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C o m m u n i t y re s e a rc h

E U R O P E A N

COMMISSION

The State and Prospects

of European Energy Research

Comparison of Commission, Member

and Non-Member States' R&D Portfolios

ISSN 1018-5593

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Interested in European research?

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is our quarterly magazine keeping you in touch with main developments (results, programmes, events, etc.).

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European Commission

Directorate-General for Research

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http://ec.europa.eu/research/rtdinfo

EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Directorate-General for Research

Directorate Energy

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The State and Prospects

of European Energy Research

Comparison of Commission, Member

and Non-Member States' R&D Portfolios

EUR 22397

2006

Directorate-General for Research

Sustainable Energy Systems

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LEGAL NOTICE

Neither the European Commission nor any person acting on behalf of the Commission is responsible for the use which might be made of the following information.

The views expressed in this publication are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflectthe views of the European Commission.

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ISBN 92-79-02691-7 ISSN 1018-5593

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The State and Pr ospects of Eur opean Ener gy Resear ch 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Foreword ...5 Executive Summary...6 Introduction...9

Scope and Objectives...9

Definitions and Methodology...9

Global Research in Non-Nuclear Energy: Positioning EC Portfolio vis-à-vis other National Portfolios ...12

Evolution of EC Research Portfolio...12

Key Objectives of EC Strategy in Non-Nuclear Energy research (NNE)...13

EC RTD Portfolio: Overall picture and trends...14

Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Portfolios ...16

Overview: Major Fields of Research and Key Nations Involved...16

Research Priorities in EC, Member States and Third Countries...17

Funding for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Research...23

Evaluation and Conclusions...25

CO2Capture and Storage ...27

Overview: Major Fields of Research and Key Nations Involved...27

Research Priorities in EC, Member States and Third Countries...28

Funding For CO2Capture and Storage Research...31

Evaluation and Conclusions...34

Photovoltaics...36

Overview: Major Fields of Research and Key Nations Involved...36

Research Priorities in EC, Member States and Third Countries...37

Funding for Photovoltaic Energy Research...39

Evaluation and Conclusions...41

Concentrated Solar Thermal...43

Overview: Major Fields of Research and Key Nations Involved...43

Research Objectives in EC, Member States and Third Countries...44

Funding for Solar Thermal System Research...46

Evaluation and Conclusions...47

Wind Energy ...50

Overview: Major Fields of Research and Key Nations Involved...50

Research Objectives in EC, Member States and Third Countries...51

Funding for Wind Energy Research...52

Evaluation and Conclusions...54

Ocean Energy...56

Overview: Major Fields of Research and Key Nations Involved...56

Research Objectives in EC, Member States and Third Countries...57

Funding for Ocean Energy System Research...59

Evaluation and Conclusions...60

Bioenergy...63

Overview: Major Fields of Research and Key Nations Involved...63

Research Objectives in EC, Member States and Third Countries...64

Funding for Bioenergy...67

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The State and Pr ospects of Eur opean Ener gy Resear ch 4 Geothermal Energy...71

Overview: Major Fields of Research and Key Nations Involved...71

Research Objectives in EC, Member States and Third Countries...72

Funding for Geothermal Energy Research...73

Evaluation and Conclusions...75

Electricity Grids...76

Overview: Major Fields of Research and Key Nations Involved...76

Research Priorities in EC, Member States and Third Countries...76

Funding for Grid Technologies Research...80

Evaluation and Conclusions...82

Socio-Economic Research...84

Overview: Major Fields of Research...84

Research Objectives in EC...84

Funding and Key Conclusions for Socio-Economic Research...85

Strategic Conclusions on the EC RTD Portfolio...87

Comparison of RTD Overall Goals...87

Comparison of Portfolios Funding and Structure...88

Comparison of Portfolios’ Specific Objectives...92

Comparison of Portfolios’ R&D Orientation...94

Stakeholder Integration...95

Sources and Literature...96

Annexes...101

Annex I Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Portfolios...101

Annex II CO2Capture and Storage...106

Annex III Photovoltaics...109

Annex IV Concentrated Solar Thermal...111

Annex V Wind Energy...113

Annex VI Ocean Energy...115

Annex VII Bioenergy...115

Annex VIII Geothermal Energy...117

Annex IX Electricity Grids...118

Annex X Socio-economic Research...121

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The State and Pr ospects of Eur opean Ener gy Resear ch 5

Foreword

This publication is part of a wider set of studies and reports, undertaken since 2002 within the Unit in charge of strategic and policy aspects of energy research.

