However, hybrid electric cars, which are driven by a combination of fuel and electricity, are already appearing around the world and could be fully commercialised within five years. Low energy transit system Bishop Austrans is a mass transit system being developed to provide commuters with an attractive, economical and safe alternative to private cars and public transport. The mini-van sized vehicles operate on light rail tracks. The electric powered, automatic vehicles have low energy requirements and very little impact on the urban environment. The only commercial fuel cell system operating in the Southern Hemisphere is located at the Australian Technology Park, in Sydney.
Fuel cells generate heat and electricity from natural gas or other hydrogen rich gases.
In the future, fuel cells are likely to power everything from cars to modern factories and are expected to be a crucial clean energy technology reducing greenhouse gas pollution. Operating in Technology Park is a range of new business 'incubators' in areas covering the environment, information technology, telecommunications, biotechnology and multimedia. LMS, which operates throughout Australia and Asia, claims its gas recovery rates outstrip most in the world. LMS is working with three other Australian-based companies to develop a biogas alternative to coal, for burning in power stations. Australia's environment business sector contacts EnviroNET is an online directory listing Australian environment businesses.