pleased about the experts visiting us. Furthermore, we were surprised about all the contacts with the other exhibitors. Our company has developed our own design for Fuel Cell stacks (with a power range from 10 W to 25 kW) and for Fuel Cell Systems. Joint projects are planned with Boeing and several companies from the power supply, gas and oil industry. Intelligent Energy Ltd. will also expand into technology licensing.

+ Alexandra Huss, Fuel & Alternative Powertrain Vehicles, DaimlerChrysler AG: We knew that there would be a big public interest in the “F-Cell” which is an A-Class Application Concept. What has been surprising, is the constantly high quality of the questions. Most of the visitors had good basic knowledge around the Fuel Cell. The variety of questions concentrated on the period of time required to market commodities and the creation of the infrastructure. For instance: When can I buy such a car and how expensive will it be? Will there be enough filling stations?

+ A Delegation of Chinese Scientists visited the Group Exhibit - Hydrogen + Fuel Cells extensively. 17 companies from Germany, Norway, Belgium, Canada, Switzerland and the USA were able to present and introduce their R & D and their products to the group, who was eager to learn more about new technologies.

+ First survey results draw a clear picture of the Group Exhibit – Hydrogen + Fuel Cells: It offers a big marketing success to the exhibiting companies of the Hydrogen + Fuel Cell-branch. The Group Exhibit – Hydrogen + Fuel Cells is THE medium for presentation and representation. In comparison to other marketing tools like advertising and mailing it is judged to be much more effective. “Class instead of Mass” was the tenor of statements concerning the stream of visitors coming to the booths. Therefore the organization of the Group Exhibit - Hydrogen + Fuel Cells by Arno A. Evers FAIR-PR was assessed as excellent work.

Thursday, 10 April 2003

+ Jochen Straub, Marketing, Ballard Power Systems Inc.: It was our target to achieve leads with potential customers for the first worldwide serial production of the Fuel Cell Power-Module “Nexa™”. Many interesting discussions have led to new potential partnerships. We have also been satisfied with the first contacts made through the electronics and carbon material product groups. Another important goal after the first phase of the exhibition was not only the general interest but to meet with experts from the industry-“these expectations have been more than fulfilled.”

+ At the booth of Adam Opel AG, Hans-Artur Bauckhage, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economic Affairs, Transportation, Agriculture and Viniculture of Rhineland-Pfalz, was given detailed information on the new concept car “AUTOnomy”. The Minister also showed interest for the conception of HydroGen3, which is close to a serial-line product, and based on the Opel Zafira. General Motors has already made investments of 1 Billion US Dollars.

+ Benedikt Eska, Head of Business Development, PROTON MOTOR Fuel Cell GmbH: on the Group Exhibit - Hydrogen + Fuel Cells – where we all come together – we met new and existing customers. With our eye-catching fork-lift truck with a Fuel Cell drive, we could find solid business prospects. One realizes: the interest has become more qualified, the knowledge about the Fuel Cell increased. “The most interesting inquiries are those, where cooperative perspectives of Fuel Cell products were asked.”

+ Prof. Henry Mantsch, Counsellor (Science & Technology) and Dr. Bruno Wiest, Technology and Business Development Officer both from the Embassy of Canada, Berlin: It goes without saying, we visited the Canadian companies exhibiting at the Group Exhibit to learn more about their technologies and business activities. For us the Fuel Cell sector has high potential and is considered to be an upcoming industry. We are happy that there was such a good representation of Canadian Fuel Cell companies and hope that more businesses will use this opportunity on the Group Exhibit in the future. Visits included Ballard Power Systems Inc., Greenlight Power Technologies Inc., HERA Hydrogen Storage Systems, Hydrogenics Corporation and QuestAir Technologies Inc.

+ Volker Kadow, Head Press Department, VNG – Verbundnetz Gas AG: In 2003, the Fuel Cell Initiative – with its founding members EWE AG, MVV Energie AG, Ruhrgas AG and our company – is at the HANNOVER FAIR 2003 for the first time. We founded the cooperation just one year ago. Basically it was a test to see whether or not the participation at the Group Exhibit makes sense; our expectations were clearly surpassed. Even though there are currently no activities, we give a lot of detailed information at our place. There is a high demand for our “Fuel Cell ABC”. On the website of the Initiative, single copies can be ordered. Our definite vote: It paid to join the Group Exhibit - Hydrogen + Fuel Cells.

