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SETBACK FOR FUEL CELL HOPES
Page 58
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From our Political Correspondent
HOPES for the quick production of a marketable engine powered by fuel cells have received a sharp setback. It is likely that four more years of development will be required before the idea reaches commercial proportions.
The news that the optimistic hopes of four years ago had been dampened was contained in last week's annual report of the National Research Development Corporation.
This said that the present accelerated programme of research would come to an end at the close of this year—" but it is clear that an extension will be needed before commercially viable results are obtained ".
Energy Conversion Ltd. (a subsidiary of the NRDC), British Petroleum Ltd., GKN Laboratories and British Ropes Ltd. are having talks with American licensees to step up the level of research over a further four years.
At the end of this time it is hoped that a commercial product will emerge. The first device will probably provide low-power alternatives for small dieselelectric power plants. Vehicle engine application is probably even further off.
Scientists concede that the original bright hopes for fuel-cell-powered electric motors were too optimistic. But they feel that the chances of success in the next few years are much greater now as the new and extended programme will incorporate new ideas.
Progress in the past has been hindered by the size of the effort put into the research. More effort and more money are now likely to go into it, following the Government's decision to give greater funds to the nation's inventiveness.
New AEC Distributor: V. G. Vehicles Ltd., Smithfield Road, Wrexham, have been appointed distributors for AEC vehicles, covering the whole of North Wales, Shropshire and Herefordshire.
Northern Trailer London Office: A new London sales office has been opened by the Northern Trailer Co. Ltd. at Suite 7, 24 Great Cumberland Place, London, WI. Manager is Mr. J. Sinclair.