21 April 2008 - A delegation of former Russian defense scientists currently engaged on International Science and Technology Center (ISTC) projects attended the international energy conference at Hannover Messe, Germany, to present the results of Russian research into innovative hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. The Russian delegation was supported by the ISTC and marks the fourth year where Russian science and innovation offered a significant presence at the exhibition, which is attended by an international audience of both science experts and commercial leaders. 

The Russian Federal Nuclear Center (VNIIEF) is now a leader in fuel cell technologies within its conversion program. Prof. Evgeni Novtski, head of the VNIIEF delegation to Hanover said: “Russian development of fuel cell technology is in an exciting period. Many of the leading Russian institutes are now engaged in developing the efficient energy sources of the future, which are vital for the whole of mankind.”
Dr. Victor Emelyanov, ISTC’s Targeted Initiatives Manager, added: “ISTC looks for opportunities not only to present the achievements of Russian science in the modern world, but also to find international partners for Russian and CIS former weapon scientists. Hannover Messe offers an excellent platform to highlight the latest developments in Russian hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, and to further the great benefits to be achieved through international science cooperation and innovation.”

Dr. Emelyanov was joined by 5 former defence scientists who presented the results of their research at a special Russian Innovation session during the exhibition. Of particular note was the first announcement by a team of former defence scientists working in two of Russia’s most prestigious research institutes on a new technique to reduce fuel consumption in modern road vehicles, which would cut CO2 emission by between 5 and 15%. Within the framework of an ISTC project, funded jointly with the Russian Ministry of Science and Education, the science team developed and tested a new type of fuel reformer, a device that produces a hydrogen and carbon monoxide mixture from hydrocarbon fuels like natural gas, gasoline, or diesel fuel, to produce ‘syntes gas’. The gas, when mixed with the main fuel of an internal combustion engine, leads to a decrease in both fuel consumption and exhaust pollution. The Russian science team is now reviewing options for commercial production of the fuel reformer.

Details on ISTC's presence at Hannover Messe 2008 can be found at: http://www.fair-pr.com/hm08/exhibitors/istc.html