+ Dr. Bernd Rohwer, Minister for Economy and Traffic of Schleswig-Holstein was informed about the functions of a Fuel Cell and its placement as a working demonstration in schools and businesses. He was also interested in the activities of the Fuel Cell project of h-tec Hydrogen Energy Systems GmbH, Lübeck.

+ Uwe Kueter, Managing Director of h-tec Education, is very satisfied with everything at the Group Exhibit up until now. We have found distributors for our educational products. We are pleased that this year, we have seen more visitors from Italy and France. We also had requests in Hannover to buy the world premiere “Fuel Cell Mini” for the unbeatable price of 20 EUR.

+ Arno A. Evers’ Website www.hydrogenambassadors.com is a very popular one: Statistics showed about 1 million hits alone in April 2003. Which means, an average of 4400 hits per hour and about 70 per minute. At peak times, we registered even 20.000 inquiries per hour and therefore 333 per minute. The visitors were especially interested in the pages of the exhibitors (1916 hits), the Virtual FAIR (1247), the Forum (1029) and the Daily News (622).
Visitors from 64 countries have visited the website.

+ Nuvera Fuel Cells, Inc., a leading global designer and developer of Fuel Cell and fuel processing technology announced today that it has entered into an agreement with TotalFinaElf, one of the world’s leading oil companies, to study the effects of gasoline on fuel processors and Fuel Cell stacks designed for the automotive industry.

+ Wilhelm Dietzel, Hessian Minister for environment, rural development and consumer protection of the State Hessen, Germany visited the booths of all the companies from Hessen : OMG AG & Co. KG Fuel Cells, Schunk Kohlenstofftechnik GmbH, SAIA Burgess Dreieich GmbH & Co. KG and the Adam Opel AG. Dietzel received detailed information about the technological status of the Fuel Cell, research and development in the companies of his State and the future chances of this innovative technology in the market.

+ Minister of the State of Baden-Wuerttemberg, Erwin Teufel, enjoyed his visit of the booths representing his state. He was impressed by the concentration of the different research centres, exhibiting next side-by-side at the Group Exhibit - Hydrogen + Fuel Cells: Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbH, ForschungsAllianz Brennstoffzelle Baden-Wuerttemberg, Zentrum für Sonnenenergie- und Wasserstoff-Forschung Baden Wuerttemberg (ZSW), Wirtschaftsförderung Region Stuttgart, Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR), Institut für Technische Thermodynamik und Fraunhofer-Institute for Solar Energy Systems. Additionally, Mr. Teufel was informed in depth about Fuel Cell projects and development programmes already installed by DaimlerChrysler AG Fuel Cell Project and MTU CFC Solutions who are exhibiting together on one booth.

+ Dr. Lars-Peter Thiesen, Adam Opel AG emphasized the importance of cooperative actions. The framework for Hydrogen success: cooperation in development, standardization of Hydrogen and fuel-technologies, and the arrangement of partnerships with suppliers. In this context, he announced, General Motors / Adam Opel AG and the BMW Group founded an open consortium for developing a standardized automotive liquid Hydrogen gear. Both partners also invite other car manufacturers and suppliers to participate.

Wednesday, 9 April 2003

+ “I will do everything I can to support the fuel cell. It is relevant for environmental and economical issues”, says Christian Wulff, Minister President of the State of Lower Saxony. He was also happy to meet Mr. Evers: “Hi, Mr. Evers. I have heard a lot about you and hoped to meet you here!” One of his stops was at the booth of Adam Opel AG: The technical details of the five-seated prototype HydroGen3 and the German premiere of the design study “AUTOnomy” were interesting news for the Minister. A lot of questions were answered: How does the Fuel Cell work? What is the range of the car? When will commercialisation of cars run by Fuel Cells start? He regretted that he could not take a seat in this smart vehicle: ”I really would like to drive this car, it looks great!”