This overall work dealing with analysis, reflection and proposals aims at offering a shared basis of knowledge and understanding to all stakeholders involved in energy research in Europe. Its objective is to provide sound information, quantitative and qualitative, which could help:

•To better design, implement and assess energy research activities in the European Union.

•To improve their efficiency through increased cooperation and collaboration, along the European Research Area approach.

The study was carried out within a contract awarded to IZT and Frost & Sullivan under the supervision of Jacques Bonnin from the Services of the European Commission.

The task entrusted to the contractors was to compare and assess the main differences and commonalities of energy research portfolios between Framework Programme (FP), major Member States' activities on the one hand and major third countries' programmes on the other in the same fields.

The results presented here illustrate the need to improve synergies between FP and Members States' activities, to stimulate commitment and involvement of industry in these areas. They also highligt the necessity to strengthen our collective ability to anticipate major S&T developments, especially through careful analysis, including a dimension of "policy and technology watch" of what our main competitors are doing.

I wish to conclude by thanking the numerous representatives from industry, public administrations and researchers who discussed with us and contributed to this report at the various stages of its development.

Michel Poireau

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The State and Pr ospects of Eur opean Ener gy Resear ch 6

Executive Summary

European Energy Research portfolio

State and Prospects of European Energy Research

This work is an attempt to map and compare the publicly funded research efforts carried out by the EC and Member States in the EU and those undertaken in the US and in Japan.

Because of the resources available to the project it does not pretend to present an exhaustive picture of the situation in each of these countries but provides a number of interesting findings shedding a light on the various research agendas and the coordination and links (or absence of) between those agenda, including promising areas for collaboration, both at European and International levels.

The figures presented in the tables below correspond to (civilian) public funding only and do not include private funding figures. Therefore an important part of the question is not dealt with. In particular, neither direct support to industry research through contracts given by national administrations is not taken into account, nor are efforts carried by industry on their own funds.

The analysis has been broken down following traditional energy research fields (Hydrogen and fuel cells, CO2capture

and storage, Photovoltaics, Concentrated Solar thermal, Wind Energy, Ocean systems, Bio energy, Geo Thermal Energy). A number of global remarks, findings, and questions come up from this study.

European Public Research effort as a whole is important in financial terms when compared to its close competitors (i.e. mainly US and Japan) albeit with diverse effectiveness.

With the limitations expressed above, Europe as a whole (European Commission and its Member states) puts more public resources in non nuclear energy research than its competitors, especially in the area of renewable energies. This situation can look paradoxical at a time when the US have been overtaking the EU in the gas turbine business, Japan is in the process of doing the same in the PV area and in the fuel cell domain where most of the industrial advances appear to be carried out in the US.

The research scope appears very wide and multi faceted, however. This is mainly linked to the fragmented nature of European research, the wide difference of cultures and national circumstances between Member states and the institutional nature of the European Union.

An important part of the research funded at EC level (approximately from 15% to 25% depending on the themes) Although the EC framework Programme represents a relatively large share of European Energy Research it is far to have the size to achieve the structuring effect that has been reached in an area such as nuclear fusion where Europe is the leading force in the world. It cannot have the same impact on the research scene as the DOE research programme and infrastructure funding has.

Furthermore, because of the nature of the process leading to the definition of the various themes, it has to accommodate the various requests made by Member States through the council of by the parliament. Its resources are therefore spread over a very large range of themes. This clearly appears through the wide schemes of issues dealt with. The most important part is funded by Member States.

