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Industrialists and researchers in
Scotland have come together to
form the Scottish Hydrogen and
Fuel Cell Association (SHFCA). The
body has been set up to promote
and develop Scottish expertise in
fuel cells and hydrogen technologies
– a global market estimated to be
worth $46 billion by 2011. SHFCA
brings together the expertise and
experience of Scotland’s specialised
fuel cell companies, academic
institutions, research and
development bodies, power
generation companies, energy
consultants, Scottish Enterprise and
local enterprise companies, and
students and individuals with an
interest in the subject. Membership
is open to all-comers. |
SHFCA provides a coherent voice to represent, promote and develop Scottish hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. The Association engages with Scottish and UK government to create the right framework for the industry to develop. SHFCA is developing relationships with other national and international hydrogen and fuel cell bodies to work together to evolve a mutually beneficial strategy to create and develop a global sustainable hydrogen and fuel cell market.
There is a very considerable opportunity for the UK to achieve a major hydrogen and fuel cell economy if significant increases in R&D support are provided in accord with investments for competitors such as Japan, US and Germany. We believe that through SHFCA we can harness the skills and expertise available in Scotland and ensure that they are promoted on a national and international stage. We are at the dawn of the third industrial age and with a maturing oil and gas province, we must develop alternative opportunities.
Scotland has a phenomenal engineering legacy from the oil industry. This engineering base can be turned to the new energy systems quickly and easily and provide the base from which to build a value added industry and attract the best technologies from around the world.
Power generation from renewable sources is in its early stages, but it is set to become a major industry and Scotland must be part of this revolution. Hydrogen in conjunction with fuel cells can be used to balance energy generated from intermittent renewable sources such as wind. The diversification and globalisation of Scotland’s renewable energy sector will be crucial to securing a significant share of this rapidly growing global market. SHFCA will help showcase the expertise and skills available to a national and international marketplace.
The Association works to promote the interests of its members and our membership is our greatest resource. We will encourage a wide take up of membership to ensure that Scotland plays a fully integrated role in the development of fuel cells and the hydrogen economy, tomorrow’s energy resource. | 
