Copenhagen-based Topsøe Fuel Cell leads the race about the launch of a working version of the ceramic fuel cell. This autumn, the company inaugurates the world's first production unit and already next year the cell is to be tested at a large American bus company, writes Erhvervsavisen.

At the research centre Risø they are excited about the prospect of the fuel cell coming from the laboratories out into real life.

"With this technology we are a big step closer to the objective of a sustainable energy production. It is fantastic to see many years of work bear fruit so we are proud," says head of department, Søren Linderoth, at Risø DTU.

Topsøe Fuel Cell is in constant contact with several major players in the global automotive industry.

"So far, the fuel cell is interesting in for example mobile homes, buses, heavy duty trucks and pleasure boats," explains managing director Claus Olsen, Topsøe Fuel Cell.

"Later, it will also serve as mini-power station for ships, containers, oil rigs and construction sites. In the longer term it should provide power to large consumers such as hospitals, airports and hotels," says the director of Topsøe Fuel Cell.

Even now the fuel cell is five times as energy efficient as the fuel motor. The key issue is when will the  kilowatt price be so competitive that it is acceptable to the customers?

Topsøe, together with research centre Risø has worked experimentally with the fuel cell since the mid nineties. In 2005, Topsøe opened the subsidiary Topsøe Fuel Cell with 18 employees. Today the company employs 90 and in 2010 the management expects a total of 125 employees.