China

Participants

Beijing Fuyuan Fuel Cell Group

The Beijing Fuyuan Fuel Cell Group consists of two companies: Beijing Fuyuan Century Fuel Cell Power Ltd. Corp. and Beijing Fuyuan Pioneer New Energy Material Ltd. Corp.:

Beijing Fuyuan Century Fuel Cell Power is developing PEM fuel-cell technology. It has developed stacks ranging in size from 3 W to 30 kW. Prototypes include a 3-W system for mobile phones, a 30-W system for laptops, and a 300-W system for scooters or electric bicycles. In 1998, the company developed the first fuel-cell-powered vehicle in China in conjunction with the Automotive Engineering Department of Tsinghua University, installing a 5-kW stack into a prototype golf cart. One year later, a sedan car was developed with Tsinghua University. More recently, Beijing Fuyuan has built and tested 40-kW PEM fuel cells for cars and 150-kW units for buses. Furthermore, the company has developed a 200-W PEM system, which it has shipped to the Japanese company QM Soft, which plans to sell 50 of the portable units per month (price about US$ 3,500).
Sister company Beijing Fuyuan Pioneer New Energy Material specializes in the R&D and production of PEM fuel-cell components, including carbon, platinum catalysts, composite, metal bi-polar plates, and PEMs.

Beijing Jinfeng Aerospace S&T Developments Company

Beijing Jinfeng Aerospace S&T Developments Company is the country’s largest producer of hydrogen-storing metals and one of 13 manufacturers that have a combined production capacity of 7,000 tons/year. The company is working on possible uses of hydrogen for transport applications.

Beijing LN Green Power Company

The Beijing LN Green Power Company (Beijing LN Power Sources), established as the LN Research Institute in 1998, is attempting to transfer its experience in electric vehicles to fuel cells. In 2001, together with the Electric Vehicle R&D Centre of the Beijing Institute of Technology (part of the Chinese Academy of Science), LN Green Power developed a PEM fuel-cell-powered taxi with a range of 150 km and a top speed of around 75 km/h. In the same year, a PEM fuel-cell car (range of 50 km; top speed of 24 km/h) was showcased, which was developed with the Tsinghua University and the Beijing Institute of Technology. Furthermore, a small 12-seat fuel cell bus was unveiled at the same time.

BYD Battery Company

BYD Battery Company, a manufacturer of rechargeable batteries, has reported that a group of its 200-strong R&D team is working on fuel cells, but no details are forthcoming at present. The company is based in southern China, near Shenzhen.

Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry

The Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry (part of CAS) is working on nickel-based alloys for storing hydrogen and on molten carbonate salts for fuel cells. Furthermore, this institute has also been working on direct methanol fuel cells (1–100 W) for portable applications.

China Association for Hydrogen Energy

The China Association for Hydrogen Energy aims to promote hydrogen as a clean fuel for fuel cells and various other applications. The association is organizing the HYFORUM event, one of the largest hydrogen- and fuel-cell-related conferences in China.

Clean Energy Automotive Engineering Center of Tongji University

The Clean Energy Automotive Engineering Center of Tongji University (CEAEC) was founded in 2002. During the “Tenth Five Years Plan,” it mainly undertakes a host of important science and technology-tackling projects of the state and Shanghai in “Electric Vehicles,” “Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCV),” “multi-energy power control systems of fuel cell vehicles,” and “key technology of hybrid-power vehicles” in the China 863 Program (National High-Tech Research and Development Program of China). At present, CEAEC has achieved great success in some fields, such as clean energy automotive design and testing, power system integration, research and development on automotive electric controlling, and hydrogen facilities technology, among others. It was ratified to be the Clean Energy Automotive Engineering Center of Education Ministry and the Shanghai Technology and Research Center of Electric Vehicles Engineering in 2006.

Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics

Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP) has been carrying out fuel cell R&D for more than 50 years:

From the 1960s to the 1970s, alkaline fuel cells (500–600 W) were successfully developed. In the 1980s, DICP developed an alkaline-free-electrolyte flow H2-O2 fuel cell and a large-capacity energy storage fuel cell. Other research areas have included the development of thin metal bipolar plates that are easy to manufacture and manufacturing processes for membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs).
There has also been some work by DICP on direct methanol fuel cells and catalysts. In the last decade, DICP has been developing PEM fuel cells, molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs), and solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The institute employs more than 70 researchers and engineers in three R&D groups working on stacks with a power range between 1 and 75 kW for small and large stationary, transport, and portable applications. DICP demonstrated various cars and small and large fuel-cell buses in 2001–03, most of which had a 30-kW PEM stack. In spring 2003, the institute supplied its new 75-kW PEM stack to Tsinghua University, which integrated the unit into a bus. Furthermore, DICP, in cooperation with Samsung Electronics, has set up a joint research laboratory for the work on direct methanol fuel cells.
In August 2003, DICP signed a contract with Toyota to jointly develop clean energy vehicles, including the use of fuel cells. In 2001, DICP established Dalian Sunrise Power Co. Ltd. with a number of other Chinese organizations to commercialize its fuel cell technology. In conjunction with DICP and Shanghai Qianhe Bicycle Plant, work carried out by this company includes the development of a fuel cell bicycle powered by a 200-W PEM fuel cell. This technology was exhibited at the 2001 Shanghai Industry Exposition.

Fujian Nanping Nanfu Battery Company

The Fujian Nanping Nanfu Battery Company (Nanfu Battery) is the leading battery manufacturer in China. In 2002, the company signed an agreement with DICP to develop portable direct methanol fuel cells. Nanfu Battery will support this effort with US$ 1.2 million over 4 years.

General Research Institute for Non-ferrous Metals

The General Research Institute for Non-ferrous Metals (GRINM) is doing research related to hydrogen storage, including high-pressure storage and sensors. GRINM is developing hydrogen storage materials by using rare earths, titanium, and magnesium, as well as nano hydrogen storage materials. GRINM also produces and sells metal hydrides and hydrogen storage containers for fuel cells for mobile phones, bicycles, and motor scooters.

Centre for Hydrate & Natural Gas Research at the Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion

The Centre for Hydrate & Natural Gas Research at the Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion (GIEC) is conducting research on renewable energy technologies. GIEC has received funding from the government’s 973 Program in order to develop energy and gas storage systems and a small stationary methane fuel cell.

Inner Mongolian HEFA Rare Earth Science & Technology Development Compan | Nankai University

Inner Mongolian HEFA Rare Earth Science & Technology Development Company is a Chinese-Canadian manufacturer and distributor of rare earth oxide, hydrogen storage powder, and nickel-hydrogen materials. The company works closely with Nankai University on hydrogen storage technology. Early developments have resulted in a new magnesium-based hydrogen storage alloy that has higher hydrogen storage capabilities than alloys prepared by using metal-melting methods.

Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the Huazhong University

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the Huazhong University is working on hydrogen storage alloys and new PEMs.

Nanjing BINKI Industry Company

Nanjing BINKI Industry Company manufactures and supplies perfluorinated ionomer membranes and perfluorinated powder/resin for PEM and direct methanol fuel cells. The company claims that its material has some advantages over Nafion, including isotropy, high crystallinity, and resistance to oxygenation.

NewEco Developing Center

The NewEco Developing Center is a renewable business and ecological economy organization based in Beijing, China. NewEco provides research and development, system design, and consulting services in the field of renewable energy, including solar, wind, fuel cell, and biomass.

Palcan Fuel Cells | Shanghai Giant & Phoenix Bicycle | Shanghai Wheelchair Factory | China Shipbuilding Industry Corp.

