Green award fuels hydrogen pioneers

4:05pm Monday 3rd March 2008

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A company which has devised an innovative way of allowing cars to run on hydrogen has won a top green award.

Staff at OM Energy based at Aston Tirrold have invented an Electro Hydrogen Generator which converts water stored in the car to hydrogen that is then fed back into the engine, cutting the amount of petrol or diesel used.

Now the technology has won a Shell Springboard award of £20,000 which will help with development.

Director Don Smith said: "This will help to secure the financial future of the company, while the recognition will increase our credibility in the industry. We can now talk to engine companies and truck manufacturers with greater confidence."

Andrew Eddy, director of Shell UK, added: "The generator not only has huge commercial potential but could have a significant impact on the UK's carbon emissions.

"This kind of cutting-edge, grassroots innovation from within the small business community will play a critical role in tackling the global challenge of climate change."

OM Energy won the award ahead of eight other businesses from across the south and will now compete to be named as the overall UK winner on March 4.