+ Dr. Lars Peter Thiesen, Manager Communication at GM Fuel Cell Activities: Simply because of its striking design, our concept vehicle “AUTOnomy” is a real magnet at the Group Exhibit. On this design study Fuel Cell- and By-Wire-Technology were combined for the first time. The steering system, brakes and other vehicle-functions are controlled electronically. Adam Opel AG follows two parallel concepts: The integration of a Fuel Cell system in an existing platform, as done in the HydroGen3, and the concept of AUTOnomy. What’s particularly fascinating is the skateboard-like chassis. It contains all basic drive-components. The whole framework can be designed according to customer demands.

+ During his tour of the Group Exhibit Harald Wolf, Mayor of Berlin and Senator for Economics, Labour and Women’s Issues, Berlin Government, visited MTU CFC Solutions GmbH, Ballard Power Systems, PROTON MOTOR Fuel Cell GmbH, DWV – German Hydrogen Association and Adam Opel AG. For the Senator it was important to talk about innovative technologies finding “their home” in the German capital. Wolf: “We can also say, that Berlin is definitely a good location for it.” Furthermore: “I would be really happy, if Fuel Cell Technology will be reality soon.”

+ The website from Arno A. Evers FAIR-PR, www.hydrogenambassadors.com, is used intensively. From the beginning of April 2003, and especially with the start of the HANNOVER FAIR, about 3200 users have visited the homepage, 1600 clicked through the pages of the exhibitors, 865 informed themselves about the daily Forum Programme of the Group Exhibit and 461 have read the Daily News. Also the Virtual FAIR, www.virtual-FAIR.com, has been online since the 6th of April: Great interest has already been shown by over 1000 users up until Tuesday evening. In addition, 50 visitors have seen the movie with Manfred Stefener, Managing Director, SFC Smart Fuel Cell AG, which presents itself in the Virtual FAIR.

+ Thomas Aigle, Center of Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden Wuerttemberg (ZSW): We present stacks at the HANNOVER FAIR which were developed for several applications by our Center. Models of a scooter, a torch, a car and a ship powered by a fuel cell are on display. The most important point for us is to establish contacts in stationary applications. In addition, the testcenter offers service addressing external needs for example tests from 1 kW to 85 kW.

+ Dr. Harald Raak, Head of Marketing, Sulzer Hexis AG: The Group Exhibit - Hydrogen + Fuel Cells at HANNOVER FAIR is an important event for Sulzer Hexis AG. Key manufacturers meet here at the Forum to exchange information. The company reported about the actual state of its products that 100 Fuel Cell systems are finished, 80 out of these run in several projects with the help of partners from Germany, Switzerland, Austria, France and The Netherlands. More than 90 percent of the plants are working without any problems which is very positive.
Currently, the main task of Sulzer Hexis AG is now to improve the durability of the stacks.

+ During his long visit tour of the Group Exhibit, Klaus Töpfer, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Nairobi, Kenya, was especially interested in the development of mobile applications of the Fuel Cell such as the HydroGen 3 and the car of the future, the GM Hy-wire, both shown by Adam Opel AG, Rüsselsheim. Furthermore, he had very informative conversations with representatives of Ballard Power Systems Inc., DaimlerChrysler AG Fuel Cell Project, MTU CFC Solutions GmbH, Fraunhofer-Institute for Solar Energy Systems, Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR) and also the German Hydrogen Association (DWV).
Klaus Töpfer received a miniature Fuel Cell car model from h-tec Education, Lübeck so he can test the technology himself.

+ Dr. Rolf Ewald, German Hydrogen Association (DWV): During the trade show, we are focussing on watching trends, meeting people, and using the Fair as a platform of discussion for politics and the Fuel Cell Industry. Additionally, the association informs all the fair visitors interested in the new technology. “Therefore the forum is very useful”, says Dr. Ewald.

