Beating the Heat with Technology and Innovation:

Beijing’s hydrogen-powered fuel cell buses spell hope for the

future

Beijing, China and Washington, DC, 9 April 2007 – In an April 5 visit to Beijing, Monique Barbut, Chief Executive Officer and Chairperson of the 177-nation Global Environment Facility (GEF), took a ride on one of the three zero-emission, hydrogen-powered fuel-cell buses now plying the streets of Beijing and saw first-hand a state-of-the-art refueling station for the buses, part of a GEF-funded project at the fore of the global response to climate change.

“Curbing emission of greenhouse gases is a global priority,” said Barbut. “Even though fuel cell technology is not yet commercially viable, by supporting this project we hope to show how cutting-edge technology along with appropriate infrastructure can provide pollution-free transport in one of Asia’s largest mega-cities.” Barbut’s visit to China coincided with the release of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s report on impacts, adaptation and vulnerability, released Friday, which presented an eye-opening picture of the likely global implications of rising greenhouse-gas levels.

“China considers fuel cell vehicle technology a priority for high technology development and will substantially increase its R&D funding to fuel cell and hybrid vehicles to accelerate the pace of their commercialization,” said Mr. Xu Guanghua, Chinese Minister of Science and Technology, during a meeting with Ms. Barbut in Beijing. “GEF support has played a critical role in catalyzing the development of fuel cell vehicle technology in China.”

Launched in March 2003, the “Demonstration Project for Fuel Cell Bus Commercialization in China” is financed by the GEF, executed by the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology, and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), one of the GEF’s implementing agencies and a strong GEF partner in worldwide work to deal with climate change.

The three fuel-cell buses, which do not emit greenhouse gases, have been cruising the streets of Beijing since June 2006. They ply an 11.3 mile (18.2 km) route with a nominal price of 0.4 yuan (5 cents) per ticket. The project will also finance the purchase of an additional three to six fuel-cell hybrid buses to be introduced in Shanghai. China is the first country in the developing world to demonstrate the fuel cell bus.

“Global warming can’t be looked at as an environmental issue anymore: It is undoubtedly a threat to human development as a whole,” said UNDP Administrator Kemal Derviş. “As we approach the halfway mark to the 2015 target for the Millennium Development Goals, this is yet another powerful motivation for us to redouble our efforts to foster sustainable development, and to achieve the Goals.”

The country has some of the world’s fastest rates of growth in vehicle production and per capita ownership. The production of automobiles jumped from 2.3 million in 2001 to 7.3 million in 2006, while the number of registered automobiles almost doubled during this period, from 18.0 million to 35.9 million. Hydrogen is one of the sustainable energy sources for transportation, and hydrogen-power fuel cell vehicles hold promise as a potential solution to reducing emissions from automobiles.

The project has already notched impressive achievements. The “Hydrogen Park” refueling station was launched in November 2006 to provide dedicated refueling services for the buses. The project is also successfully marshaling innovative technologies in support of China’s national goal of “Green Olympics 2008,” and providing Beijing’s urban residents with a peek into the future about the potential of environmentally-friendly technologies in meeting the city’s transportation needs.

As a multi-billion dollar financier of environmental projects around the developing world and financing mechanism for the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the GEF helps member countries by supporting catalytic, pro-environment projects that use cutting-edge technology and innovation to fight climate change. The GEF also supports country-driven adaptation projects, as part of an integrated approach to economic and social development.

A comprehensive description of the bus project is available online at www.undp.org.cn.

About the GEF

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is an international financial mechanism with 177 member countries that addresses global environmental issues while supporting national sustainable development initiatives. GEF grants support projects in developing countries related to biodiversity, climate change, international waters, land degradation, the ozone layer and persistent organic pollutants. Since its inception in 1991, GEF has achieved a strong track record of support to developing countries and countries with economies in transition, providing $6.2 billion in grants and leveraging $20 billion in co-financing for over 1,800 projects in over 150 countries. Through its Small Grants Programme (SGP), GEF has also made more than 7,000 small grants, up to $50,000 each, directly to nongovernmental organizations and community organizations.

About UNDP

UNDP is the UN’s global development network, helping people meet their development needs and build better lives. It is on the ground in 166 countries, working as a trusted partner with governments, civil society and the private sector to help them find their own solutions to global and national development challenges

Media contact:

GEF: Clare Fleming, +1.202.458.4679, cfleming@TheGEF.org