Shanghai and Italy established a joint hydrogen research institute yesterday as part of their overall cooperation in developing clean energy sources.

Also yesterday, city government set up a consortium involving universities, enterprises and institutes to integrate their clean-energy research efforts.

"Clean energy is crucial for the city's sustainable and strategic development," Jiang Ping, deputy secretary-general of Shanghai Municipal Government, said yesterday during the signing ceremony.

Researchers at the new organization will work to discover new ways to produce hydrogen from coal with the aim of reducing the city's reliance on polluting fossil fuels.

Italy plans to build a demonstration hydrogen-powered building at the Shanghai 2010 World Expo, according to Corrado Clini, director general of the Italian Ministry of the Environment and Territory.

He said the structure will become a model for showing how a building's service functions - such as its elevators and air-conditioning systems - can be powered by hydrogen-based fuel.

Hydrogen is an odorless, colorless gas that when mixed with oxygen can produce electricity, with water as the only byproduct.

Other potential cooperative research projects between Italy and Shanghai include new solar panels, wind generators and hydrogen-powered cars, experts said.

(Shanghai Daily May 12, 2005)