During his tour of the Group Exhibit – Hydrogen + Fuel Cells, Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Methling, Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of the Environment for Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, met with PROTON MOTOR Fuel Cell GmbH, Starnberg, and it was important for him "because we need to make Hydrogen a common mission in our country". Plans are underway to use Fuel Cell buses in the city of Barth’s protected area from Fall 2003. This is interesting for this region since combustion engines are undesirable. The project is completely supported and promoted by the City of Starnberg, by the State of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Employment. The Minister stated: “I’m working on your behalf, and for us all, to make sure that this project is seen through to its completion.”

+ Peter Berger, Marketing & Sales, MTU CFC Solutions GmbH, Munich: This is our 3rd year participating at the Group Exhibit. This year, we are showing our development in the field of modular power plants. The participation at the HANNOVER FAIR is important for getting in touch with customers and other exhibitors. Keywords are industrial thermal electric energy, biogas, sewage. Our Fuel Cell is able to transform the alternative gases with much more efficiency and in this way, it is even better to protect the climate. MTU CFC Solutions GmbH also has taken part in the foundation of a FC forum of the VDMA in the last time. The forum, which hosts many leaders of the FC field, is a strong partner for the German and European regulatory body for Fuel Cell market introduction. Flyers and brochures are available at booth F60/2.

+ Ulf Groos, Marketing, Fraunhofer Institut für Solare Energiesysteme ISE: At the Fair, the Fraunhofer Institute is showing in co-operation with Masterflex, the Fuel Cell Powerbox, and with Ambient Recording, a portable, professional camera and the ongoing activities of reforming fossil fuels with their Electrolyser (mini-electrolyser). The expectation for the fair is to get in touch with potential customers for the professional camera system and to build foundations for important mergers and partnerships. Next year, Masterflex will introduce the Powerbox on the market. In almost two to three years, the camera will be available but will first cover niche markets. I am sure that the markets will be conquered through future orientated niches.

+ Werner Lehnert, Division Manager for the ForschungsAllianz BrennstoffZellen Baden-Wuerttemberg: The Group Exhibit is a perfect platform for exhibiting because the whole industry is presenting their Research and Development together which creates essential synergy effects. That is why it is very important for ForschungsAllianz BrennstoffZellen Baden-Wuerttemberg to be a part of this well organized Group Exhibit. There has been a lot of interest by last year’s visitors when we participated for the first time. Last year, we wanted to encourage potential customers on our behalf, as well, as on the behalf of other companies and institutions based in Baden-Wuerttemberg.

+ Jörg Weigl, PIOS – hydrogen – cycle: He is riding his Fuel Cell-driven bike around at the Group Exhibit. The filling, which consists of about 9 cubic centimeters pure Hydrogen, allows the vehicle a range of 1200 kilometers. The purpose is to bring the Fuel Cell to the people; for it to be “hands on”. Another goal is to demonstrate what students are capable of making. Customers are not yet found, but that is to be expected since the cost is still equivalent to a middle class car. But maybe with a combination of idea and the demonstration, the product becomes a “real” product someday.

Tuesday, 8 April 2003

+ Dr. Joachim Kroemer, Head of Sales, PROTON MOTOR Fuel Cell GmbH, Starnberg: We anticipate the worldwide contacts gained by being involved in this Fair and in particular, this special Group Exhibit. Already on the first day, we had many promising discussions. It is already important to know in which direction our industry goes. And we gain strength here through the various exchange of ideas so that we can concentrate on the “right things”.

+ Ute Vogt, SPD Party Leader for Baden-Wuerttemberg, Federal State of Germany, and Member of the German Parliament focused her attention on the companies from the local regions. She was pleased with the information given by the ForschungsAllianz Brennstoffzelle Baden-Wuerttemberg and by international comparison, that Baden-Wuerttemberg doesn’t have to “hide”. And what is Baden-Wuerttemberg’s focus? Institutes, companies, universities, have reached a high standard concerning the area of Fuel Cells and is known worldwide because of it. Ute Vogt also had great interest in the projects of the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, Freiburg, and in particular, the camera operated by a Fuel Cell.