This is in particular the case for CO2capture and sequestration where efforts carried out by three major Member

States and Norway are each superior or at least at the level the ones carried out at EC level, while each of them is still not sufficient to engage in demonstration projects such as the Futuregen project supported by the DOE with a budget of 1 billion dollars

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The State and Pr ospects of Eur opean Ener gy Resear ch 7

... On the one hand ...

This situation gives more flexibility to “centralised” systems. The US and Japan can more easily prioritise their programmes and ruthlessly cut activities in areas which do not appear as having a future such as geothermal and ocean energy for Japan. In the Bio energy area the US heavily focuses on a limited number of subjects such as Feedstock Interfaces, sugar Platform, Termochemical Platform, Products and Integrated Biorefineries with a research budget which is not very far from the global EU budget (leaving aside co firing, however). The chances of success of these research topics therefore appear important while the European choices appear “random”. In addition they can better coordinate at National levels their activities between various agencies. Coordinated efforts between the Department of Energy and the Department of Agriculture in the biomass sector are one example In the biomass sector, aside from the European Commission which carries out an important research efforts the most active countries are Finland, Netherlands and Sweden. However each country develops its own technology leading a very much fragmented research area, potentially leading to sub criticality.

Areas where large investments are necessary (CO2capture and sequestration) might also benefit from a more

coordinated central approach.

... On the other hand ...

Europe has a wider range of Technologies/opportunities which are best suited to various regional/local circumstances. In addition to “mainstream” research in the fields of Hydrogen and fuel cells, bio energy, clean coal, Photovoltaic, Europe as a whole funds a wide range of technologies including wind energy, geothermal, solar thermal, ocean energy, all technologies which are not funded

This policy has paid out for wind technologies where efforts of a limited number of countries including “small” countries aside from Germany such as Denmark, Netherlands, complemented by EC have handsomely paid off with EU industry taking the lead in the world. A similar approach with support mainly provided by another limited number of countries (UK, Denmark and Portugal) in Ocean energy could have the potential to yield similar results to wind.

However, apart from wind where industry has definitely taken the lead following its economical success, most of the “minor” technologies (solar thermal, geo thermal, ocean energy, etc…) have still to materialise in terms of business success and significant contributors to the energy mix.

The role of the EC

Within this very much diversified picture one can wonder what should be the role of the EC and in particular its Research and Development Framework Programme.

Compared to a DOE civilian research budget of around 3.5 billion dollars a year it is clear the EC cannot have as proactive a role in making strategic choices and in implementing them as the DOE can have. It is therefore important to draw the lessons to be drawn of this situation with respect to the role of the Commission in fostering energy research.

A balance has therefore to be achieved between the necessary application of the subsidiarity principle and the legitimacy of Member states to carry out the actions they assume are the best according to their specific circumstances and the necessity to optimise European research efforts, avoid duplication of efforts and have an EU research strategy why satisfies the global EU objectives of competitiveness, security of supply and environmental leadership. A number of activities and tools such as ERA Nets, Technology Platforms, Joint Technology Initiatives and Joint Implementation of Research programmes are already available to support this process.

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The State and Pr ospects of Eur opean Ener gy Resear ch 9

Introduction

Scope and Objectives

The overall aim of the study is to obtain a broad picture of the EC NNE RTD portfolio in comparison to Member States and Third Country RTD by means of a comparative and synthetic approach.

The analysis primarily seeks to define the broad characteristics of the portfolio, establish gaps and duplications and highlight success stories.

The study also aims to provide recommendations on how to structure and orient the portfolio and thereby assist the Commission in progressing:

•from data to information and understanding

•from a project view to a portfolio perspective

•from an EC-centred view to a European (EC and Member States) and global perspective featuring important

Third Countries.

It is important to note that the focus of this study is strictly on R&D and does not address the more market-related aspects of the innovation process.

Definitions and Methodology

Methodology

The core part of the study is to identify and assess the EC NNE research portfolios in the different fields of reference and to compare these with corresponding portfolios in Member States, Associated States and key Third Countries. In order to achieve results representative for the whole portfolio on the one hand and to produce an in-depth analysis that allows generation of practical recommendations on the other, a broad mix of quantitative and qualitative analytical methods has been employed.

