Carillion hydrogen trial lifts ITM Power

18th Jul 2011 08:47

Shares in energy storage and clean fuel company ITM Power jumped after it announced that FTSE 250-listed support services group Carillion is to use its technology for operating hydrogen-powered Ford Transit vehicles in a week-long trial later this month.During the "Hydrogen On Site Trial" (HOST) Carillion will use ITM's transportable high pressure refuelling unit (HFuel). HOST "comprises the operation and refueling of two Revolve Technologies hydrogen Ford Transit vehicles, with hydrogen produced on site at the point of use", according to ITM. Other companies taking part in HOST include the logistics group DHL and Scottish Water."We are delighted that Carillion will be joining our HOST trials and has made the commitment to enter into a paid-for trial in July for us to fit in to our busy schedule of trials," said ITM chief executive Graham Cooley. "This is a real opportunity for ITM Power to show the benefits of HFuel for producing a clean fuel which demonstrates hydrogen cost 'parity with petrol' and contributes to decarbonising transport, improving air quality and eliminating carbon from the fuel supply chain."Carillion's operations manager of fleet and plant services Doug Randell said: "At Carillion we want to offer serious low carbon transport solutions for our clients that also enable Carillion to meet its long term goals for sustainability. We view ITM Power's HFuel technology as playing a potentially important role, and look forward to the commencement of the trial later this month."---RG