The HOST launch event attracted a remarkable audience of 300 people, including representatives from central and local government, NGOs, industry, the media, and the City, as well as many ITM Power investors.

A series of informative presentations included an enthusiastic keynote address from motor industry commentator Quentin Willson, as well as representatives from Stansted Airport and the UK government's Technology Strategy Board.

Attendees were then transferred to watch a demonstration of the ITM Power HFuel hydrogen refueling system with two Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (HICE) Ford Transit vans. Stansted will run these vehicles within its regular operations for a week.

'The primary purpose of the trial for us will be to determine the options of using this technology for our existing airside vehicle fleet,' explains Dr Andy Jefferson, Stansted Airport’s head of health, safety and environment.

The HFuel unit and the HICE vans will then move on for a week-long trial at each of the other 20 initial HOST partners, who include Scottish Water, Vestas Wind Systems, and leisure operator Center Parcs.

'Today’s well attended launch demonstrates the increased, and increasing, profile of hydrogen solutions to the key global problems of energy security and carbon reduction,' comments Graham Cooley, CEO of ITM Power.