The starting point for the characterisation of the EU RTD portfolio in the fields of reference was a mapping of all research activities with regard to the number of projects and volume (allocated public funds), their distribution between the technology paths and their development over time.

For a deeper understanding and an in-depth examination of the EC RTD portfolio in the different fields of reference, extensive interviews were conducted with the scientific officers at the European Commission, together with desk research of published information from the Commission and project websites.

The study also encompassed a survey of RTD portfolios of Member States, Associated States and Third Countries. A semi-standardised questionnaire was used for the telephone interviews with key individuals responsible for research in the different fields of reference in the various countries. Some strategic interviews were also conducted with the heads of research and other key individuals in different countries to get a broad perspective of their national non-nuclear energy research portfolios. Where possible, data was collated to present funding information for important Member States and key Third Countries.

Note:The study only covers public funding at the EC and national levels. Public funding on a sub-national level (federal state, province or municipal) as well as industry funding is not covered in this report. We are aware that the inclusion of sub-national funding and industry funding could change the funding landscape presented here, but reliable data is not available. Even on a qualitative basis the net effect is unclear as, for example, the substantial state-level funding of the US could be matched by the sub-national funding of major European countries like Germany, Spain and Italy.

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The State and Pr ospects of Eur opean Ener gy Resear ch 10

“Lighthouse” Project Criteria

The study identifies certain initiatives in the fields of reference analysed in the report as “lighthouse projects”. These reflect current Best Practice and are used to exemplify and illustrate the main findings of the study. A lighthouse project has been defined as a project that combines some or all of the following key characteristics:

•Involves large-scale demonstration.

•Facilitates significant technology improvement/technology infrastructure development/world leadership.

•Influences policy decisions in terms of defining R&D priorities.

•Increases public awareness and acceptance of the technology by showcasing the technology.

•Paves the way for future research and development.

•Allows major improvements in technical specification and standardisation to pave the way for commercialisation

throughout Europe.

•Facilitates integration of new technologies into existing infrastructures.

Key Countries

The research and development activities in the key European Member States and Third Countries have been analysed in the respective fields of reference. This analysis helps highlight the respective objectives and focus of national research portfolios. The “key countries” highlighted in the report have been selected on the basis of the level of funding they contribute to research in the various fields of reference and also on the basis of feedback received during face-to-face discussions with the scientific officers in Brussels. The funding information has been obtained from the IEA database and from literature review (published policy papers, presentations, etc.), as well as through interviews with the technology and strategy experts in different countries.

Currency Conversion Rates

To allow for easier comparisons, all amounts in foreign currencies mentioned in the present report have been systematically converted into the euro currency.

The indicative exchange rates applied are the interbank rates as at 31 March 2005:

Foreign Currency Equivalent in €

1 US Dollar €0.84 1 Australian Dollar €0.64 1 Canadian Dollar €0.72 1 Norwegian Kroner €0.13 1 Japanese Yen €0.0072 1 British Pound €1.455 1 Chinese Yuan €0.09368

Key Abbreviations used in the Report

DOE US Department of Energy

DOE-EERE US Department of Energy Office for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

EC European Commission

ERA European Research Area

ERA-NET European Research Area NETwork

ETPs European Technology Platforms

EU European Union FC Fuel Cells FP Framework Programme FP5 5thFramework Programme (1998 – 2002) FP6 6thFramework Programme (2003 – 2006) FP7 7thFramework Programme (2007-2013)

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The State and Pr ospects of Eur opean Ener gy Resear ch 11

IEA International Energy Agency

IP Integrated Project

IPHE International Platform for Hydrogen Economy

MCFC Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell

METI Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (Japan)

MS Member States (of European Union)

NEDO New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation (Japan)

NNE Non Nuclear Energy

NoE Network of Excellence

PAFC Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell

PEM FC Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell

PV Photovoltaic

RITE Research Institute of Innovative Technology for the Earth (Japan)

RTD Research and Technological Development

SOFC Solid Oxide Fuel Cell

STREP Specific Targeted Research Projects.