The Canadian fuel cell manufacturer Palcan Fuel Cells has signed strategic fuel cell and hydrogen research agreements with various Chinese organizations. In 2009, Palcan supplied a 300-W PEM stack to bike manufacturer Shanghai Giant & Phoenix Bicycle to power a fuel cell scooter and a 1.5-kW stack to the Shanghai Wheelchair Factory to power a wheelchair. Furthermore, a 5-kW stack will be supplied to the steel, ship, and power generator manufacturer China Shipbuilding Industry Corp., which will integrate the unit into a boat.

Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center | General Motors China | SAIC

The Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) is a US$ 50 million, 50-50 joint venture between General Motors China and SAIC. It provides automotive engineering services, including design, development, testing, and validation of components and vehicles for automotive companies in China and the Asia Pacific region. In 2000, PATAC presented the fuel cell vehicle, Phoenix, a 1.5-ton General Motors Buick minivan, powered by a 35-kW PEM fuel cell with a top speed of around 110 km/h.

Shandong Blue-Sky New Energy Company

The Shandong Blue-Sky New Energy Company is developing zinc-air fuel cells, mainly to power small electric vehicles, such as bicycles and scooters.

Shandong University

Shandong University is working on storing liquid hydrogen and bio-hydrogen. Furthermore, the university is researching ways of reforming and producing hydrogen from ethanol, organic solvents, fodder, and methane or from photosynthetic bacteria.

SAIC

SAIC is China’s largest car manufacturer, producing almost half of the vehicles sold in the country. Apart from its joint fuel cell activities in PATAC, SAIC is working on its own developments. In 2003, the company presented its first fuel cell car prototype, the Chao Yue 1. The car is based on Volkswagen’s old Santana sedan and can reach a top speed of 110 km/h. SAIC has invested US$ 4.6 million in its fuel cell research campaign and has received another US$ 10 million from the Chinese government to continue its efforts throughout 2004. The company introduced a small demonstration fleet in 2005.

Shanghai Forever Company

In 2001, moped and bicycle manufacturer Shanghai Forever Company (Shanghai Forever Bicycle) signed an agreement with Palcan Fuel Cells for the manufacture and integration of a portable fuel cell system into Shanghai Forever’s popular electric bicycle and low-speed electric motor scooters. Furthermore, the two companies have agreed to jointly develop and demonstrate further generations of fuel-cell-powered vehicles.

Shanghai Fuel Cell Vehicle Powertrain Co., Ltd

Shanghai Fuel Cell Vehicle Powertrain Co., Ltd. (SFCV), was established in 2001. SFCV is a high-tech enterprise that focus on the development, manufacture, marketing and technical service of electric vehicles. Now, SFCV is taking on the National 863 Key EV Program Fuel Cell Car in cooperation with other domestic enterprises and developing EV powertrain platforms.

Shanghai Institute of Ceramics

The Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, part of CAS, is researching and developing materials for planar SOFC stacks. The Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry (SIOC), also part of CAS, is a leading research institution in organic chemistry in China and has made significant contributions to the development of national science, the economy, and defense. As a leader in PEM research, SIOC has made significant advances in partial fluorine PEMs. SIOC is the primary shareholder of Shanghai TL Chemical Company, which was established in 2002 to develop and commercialize PEM and MEA technologies.

Institute of Fuel Cells at the Shanghai Jiao Tong University

The Institute of Fuel Cells at the Shanghai Jiao Tong University is working on small stationary (<10 kW) PEM and MCFC and electrolyzers. The university has received a US$ 1.8 million grant from the Chinese government to support these efforts. Future work will include the development of 3–5-kW residential PEM units, 1-kW SOFC units, and 10–50-kW MCFCs.

Shanghai Shen-Li High Tech Company Ltd.

Founded in 1998, Shanghai Shen-Li High Tech Company Ltd. is developing PEM fuel cells for a whole array of applications, from portable power to mini-buses. Currently employing around fifty people, it has developed a series of prototypes, ranging in output from 10 W to 50 kW. Future projects include the development of fuel cells in the 1–10-W range to power mobile phones and other devices. Shen-Li High Tech has successfully demonstrated a 2.5-kW PEM scooter, a 40-kW car, a 500-W bicycle (jointly developed with Su-Zhou Machinery), and a 4.8-kW small sightseeing vehicle and has plans for a 30–80-kW PEM minibus. The company has been supported by the Chinese Government’s 863 Program to develop PEM membranes and a 30-kW stationary power unit and has received funding from the local government in Shanghai to develop a 5‑kW small stationary unit. Shen-Li High Tech has a close working relationship with the Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry.

