HAVING read the policies on green politics of all parties, I can find little on fuel cell technology.

Fuel cells combine hydrogen with oxygen from the air, which generates electric power by reversing the process of electrolysis. This electric power is then stored in batteries for use by an electric motor. The only waste is water.

There are no carbons dioxide or monoxide, nitrogen oxides or particulates.

They are almost noiseless, cheaper by as much as half as internal combustion engines, and completely clean.

The current problem is one of initial capital outlay to get the change from oil-based engines to fuel cell started. But if placed into mass production, would not costs drop?

Given that there is a turnover of vehicles about every ten years and that a large percentage of the world's pollution comes from motor vehicles, we could have a large pollution drop in about a decade.

Isn't it about time we pressured our MPs and large oil companies into urging the Government to legislate for, and lay cash out for this process: cash which could be recovered within a few years as sales of fuel cell vehicles pick up?

P A Hutchinson,

Count de Burgh Terrace,

Updated: 10:31 Saturday, June 02, 2001