Research Horizon and Focus

The EC FP6 portfolio is the focus of analysis of this study. However, the FP5 portfolio has also been studied to understand the shift in research priorities and level of funding from FP5 to FP6. Some forward-looking comments about FP7 have also been provided to analyse future research trends.

Note:Since the complete information relating to FP6 was not available at the time of writing, only the funding data relating to the first, second and third calls for FP6 has been included in the funding analysis. However this represents approximately 90% of FP6 funding available. Certain forward-looking comments regarding the 4thcall for proposals for FP6 have been mentioned, wherever possible, to facilitate understanding of

the FP6 portfolio structure. However, caution must be exercised when analysing funding data on the FP6 portfolio as it may not be a true reflection of the entire portfolio.

The R&D includes both basic research that is typically long-term research aimed at improving technologies, and applied research that is shorter-term research aiming to bring the technologies to the market. Short to medium-term research is defined as research that aims to achieve the 2010 energy policy objectives. Medium to long-term research, on the other hand, is defined as research that is aimed at delivering results in a time horizon beyond 2010. The demonstration component of projects has also been considered as a part of R&D and examples have been provided for each of the technologies to illustrate the nature and the scope of the research across regions (Europe, US and Japan).

There are references to both projects and programmes in this document. A project is typically set up to produce a unique and pre-defined outcome or result at a pre-specified time and using pre-determined resources. In comparison, a programme is a coordination of projects organised to achieve benefits of strategic importance.

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The State and Pr ospects of Eur opean Ener gy Resear ch 12

Global Research in Non-Nuclear

Energy: Positioning EC Portfolio

vis-à-vis other National Portfolios

Evolution of EC Research Portfolio

Background

Europe is suffering from structural weaknesses where research is concerned1. Europe lags behind the United States

and Japan – both aiming to be world leaders in research and innovation – in terms of public research spending as a proportion of GDP, of researchers, and of the number of patents and high-technology exports per capita. Furthermore, a decisive factor characterising research in Europe is the co-existence of national and EU-funded research activities. This is in stark contrast to the nationally organised research areas of Japan and USA.

In the context of increasingly complex and interdisciplinary research, a significant step in overcoming the obstacles is to establish a European Research Area (ERA). The overall aim is to make a tangible improvement in Europe’s innovation performance, in the short, medium and long term, by stimulating a better integration between research and innovation, and by working towards a more coherent and innovation-friendly policy and regulatory environment

across the European Union2.

Amongst other elements this strategy includes:

•Organising co-operation at different levels both within Europe and internationally.

•Creating conditions that make it possible to increase the impact of European research efforts by strengthening

the coherence of research activities and policies conducted in Europe.

•Enhancing coordination between research conducted at national and EU level.

•Developing appropriate mechanisms for networking national and joint research programmes in order to take

greater advantage of the concerted resources devoted to R&D in the Member States.

•Improving the environment for private research investment and R&D partnerships.

•Stepping up public and private-sector research efforts in the EU.

The sixth framework programme for Research and Technological Development (FP6) is the main financial and legal instrument of the European Commission for implementing the ERA. Thus, a main objective of FP6 is to contribute to the establishment of the European Research Area by improving integration and coordination of

research in Europe which, so far, is largely fragmented3. At the same time research will be targeted at strengthening

the competitiveness of the European economy, solving major societal issues and supporting the formulation and implementation of other EU policies. The work programme embodies specific programmes emphasising strategic research areas such as “Sustainable development, global change and ecosystems”. One part gives attention to the “Sustainable Energy System”.

