Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg MP visited a high-tech firm leading Britain’s quest to find sustainable clean fuels on Thursday, 23 October 2008.

Along with the party’s Shadow Chancellor, Vince Cable MP, he saw how ITM Power is pioneering ways of using hydrogen as a fuel for cars, trucks and buses as well as a clean alternative power supply for homes, offices and factories.

They also saw another breakthrough – a Home Refuelling Station which allows householders to produce hydrogen and be self-sufficient and independent of the national grid.

Hydrogen produces no harmful emissions when burnt and ITM Power has recently started pilot production of the stations at its factory in Sheffield.

The firm already has a Ford Focus which runs on hydrogen and Nick Clegg and Vince Cable had the opportunity to drive it during their visit on Thursday, October 23rd.

They also saw how a Home Refuelling Station works and visited a hydrogen-powered home demonstration suite.

Paul Scriven, Leader of Sheffield City Council, also attended.

Jim Heathcote, ITM Power’s CEO, said: “We are delighted that Liberal Democrat leaders are taking an interest in our important work.

“The Government has just announced higher targets to cut greenhouse gases by 2050 and hopes to get cross-party support. Our technology will significantly help to reduce emission and aim for these tougher targets.”