ITM Power (LON:ITM), the energy storage and clean fuel company, this morning reported that Center Parcs had signed an agreement to participate in the Hydrogen On Site Trials (HOST) of ITM Power's transportable high pressure refuelling unit (HFuel). The HFuel unit was built with support from the Technology Strategy Board (TSB) and was launched at the company's AGM in September 2010. Center Parcs is the UK's leading short break holiday operator with four 400 acre holiday villages. The ITM Power HOST trial will from part of a wider project launched by Center Parcs to investigate its own energy usage and to research energy sourcing alternatives.

Commenting on the move, ITM Power’s chief executive, Graham Cooley, said: “Center Parcs provides a perfect demonstration of return to base commercial fleet refuelling. We are delighted that an organisation like Center Parcs with such a strong commitment to environmental protection and air quality has joined HOST. Center Parcs are pioneering the leisure industry's early adoption of clean technology.”

Chris Brooks, sustainability manager at Center Parcs, added: “Center Parcs is committed to seeking new ways of minimising its environmental impact. We are excited about being involved in this trial and the HOST scheme is just one of many initiatives we are considering as part of our ongoing sustainability strategy."

HOST will begin in 2011, and comprises the operation and refuelling of two Revolve Technologies hydrogen Ford Transit vehicles, with hydrogen produced on site at the point of use, at sites operated by participating companies and in the Gateway to London development area. Center Parcs joins DHL Supply Chain, London Stansted Airport, The Forestry Commission, Scottish Water, SSE (Scottish & Southern Energy), Vestas Wind Systems AS, the Scottish Police Services Authority and local authorities Sheffield City Council and the London Borough of Camden who have already joined the programme. HOST provides each partner with a one week free trial of HFuel and the Revolve HICE transit vehicles, and an option to lease both HFuel and vehicles for additional week(s).

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