BMW has developed its CleanEnergy strategy in order to meet the long-term objective of reducing emissions from its cars. BMW was the first car maker in the world to focus consistently on the development of its cars with the use of hydrogen as a source of energy.

Hydrogen's potential to replace fossil fuels as a means of powering cars has long been recognised, but it is only with the arrival of the BMW Hydrogen 7 in 2006 that this potential became a viable reality.

There are important reasons for this strategy. In July 1998 the European Automobile Manufacturer’s Association (ACEA) made a commitment to the European Union to reduce the CO2 emissions of all newly registered European cars to an average of 140g CO2/km by the year 2008. This equals a reduction in CO2 emissions by 25% compared to 1995 levels and amounts to an average fuel consumption of just 6.0 litres/100 km (47.1 mpg Imp) for new cars.

It is unlikely however, that targets to significantly reduce emissions to below 140g CO2/km, can be achieved by vehicle-related, technical improvements for reducing fuel consumption alone. A fuel that is either low, or completely carbon free, will be required. The long-term solution in this context is hydrogen.

BMW Group is continually promoting the introduction of hydrogen as a source of energy, establishing partnerships with other companies and encouraging decision-makers and the energy industry to implement changes.