Page 15 - European Energy Innovation - Spring 2017 publication
P. 15
Spring 2017 European Energy Innovation 15
FUEL CELLS
dioxide. Fuel cell technology is very in abundance on Earth as water, EUR 1.33 billion under the current EU
flexible, can operate with a range of hydrocarbons and in other organic Horizon 2020 research and innovation
fuels, and can be easily integrated into matter. Hydrogen can be produced in framework programme covering 2014-
existing energy infrastructures. several ways including steam reforming 2020.
of methane (the main component of
The most promising fuel for fuel cells is natural gas) or the electrolysis of water By pooling resources and creating a
hydrogen: the most plentiful chemical using electricity. When the electricity common platform where policymakers,
element in the Universe and present used is from renewable sources, industry and research come together,
such as wind or solar, the hydrogen the FCH JU facilitates industry
production is essentially carbon-free involvement and collaboration
and avoids any greenhouse gas (GHG) and supports the environment for
emissions. investment.
Fuel cells bring many benefits being The FCH JU’s ability to act as a focus
versatile, scalable and with a very for European experts on fuel cell and
wide range of potential uses. Typical hydrogen technologies has enabled
applications include in transport — these fuel cell technologies to progress
ranging from cars, buses, lorries, significantly, especially in terms of
forklifts, boats, trams and trains to reduced life-cycle costs and increased
aircraft; portable applications embrace overall performance, durability and
small charging stations for mobile efficiency.
phones; domestic heating and energy
units (micro-CHP); and larger power EARLY TO MARKET
plants, including for back-up power and FCH JU’s projects have helped boost
power in remote, off-grid locations. commercialisation in some specific
markets including public transport
A PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP (hydrogen powered buses), low noise
Established in 2008, the Fuel Cells and emissions-free passenger cars
and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking and forklift trucks, in CHP units, and
(FCH JU) acts as a catalyst to enable portable and back-up applications.
a sustainable energy and transport During 2017 FCH JU jumped over the
future through a productive partnership mark of 200 projects.
between the European Commission,
industry and the research sector. It Two major projects have started in
is a unique European public-private 2017 and are typical of the PPP’s
partnership (PPP) with a focus on approach. The Joint Initiative for
accelerating the development and hydrogen Vehicles across Europe
deployment of fuel cell and hydrogen (JIVE) project will pave the way to full
technologies. commercialisation of zero-emission
hydrogen fuel cell buses with the
The PPP contains three members: the deployment of 139 cell buses across
European Union, represented by the nine European locations. JIVE will use
European Commission, the industry coordinated procurement to unlock the
grouping ‘Hydrogen Europe’ and the economies of scale required to reduce
research grouping ‘N.ERGHY’. During the implementation costs. The project
its first phase of operation (2008-2014) will demonstrate the reliability required
the FCH JU held a total ring-fenced for commercialisation including testing
budget of EUR 940 million under the new hydrogen refuelling stations able
EU’s FP7 research programme. Its work to serve large scale commercial bus
continues with an allocated budget of fleets.
www.europeanenergyinnovation.eu