1 – http://europa.eu.int/comm/research/growth/gcc/projects/in-action-virtual-instit.html 2 – OJ L 294, 30.9.2002, p. 48

3 – Compare inter alia: DG Research; DG TREN (2003), Clean, Safe And Efficient Energy For Europe. Impact Assessment of Non-Nuclear Energy Projects Implemented under The Fourth Framework Programme. Synthesis Report, Brussels, p. 38; Greer, Heather (2002), Assessment of The Development of The European Research Area In Non-Nuclear Energy Research. Study Report to the EC Research Directorate-General (Energy Programme), Brussels, p. 39

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The State and Pr ospects of Eur opean Ener gy Resear ch 13

The prominence of energy in the development of welfare in the European Union and its competitiveness on global

markets, as well as the challenge of reducing Europe’s increasing energy dependence4and meeting climatic and

environmental concerns5, are major features in structuring the framework within which RTD in Non-Nuclear

Energy takes place. Numerous legal instruments such as Directives6are complementing the efforts to meet the

objectives.

Key Objectives of EC Strategy

in Non-Nuclear Energy research (NNE)

The key objectives and priorities for EC research in NNE have been identified in a linked evaluation, design and decision-making process using a variety of approaches to assess impacts, taking into account lessons learnt from FP5, and involving various European bodies as well as Member States and stakeholders from industry and the research community.

Reflecting the above-mentioned objectives and concerns of Europe’s future development, the thematic focus of NNE research is to achieve more sustainable energy systems and services by aligning research activities to the development of cleaner energy systems, including renewable energies, economical and efficient use of energy, and socio-economic aspects of energy. Three mutually connected elements frame the scope of RTD in NNE.

Structuring research activities in different fields of reference to ensure that the diversity of promising technologies is represented and that RTD is arranged according to the varying time-frames that technologies have on their avenue to commercialisation.

Coordinating the strategic outline of research through developing and promoting a European Research Area in conjunction with the application of new instruments:

ERA-NET: Designed to step up the cooperation and coordination of research activities carried out at national or

regional level, through the networking of research activities conducted at these different levels, and the mutual opening of national and regional research programmes.

NoE: Here the objective is to strengthen scientific and technological excellence on a particular topic through the

durable integration of the research capacities of the participants (both in terms of resources and expertise) in order to overcome the fragmentation of European research.

IP: Designed to support objective-driven research, where the primary deliverable is new knowledge on products,

processes, services, etc.

Strengthening the collaboration of RTD between countries and researchers and industry, leading to added value in form of targeted results and international front-line competence as well as enhanced competitiveness.

Some interesting trends have been noticed between FP5 and FP6:

•Along the lines of decreased funding in NNE, certain thematic areas such as hydrocarbons and coal are no longer

specifically addressed.

•An increased effort is laid on coordinating and clustering RTD in order to reach critical mass, through an

enhanced exchange of information and better linking of EU and Member State RTD programmes.

•The European Research Area is strongly addressed through using new procedures, instruments and initiatives

such as ERA-NET scheme, CA and European Technology Platforms.

•EC RTD moving towards larger volumes and more integrated projects and with more involvement of industry.

4 – European Commission: Green Paper on the Security of Energy Supplies (COM(2000)769)

5 – European Commission: Energy for the Future: Renewable Sources of Energy. White Paper for a Community Strategy and Action Plan (COM(97)599 26.11.1997)

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The State and Pr ospects of Eur opean Ener gy Resear ch 14

•The Work Programme differentiates clearly between research with a potential for exploitation in the short to

medium term and that having an impact in the medium to longer term. Budgetary appropriations are intended to be split equally between the two time-frames:

>With an emphasis on 2010 energy policy objectives, short to medium term project design, with an optional

research component of up to about 20 %, is designed to achieve greater efficiency, cost reduction and transfer through:

- Integrated demonstration action under full-scale operation conditions, including effective production procedures - Implementation and integration of new technologies into existing technologies/infrastructure/systems - The combination of different technologies with their respective advantages

- Input for future development of energy policy and legislation as well as improvement of existing regulatory measures.

>Medium to long term research should deliver results with a time horizon generally beyond 2010, and should

address:

- Further development before technologies are ready for full-scale commercial use

- Pre-normative and socio-economic research as well as the validation of technical and economical feasibility in pilot plants and prototypes

- The generation, exploitation and dissemination of new knowledge.

