Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc., (Nasdaq: QTWW) has delivered the first four of fifteen hydrogen-fueled Toyota Prius hybrid vehicles to Miljobil Grenland AS, a participant and vehicle provider to the Norwegian Hydrogen Highway (HyNor).
Quantum’s hydrogen-fueled Priuses were featured at the dedication of the first hydrogen fuel station opened on the outskirts of Stavanger, Norway by Statoil ASA, the Norwegian state-controlled oil company. Quantum’s Chairman, Mr. Dale Rasmussen, and President and CEO, Mr. Alan P. Niedzwiecki, participated in this grand opening event, along with dignitaries from Miljobil, Norsk Hydro, the Norwegian government, and Statoil.
The Stavanger hydrogen filling station for motor vehicles opened as the first step in creating a clean-air highway in southern Norway. The Norwegian government, industry participants, and the organizations participating in a joint effort called HyNor plan on creating a “Hydrogen Highway” between the capital, Oslo, and western Norway’s port of Stavanger.
The Norwegian HyNor plan calls for five refueling stations along the main highway from Oslo to Stavanger, the center of the national petroleum industry that makes Norway the world’s third largest oil exporter, after Saudi Arabia and Russia. By 2009, HyNor plans to have enough fueling stations along the 580-kilometer (360 mile) route to allow hydrogen-powered vehicles to routinely make the trip.
The ultimate goal is to extend the hydrogen infrastructure network through much of Scandinavia under the Scandinavian Hydrogen Highway Partnership, a joint organization formed by HyNor, Sweden’s HyFuture, and Denmark’s Hydrogen Link earlier this year.
“Quantum is proud to be the supplier of the first hydrogen vehicles to be driving on Norway’s ‘Hydrogen Highway,'” said Dale Rasmussen, Chairman of the Board of Quantum. “We are excited to participate with Miljobil Grenland, Norsk Hydro, Statoil, and the Norwegian government in building the foundation for one of the most progressive public-private hydrogen partnerships in the world.”
“We look forward to supporting the HyNor program as we deliver the remaining hydrogen Priuses on order,” added Alan P. Niedzwiecki, President and CEO of Quantum. “The hydrogen hybrid Priuses, developed with co-funding from the South Coast Air Quality Management District, are generating increasing interest from around the world as clean, fuel efficient alternatives to petroleum fueled vehicles. Based on the enthusiastic reception we received at the grand opening of the Stavenger hydrogen station, we believe that opportunities will emerge to supply additional vehicles to HyNor, the Scandinavian Hydrogen Highway Partnership, and the rest of Europe.”
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