(Yicai Global) Sept. 21 -- Many Chinese hydrogen fuel cell vehicle companies, including Refire Technology and Jichong Hydrogen Technology, are planning to bring their technologies to Europe and North America to tap into the latest craze in the low-emission logistics sector. 

Refire Technology will invest in projects in North America and Europe to benefit from the global hydrogen vehicle development trend, especially in the heavy-duty trucking sector, Chairman Lin Qi told Yicai Global at the 5th International Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle Congress that was held in Shanghai last week.

The push stems from domestic policy support. China has enthusiastically embraced hydrogen energy, one of the cleanest energy sources, in recent years. More than 20 provinces have issued plans to develop hydrogen projects and hydrogen fuel-powered vehicles. 

Shanghai-based Refire Technology has already launched in-depth cooperation with German automotive giant Continental in fuel cell fluid systems and other components, and signed a global cooperation agreement with inspection service provider TUV Rheinland.

Refire Technology's investment plan in Switzerland is waiting for regulatory approval, Yicai Global learned from an insider at trade promotion agency Switzerland Global Enterprise. "Switzerland welcomes Chinese new energy firms' investment," the person said. 

Refire Technology will not be the only Chinese player in the field. Jichong Hydrogen Technology is negotiating with European partners and is expected to export hydrogen fuel cell solutions to the continent, Fu Yu, chairman of the Shanghai-headquartered fuel cell stack developer, told Yicai Global. 

The key to success is to improve product reliability, safety, and emission control to meet the requirements of heavy-duty trucking, Lin explained.

Jichong has independently achieved technological breakthroughs to improve the production cycle and reduce costs, Fu added.

Editors: Tang Shihua, Emmi Laine