The Italgas Prize
was awarded to the Johnson Matthey team for the development
of the HotspotTM natural gas fuel processor
for generating hydrogen to fuel new micro co-generation
systems for domestic and small-scale commercial use.
These systems will use fuel cells to generate electricity
and heat in small compact units within the home and
are expected to be commercially available within
the next three to four years. The company's HotspotTM technology
is also used to generate hydrogen from liquid hydrocarbon
fuels, such as methanol or gasoline, for use in fuel
cell engines for cars. Johnson Matthey is internationally
recognised as a world leader in fuel cell catalyst
technology.
Italgas is one of
Italy's main gas suppliers, serving over 1,500 Italian
towns and cities. It also operates in Hungary, Argentina,
Slovenia and Portugal. The Italgas Prize for Research
and Technological Innovation was launched in 1987
to mark the 150th anniversary of the company's foundation.
It aims to foster scientific research that benefits
economic and social development.
Commenting on the
award, Dr Jack Frost, Fuel Cell Business Manager
said:
"We are delighted
that our work on fuel reformer technology has been
recognised by this prestigious award. HotspotTM represents
the fundamental enabling technology for the commercialisation
of fuel cells by allowing us to use readily available
fuels and existing distribution infrastructure."
