In the phase I from December 2002 to May 2008, the partnership tested a variety of applications for hydrogen. These included the on-site production of hydrogen by water electrolysis or liquid petroleum gas (LPG) reforming, centralised hydrogen production by steam reforming of natural gas, and the distribution of H₂ by tanker. There were also trials involving the storage and delivery of hydrogen to filling stations, and its mobile application as a fuel for hydrogen-powered vehicles with fuel cells and internal combustion engines. In October 2004, the first CEP hydrogen filling station opened at the Aral filling station on Messedamm in Berlin. For the first time, gaseous and liquid hydrogen was publicly available for refuelling alongside diesel and petrol.

The CEP entered its second phase in May 2008. Until the end of 2010 the project focused on developing relevant technologies and proving that they fulfilled requirements under practical, everyday conditions. All the data and experience gathered in operating the fleet helps to improve the technology and remove market barriers. For instance, the increased efficiency of fuel cell systems was proven, along with their ability to freeze-start at temperatures as low as -30° C. In addition, the vehicles’ range was increased. And finally, technology advances ensured a steady reduction in the costs of hydrogen storage and the fuel cell system. In the area of refuelling, the CEP set the standard for the further expansion of the infrastructure with the most modern hydrogen filling station in Europe at the Holzmarktstrasse, Berlin. 

Phase III of the Clean Energy Partnership, from 2011 to 2016, focuses on through the widespread operation of vehicles by customers with the aim of learning more about the interfaces between vehicle, customer and infrastructure. Vehicle manufacturers have set themselves the goal of further improving vehicle efficiency, performance and reliability. The Clean Energy Partnership will grow with and other regions - and the network of filling stations and the vehicle fleet will grow along with it. 2011 Air Liquide and Honda already joined the CEP and other companies already applied for the partnership. Further information you can find in our brochure. Download here::