Shanghai Sunwise Energy System Co., Ltd.

Shanghai Sunwise Energy System Co., Ltd., was jointly invested by Shanghai Fuel Cell Powertrain System Co., Ltd., and Shanghai Aerospace Energy Co., Ltd., as the major shareholders and has been engaged in R&D and the promotion of new energy technologies. Sunwise’s main activities include hydrogen technical advisory, hydrogen refueling station design and engineering services, hydrogen sales, energy-saving emission reduction technology and related equipment, R&D, and system integration. The company has two separate workshops: the Hydrogen System Manufacture & Test Workshop and High-Pressure Valve Assembly & Testing Clean Workshop. Sunwise is also responsible for operating the Anting Hydrogen Refueling Station, which is the first one in Shanghai.

Shanghai Yung-Qiang Technology | Shanghai Marine Diesel Engine Research Institute

Shanghai Yung-Qiang Technology, a subsidiary owned by Shanghai Marine Diesel Engine Research Institute, is working with Palcan Fuel Cells on manufacturing and developing various hydrogen and air fuel subsystem components for Palcan fuel cells. Yung-Qiang Technology will invest around 800,000 yuan (US$ 98,000) on the development of a new lightweight container for Palcan’s proprietary low-pressure metal hydride storage material.

South-North Institute for Sustainable Development

The South-North Institute for Sustainable Development is a Chinese non-profit non-governmental organization based in Beijing. It works on legislation, regulations, and policy of environmental protection and sustainable development and promotes the use of renewable energy, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. Its fuel-cell-related work includes an ongoing project that aims to develop a 10-year strategy for the development and commercialization of fuel cell vehicles in Shanghai.

Suzhou Small Antelope Electric Bicycle Company | Suzhou Chuangyuan Group

Electric bike producer Suzhou Small Antelope Electric Bicycle Company, part of the Suzhou Chuangyuan Group, signed an agreement in 2002 with Palcan Fuel Cells for the development of a fuel-cell-powered bicycle based on the Small Antelope electric bike and incorporating Palcan’s PalPac portable fuel cell. Another joint venture with Beijing Fuyuan Century Fuel Cell Power aims to develop 100–5,000-W fuel cells for scooters and motorbikes.

Tsinghua University

Tsinghua University is in charge of the project known as “National Key Fundamental Projects: Fundamental Research for Hydrogen Production, Storage and Transportation in Large Scale and Relative Fuel Cells, and Fuel Cell Engines Used for Buses.” The university is working on developing PEM fuel cells and fuel cell engines and making hydrogen from ethanol. In 1999, Tsinghua demonstrated a 5-kW PEM fuel-cell-powered golf car, the stack being developed by Beijing Fuyuan Century Fuel Cell Power. Together with Beijing LN Power Sources, Tsinghua University introduced various vehicles in 2001, one of which was a small 12-seat bus (top speed of 90 km/h, range of 160 km). As part of the government’s 863 Program, Tsinghua University is expected to use an 80-kW engine to develop another prototype bus.

Zhejiang University Science Park Development Company | Zhejiang University

Zhejiang University Science Park Development Company, a spin-off of Zhejiang University, is also working with Canadian fuel cell manufacturer Palcan. The company is developing a metal hydride storage canister exchange concept that will be suitable for applications under two kilowatts. The advanced energy materials research laboratory at Zhongshan University (Sun Yat-Sen University) is conducting basic research on advanced energy materials and technologies, such as nano-materials, fuel cells, catalysts, electrochemical sensors, nano-composite materials, and high-performance polymer materials.