+ Question posed to Dr. Hanspeter Georgi, Minister of Economic Affairs – Saarland while visiting the MTU CFC Solutions GmbH und DaimerChrysler AG stand: Are you brave enough to keep a Fuel Cell in your cellar? Dr. Georgi: “Why not? I am not afraid of new technologies” (and pointing to this tie) “This is made with nanotechnology.” Due to Dr. Georgi, Saarland focuses totally on renewable energies and is on their way into a new energy future which is represented by the Fuel Cell itself. At FuMA-Tech, a company situated in Saarland’s St. Ingbert, the Minister was able to see the “new heart of the Fuel Cell” – the High Performance Polymer.

+ Dr. Bernd Bauer, Managing Director of FuMA-Tech: “The company is specialised in the production of diaphragms, an indispensable component of each Fuel Cell. What’s expected for the future is a portable variation. On the Group Exhibit, visitors appreciate the high-level of discussion which the exhibiting community offers. The exhibitors are there in order to win new clients and to defend existing partnerships. Our company went into the year 2003 with strong optimism and the HANNOVER FAIR should support this expectation.

Monday, 7th April 5:00 pm

+ “Energy economics is hard Energy politics“, said Ulrich Junghanns, Minister of Economic Affairs – Brandenburg, during his guided tour of the Group Exhibit – Hydrogen + Fuel Cells. Focusing on the German Federal State of Brandenburg, he learned more about Fuel Cell systems as he visited with Vaillant GmbH, as well as, more about mission and objectives of the German Hydrogen Association (DWV) and Initiative Brennstoffzelle.

+ Kai Klinder, Head of Marketing & Sales for Fuel Cells, Vaillant GmbH, Remscheid: “The message of Vaillant, in co-operation with Plug Power, USA, as co-exhibitor, is to demonstrate the progress in this field. Vaillant GmbH is relatively certain that you can find the future in a Power-Heat-Connection. Vaillant GmbH is hoping to get in touch with potential components suppliers. Hydrogen + Fuel Cells advantage lies in the high political interest. It is very important to show people the technical direction so that the decision makers can take action.”

+ Carsten Bluck, CEO C. Bluck Industrial Graphic Service (BIGS), Gelsenkirchen, demonstrates, through animation, the features and functionality of a PEMFC - Proton Electro Membrane Fuel Cell system. During the Fair, he is interested in coming in contact with potential partners in this industry.

+ The start of the HANNOVER FAIR and “Fair of the Future“ kicked off on Monday, 7th April. As part of the Group Exhibit – Hydrogen + Fuel Cells, a Virtual FAIR has been launched on –www.virtual-fair.com – with four pioneer Virtual Exhibitors: SFC Smart Fuel Cell AG, Independent Power Technologies Ltd., Ludwig-Boelkow-Systemtechnik GmbH and Methanex Corporation. As stated from Arno A. Evers, Organiser: “Many fair organisers have tried to create a virtual marketplace on the internet, but without success”. “Our Virtual FAIR will be open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. We have concentrated on four key elements – people, products, posters, and prospectus – which will be the key to our success. You have the possibility to download business cards, photos, technical descriptions displayed on the posters, and the contents of product brochures. What’s practical is that you can compare our Virtual FAIR with the atmosphere offered at a “real” trade fair, but by sitting in front of a computer anywhere and anytime. The price of exhibiting is 8950 Euro a year including one update. The daily cost is just 24,50 Euros.” Take your tour today – www.virtual-fair.com

+ At Monday’s Opening Press Conference at the Group Exhibit – Hydrogen + Fuel Cells, nothing was more obvious than the development of Fuel Cells into an “international movement”. This development was demonstrated with the help of our guest panel – Kai Klinder, Head of Marketing & Sales for Fuel Cells, Vaillant GmbH, André Martin, Managing Director Europe and Transportation Programs, Ballard Power Systems Inc, Canada, Philippe Paulmier, Sales Manager AXANE Fuel Cell Systems, France, Dr. Alexander Yuzefovsky, Managing Director Independent Power Technologies Ltd., Russian federation, Francois Darchis, Vice-President Large Industries, Executive Committee Air Liquide, France, and Arno A. Evers. The trend towards this can also be seen and demonstrated through the participation of our Group Exhibitors from 19 countries.