EC RTD Portfolio:

Overall picture and trends

The NNE RTD portfolio in FP6 comprises five clusters of technologies, which are:

•Fuel Cells (FC), including their applications

•New technologies for energy carriers/transport and storage, in particular hydrogen

•New advanced concepts in renewable energy technologies

•Capture and sequestration of CO2associated with cleaner fossil fuel plants

•Socio-economic tools and concepts for energy strategy.

The existing budget for NNE is roughly divided into a share of 40% for renewables, 55% for the other technologies and 5% for coordinating and cross-cutting activities. For every technology cluster the Commission has specified

research areas and topics (see below), which are addressed in different calls7. Diverse (new) instruments

with different purposes are used in order to meet identified challenges in research areas, to bridge gaps and meet objectives. The application of these instruments influences the layout of research (programme approach, objective-driven, providing leadership etc.), the degree of vertical or horizontal integration expected, and the amount of potential funding. Another step in building the NNE RTD portfolio applies at the level of final project selection: this depends on the quality of proposals submitted, which are competing within the whole area addressed in the call. The Commission intervenes in this process when areas of research assessed to be strategically important are not appropriately covered by approvals.

Although a complete overview of the 6thFramework Programme was not available at the time of writing, some key

trends are already visible. Reflecting the implementation of the new instruments compared with FP5, the number of projects in FP6 has decreased (see table below). On the other hand, the average project funding has increased

from about €1.4 M to about €3.5 M. Based on the provisional information the ratio between funding and eligible

costs deteriorated from FP5 to FP6. Although the third call was not complete and the fourth call was not taken into account at all with respect to funding allocation, some areas like hydrogen, fuel cells, wind and ocean systems already have a bigger absolute funding than in FP5.

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The State and Pr ospects of Eur opean Ener gy Resear ch 15

1Derived from different project synopses, EC officers information and CORDIS

2Preliminary data; third call projects covered partially, fourth call of FP6 not covered; where no eligible costs are available, those figures were created by adding an average share of 60% to the funding.

Note:EC funding figures mentioned in this report include the funding provided by different departments of the Commission, e.g. DG RTD J (Energy), DG RTD H (Transport), DG TREN, etc.

EC Funding in

FP51 FP62

Number of Eligible Total EC Number of Eligible Total EC Projects Costs in M€ Contribution Projects Costs in M€ Contribution

in M€ in M€

Sustainable Energy Systems

Technology Paths

(Strategically important areas and topics)

PV Bioenergy Wind

Geothermal Systems Ocean

Concentrated Solar Thermal

Total renewables

Fuel Cells

CO2storage and capture

Hydrogen Grid Socio-economic Total Others Total 85 93 20 1 7 7 213 41 9 25 48 11 134 347 268.26 549.85 44.69 24.60 11.67 25.10 924.17 228.52 31.80 72.10 121.06 8.10 461.58 1,385.75 105.30 110.48 24.36 6.50 6.85 11.79 258.78 97.43 16.00 38.57 62.61 5.99 220.59 479.37 19 30 10 5 7 6 77 33 18 38 15 20 124 201 137.11 250.97 79.74 39.49 30.78 17.35 555.44 286.65 121.86 213.99 84.76 23.57 730.83 1,286.28 75.73 127.36 31.59 13.36 14.03 10.33 272.40 153.92 68.71 125.69 50.54 23.59 422.45 694.85 New Advanced Concepts in Renewable Energy Technologies Others NNE

Summarised EC Funding of Non-Nuclear Energy RTD

in different fields of reference

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The State and Pr ospects of Eur opean Ener gy Resear ch 16

Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Portfolios

Overview: Major Fields of Research

and Key Nations Involved

Fuel Cells Hydrogen

R&D Areas MCFC, PEMFC, SOFC, Materials, Hydrogen production, hydrogen storage,

safety codes and standards safety codes and standards

State of Commercialisation Medium term (around 2015-20) Long term (around 2050)

Key Nations Japan, US, Germany

Expected contribution to EU Ensuring energy supply security while mitigating climate change to allow

Energy policy targets sustainable development

EC Policy Backing No EC Directive on hydrogen and fuel cells as yet, although the Biofuels Directive (Directive 92/81/EEC) promotes the use of hydrogen as an alternative fuel for transportation

