Fuel cell Hyundai powers ecosystem installation

IN AN UNUSUAL combination of motoring and gardening, car manufacturer Hyundai has created a design installation consisting of a aquaponics ecosystem powered by the emissions from its fuel-cell vehicle.

Aquaponics is a sustainable method of farming that combines growing plants in water (hydroponics) and aquaculture (raising fish in tanks). Unlike any other fuel-powered vehicle, the hyrdrogen fuel cell ix35 emits nothing other than water when being driven.

Dubbed the Hyundai Fuel Cell Farm and installed outside the Design Museum in London, the aquaponics systems takes the water emitted from the hydrogen-powered ix35 and filters this into the fish tank. The fish waste is then harnessed to grow the plants on the farm.

Deputy Mayor of London Kit Malthouse, who supported the project commented: "It’s an absolute pleasure to welcome Hyundai’s Fuel Cell Farm to London. This installation is an imaginative way to bring alive the huge potential of hydrogen technology and I encourage people to come along to the Design Museum to learn more about what could be the most exciting new industry of the 21st century."

As a part of its commitment to fuel cell technology Hyundai will be delivering five ix35s to the Greater London Authority. The capital already has two hydrogen filling stations with a third to come as a part of the London Hydrogen Network Expansion project.

By Press Association reporters