Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology

At the 2005 International Conference and Trade Fair on Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies there were more than 600 fuel cell vehicles. In Europe the potential market for hydrogen and fuel cell systems is projected to reach several trillion Euros by 2020. 

HarmonHy (2006). HarmonHy Harmonization of Regulations, Codes and Standards for a Sustainable Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology. Support Action funded by the European Commission under the 6th Framework Programme. www.harmonhy.com. 

HFP (European Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology Platform) (2005b). Deployment Strategy. August 2005, Brussels. www.HFPeurope.org. 

HFP (European Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology Platform) (2007). 

The beginning of the possible market introduction of hydrogen passenger cars in the most optimistic scenarios is around 2015, which is also in line with the implementation plan of the European Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology Platform (HFP, 2007). The Reference scenario features high policy support, fast learning, concentrated users, early network and no country-specific bounds. 

For a long time, hydrogen has been the fuel of the future. The coming decade will be critical to prove the commercial viability of hydrogen and fuel-cell technologies. It will be interesting to look back in 20 or 30 years time to see how the Future of Hydrogen will have unfolded. 

The development of cost-effective hydrogen and fuel cells technologies and infrastructure requires time, public and private sector investment, and technology breakthroughs to achieve commercial maturity and market penetration. Many IEA Member countries have already embarked on this effort in close co-operation with industry. Many others are in the process of revising and reinforcing their research and development strategies. 

The challenge is that most of the required new hydrogen and fuel cell technologies are still in their infancy - compared with the existing conventional energy infrastructure - and major investments, both public and private, will be needed to commercialise the production of hydrogen for energy use. 

Early market introduction of hydrogen and fuel cell technology through the Early Adopters Program. 

Canada s national program consists of three areas research and development hydrogen infrastructure development through the Canadian Transportation Fuel Cell Alliance and early market introduction of hydrogen and fuel cell technology through the Early Adopters Program. 

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