A new set of teaching resources focusing on hydrogen and fuel cell technology have been created by Arval, part of the BNP Paribas banking group. Developed in partnership with the Hydrogen Hub, the education pack supports the Chemistry element of Triple Science for GCSE students, providing teachers with a high-quality learning resource that is freely downloadable online.
The pack introduces pupils to fuel cells as a solution to tackling climate change. Following a successful launch at two Swindon-based schools, Bradon Forest and Nova Hreod Academy, the resource is available to view and download on the teacher resource website, TES, via the following link.
Rory Mathews from the Hydrogen Hub comments: “As a former teacher and Teach First Ambassador I know the quality of resources produced by industry specialists can be extremely high. Often though, the topics covered are not those that need to be taught in schools and so these resources get overlooked. It has been a pleasure to have been given the opportunity by Arval to produce this fuel cells lesson pack. I am confident that using our specialist knowledge at the Hydrogen Hub and tailoring the content to cover crucial exam content we have produced a resource that delivers high-quality learning for students and is extremely valuable to teachers.”
Pupils at the Swindon launch, which is where Arval’s UK Head Office is based, were able to see a variety of hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles, and get their hands on a fuel cell provided by Fuel Cell Systems, as part of lessons delivered by the Hydrogen Hub team. Dr Jannine Clapp, Head of Science from Nova Hreod Academy said: “Having the opportunity to see first-hand how technology can be used for cars in a real world application was a real bonus for our triple science students. And this lesson along with the excellent resources created by Arval, Hydrogen Hub and Fuel Cell Systems for schools will help support the scientists of the future. Thank you for coming in to share with our school.”
Arval, which leases more than 165,000 vehicles in the UK, joined the Hydrogen Hub in 2017 to better understand the practicalities of operating hydrogen vehicles through real-world use, and quickly became Chair of the Car Working Group. At the same time, as part of BNP Paribas, the company is committed to supporting the transition into cleaner vehicles, positively serving the UK economy and investing in initiatives which benefit UK society.
Tracey Fuller, Head of CSR for BNP Paribas said: “As one of the UK’s largest vehicle leasing companies, new vehicle technology is high on our agenda, and an important tool for businesses and individuals looking to reduce their environmental impact. It’s also really well aligned with our commitment to make a positive impact on the UK economy, and wider society, so we saw a great opportunity to use our relationship with the Hydrogen Hub to educate the next generation in the role that hydrogen technology can play.”
The partnership between the three organisations is set to continue throughout 2019 with a set of hydrogen roadshows at 5 venues across the country planned for later in the year. The transport focussed events will give businesses, and the general public, the chance to see, ride in and learn about hydrogen powered vehicles.
About Arval UK
Arval UK, part of the Arval Group, is a leading provider of vehicle funding, fleet management and mobility solutions. Owned by BNP Paribas, with substantial buying power, Arval funds more than 165,000 cars and vans in the UK. Focused on customer experience, Arval UK has specialist teams dedicated to supporting broad range of customers including individuals and small businesses with a single vehicle, through to FTSE 100 companies with thousands. Arval provides a comprehensive range of products and services including vehicle funding, vehicle maintenance, fuel management, accident management, breakdown recovery, short and medium term hire, insured lease vehicles, full outsourcing salary exchange and consultancy services. arval.co.uk
About BNP Paribas:
In the UK, the BNP Paribas Group is formed of 10 businesses and employs more than 9,000 people across 21 core locations. These businesses include Corporate & Institutional Banking, Exane BNP Paribas, Leasing Solutions, Arval, Real Estate (including Strutt & Parker acquired in September 2017), Asset Management, Cardif Pinnacle, Commercial Finance, Personal Finance and Vauxhall Finance. Around half of its employees are in Corporate & Institutional Banking, based in London, while the others are based in various offices across the country, including Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow, and Manchester. www.bnpparibas.co.uk
About Hydrogen Hub:
The Hydrogen Hub is an industry-led community of stakeholders from across the hydrogen and fuel cell supply chain, government, local authorities, businesses, current and potential users. The Hydrogen Hub launched in Swindon and Wiltshire in January 2016 and has since driven over £1.5 million of external investment in hydrogen and fuel cell projects in the region with over 50 different organisations participating in working groups and projects. The Hydrogen Hub has attracted attention from Government with Energy Minister Claire Perry visiting the Hub last year. (link to quote?)
Hydrogen and fuel cell technology is at an exciting stage of development. Having been in the research and development phase for over 20 years, the technology is just reaching the point of commercialisation with products being launched onto the UK market. The growth of this industry is expected to rapidly accelerate over the next decade and British companies are well placed to drive and capitalise on this growth
Hydrogen and fuel cell technologies offer the UK a long-term opportunity to cost-effectively deliver secure high-quality energy services whilst significantly reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and local pollution. The value of hydrogen-based energy systems lies in their flexibility. Hydrogen is able to connect and satisfy differing energy domains from electricity generation to building level heat, to transport. In this sense one energy carrier can deliver mutually beneficial efficiencies between previously distinct domains of generation, heating and transport.
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