A joint venture aimed at using fuel cell technology to solve the environmental problems posed by running engines on idle has been established by Statoil with Swedish vehicle manufacturer Volvo.
Fuel cells can be utilised to build small and efficient power generators for installation in articulated lorries and other large vehicles.
They will be able to provide the electricity normally obtained by running idle or by small diesel engines.
The fuel cells can be driven by hydrogen produced from diesel oil.
Fitting an articulated lorry with a fuel-cell-driven generator would reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 20-30 tonnes per vehicle per year.