The international Conference on Hydrogen Energy Utilization was held on 27-28th April in Reykjavík, Iceland. The objectives were concerned for status of operation, results in the fuel cell development, administrative and financial aspects of CUTE phase 2, and CUTE plus — continuation of the fuel cell bus program. The attendees came from Australia, Canada, France, German, America, Japan and China etc, totally 15 countries. The prime minister of Iceland gave a presentation on the meeting. He advocated the globe should participate in new energy research and utilization to solve the energy crisis and environmental pollution. The representatives and experts across the world had a discussion on utilization and development of hydrogen energy, while they expressed the expectation of hydrogen energy in the future. The presentation on operational results of the FC buses introduced primary details of operational status of CUTE on the meeting. Sharing these experiences and lessons will be contributed to effectively implement China project. CUTE plus was agreed on the conference as well.

    Iceland is the main base of hydrogen energy research and experiment in EU. There are three fuel power buses and one hydrogen refueling station in-service performance in Iceland currently (established in April 2004 in Reykjavík). Iceland with only 23 ten thousands population is abound of renewable energy. Currently over 72% of all primary energy used is renewable. All electricity available in Iceland is from geothermal and hydropower sources. Oil still is needed for almost 30% of the primary energy demand about half to operate the fishing fleet and the other half mainly for motor vehicles. If it is possible to produce hydrogen by renewable sources, develop fuel cell vehicle by hydrogen could stimulate into an ecological society in Iceland. Hydrogen cost and safety cause the main problems at current stage. However, depending on some experts’ expectation, ten percent of buses will use hydrogen as fuel in the world until 2020. Iceland government aims to make Iceland as the first ecological country complementally implementing hydrogen fuel vehicle in 2050.

    Professor Lun Jingguang, the representative from national PMO attended the meeting. The understanding of current development of hydrogen energy in Iceland was achieved through visiting the hydrogen refuel station and garage in Reykjavík. The information will enrich experience for China project implementation.