Linde Fuels Make the Future Detroit, Featuring Shell Eco-marathon Americas with Clean Hydrogen Energy for Student Competitors

DETROIT, April 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Linde North America Inc., will be the sole supplier of hydrogen fuel and hydrogen technology expertise at this year's Make the Future Detroit, featuring Shell Eco-marathon Americas, a unique competition that challenges students to design, build, and drive the most energy-efficient vehicles. For the first time in the U.S., Linde will also showcase its innovative HYMERA^TM hydrogen fuel cell generator, the world's first high-efficiency, portable hydrogen fuel cell generator. The HYMERA^TM is capable of charging as many as 40 mobile phones at a time and will enable Shell Eco-marathon participants and guests to stay connected during the competition.

With annual competitions in Asia, the Americas, and Europe, the Shell Eco-marathon challenges student teams to design, build, and drive the world's most energy-efficient vehicles. The Americas event will take place as a featured element of a four-day, festival of ideas and innovation – Make the Future Detroit – at the Cobo Center in Detroit, from April 27 - 30.

This year marks the seventh consecutive year in which Linde supports student teams competing with hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles in Shell Eco-marathon events around the world.  Linde will be providing ready-to-install hydrogen cylinders to the teams competing with hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles and a dedicated Linde technical team will be on hand throughout the competition to provide hands-on technical support and know-how for students.

"For Linde, the Shell Eco-marathon Americas competition represents an excellent opportunity to connect with and inspire the next generation of American engineers and innovators," said Sheila Eggert, Head of Talent Management for Linde Americas.  "Through our ongoing participation in this unique event, we're establishing close ties with students who will soon be positioned to take advantage of STEM career opportunities enabled by hydrogen.  As the most economically viable clean energy fuel on display at the 2017 Shell Eco-marathon Americas, hydrogen continues to earn recognition for its potential to boost the U.S. economy."

"Each of our partners bring significant benefits and opportunities to Make the Future Detroit featuring Shell Eco-marathon and we couldn't be more thrilled to have Linde as a long-standing partner of the competition. Linde helps provide our student teams with access to technical experts and support around the safe and efficient use of hydrogen and CNG," said Pam Rosen, Shell Eco-marathon Americas General Manager.

Hydrogen Innovation Holds Potential to Create STEM Jobs, Boost Nation's Economy

According to a Global Market Insights report issued in 2016, the worldwide fuel-cell market – including devices utilizing hydrogen – will have a value of $25 billion by 2024, with nearly one quarter of that from North America. Positions that would be generated by continued expansion of hydrogen commercialization include those related to: fueling stations operation; station planning and development; station construction; along with engineering and design ongoing supply and re-supply of station equipment; and all aspects of the hydrogen supply chain. In addition, as investments in hydrogen technology increase, they will generate new R&D and engineering jobs.

"Political winds may shift, but the march toward carbon reduction will continue creating an exciting environment for hydrogen technology and a potent opportunity for job creation," said Michael Beckman, Vice President of Hydrogen Fueling for Linde Americas.  "Large-scale commercialization of the gas is quickly becoming a reality, spurred by environmental sustainability, rapid developments in fuel-cell design, relevant infrastructure technologies, and a steady increase in adoption of hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. There are already more than 2,000 zero-emissions, fuel-cell vehicles on the road today, and they fuel at nearly 30 fueling stations across the U.S.  We expect both of those figures to double in the next 18 to 24 months."

Linde Continues Global Leadership in Hydrogen Fueling Technology

Linde, a global leader in hydrogen fueling technology, operates the largest hydrogen fueling system in the world with more than 150 separate stations in 15 countries. In the U.S., Linde operates four hydrogen fueling stations in California, including the world's largest fueling station for hydrogen fuel cell buses, serving AC Transit in Emeryville, CA. 

As one of the world's largest manufacturers of hydrogen plants, Linde covers the entire technology spectrum required to successfully use hydrogen as an energy carrier, from generation to refueling. Additional details are available at www.experienceH2.com   

"Consistent with Linde's hydrogen leadership, we are proud to be exclusive hydrogen partner once again for the Shell Eco-marathon," said Kushal Doshi, Senior Applications Engineer - Hydrogen Fueling for Linde Americas who is also leading the Linde technical team for the Shell Eco-marathon event at Detroit. "Hydrogen as an energy carrier has the potential to secure our future energy supply. It is gratifying to see the enthusiasm and energy of the teams and we look forward to sharing our ideas and offering our technical assistance".

About Linde

In the 2016 financial year, The Linde Group generated revenue of EUR 16.948 bn, making it one of the leading gases and engineering companies in the world, with approximately 60,000 employees working in more than 100 countries worldwide. The strategy of The Linde Group is geared toward long-term profitable growth and focuses on the expansion of its international business, with forward-looking products and services. Linde acts responsibly towards its shareholders, business partners, employees, society and the environment in every one of its business areas, regions and locations across the globe. The company is committed to technologies and products that unite the goals of customer value and sustainable development. 

More information is available online, at www.linde.com.

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SOURCE Linde North America, Inc.

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