Key Member States Germany, UK, France, Italy

Graph 1: Global Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology Development (2000-2050)8

8 – Chart based on the Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Technology roadmap prepared by HYNET

RTD Demonstration, Niche Applications Increasing Market Penetration

S t a tion a ry FC f or niche a pplic a tion s MCFC/ S OFC (<500kW) PEMFC (<300kW) 1 s t Gener a tion on H 2 v e hicule f leet S OFC (<10MW) FC f o r p ass en g er c a r s a nd micr o -a pplic a tion s 2nd Gener a tion H 2 v e hicule f leet Pe n e tr a

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The State and Pr ospects of Eur opean Ener gy Resear ch 17

Significant advances are expected in the field of hydrogen and fuel cell technology development in the coming decades. These technologies are still at a nascent stage and it is expected that, backed by research, fuel cells will be commercialised, even though only for niche applications, by around 2015-2020. With the passage of time and development of technology, they will be mass commercialised and used in industries as diverse as automotive,

power generation and consumer electronics by around 2035-20409.

The next couple of decades will also see the development of hydrogen infrastructure and the development of hydrogen production technologies. The focus of hydrogen research after 2020 will be on expanding and integrating the hydrogen infrastructure and on increasing production from renewables and carbon sequestration to achieve the

goal of the development of a “Hydrogen Economy”10.

Research Priorities in EC, Member States

and Third Countries

The current strategic areas of research of the EC RTD in hydrogen11are:

Clean production

Development and techno-socio-economic assessment of cost-effective pathways for hydrogen production from existing and novel processes. Much research focuses on production of hydrogen from different renewable technologies. The RTD effort on hydrogen production from renewable sources has mainly involved processing different biomass feedstocks – often linked to applications in high-temperature fuel cells like SOFCs. In FP6 the projects in this field aim to develop the production of hydrogen-rich gases through energy- and cost-efficient methods. There is also research and development to produce SOFCs that can produce power from biomass and agricultural residues.

Storage

Exploration of innovative methods, including hybrid storage systems that could lead to breakthrough solutions.

Basic materials

Functional materials for electrolysers and fuel processors, novel materials for hydrogen storage and hydrogen separation and purification.

Safety

Pre-normative research and technology development required for the preparation of regulations and safety standards at EU and global level.

Preparing the transition to a hydrogen energy economy

EC-funded research in the area of fuel cell systems is aimed at:

•Reducing the cost and improving the performance

•Durability and safety: Improving the durability and safety of fuel cell systems for stationary and

transport applications

•Materials and process development

•Optimisation and simplification of fuel cell components and sub-systems as well as modelling,

testing and characterisation

•Long-term goal: The long-term goal is to achieve commercial viability for many applications by 2020.

9 – HyNet 2004: HyNet – Towards a European Hydrogen Energy Roadmap 10 – IPHE – International Partnership for the Hydrogen Economy 11 – EC 2003b: European Hydrogen and Fuel cells projects 1999-2002

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The State and Pr ospects of Eur opean Ener gy Resear ch 18

The CUTE project is an outstanding example of targeted coordination and collaboration between hydrogen and fuel cell research at the European level, with the objective of helping Europe harvest the full economic, social and environmental benefits of these technologies. By demonstrating the feasibility of fuel cell buses across Europe, the project is helping promote their acceptability. The development of fuelling stations will further the integration of

hydrogen and fuel cell technology within the existing infrastructure. The overall cost of the project is €52.4 M and

the EC contribution is €18.6 M.

As part of the CUTE project different stakeholders, both public and private, across the eight major countries of Europe came together to develop the hydrogen infrastructure and demonstrate the feasibility of fuel cell buses under different climatic, topological and traffic conditions with the aim of:

•Collecting data from the operation of fuel cell buses in different conditions, and operating decentralised

hydrogen production facilities.

•Exploring a wide range of pathways to produce hydrogen as a vehicle fuel.

•Gaining experience in the operation of novel small-scale hydrogen steam reformers.

•Developing a 350 bar hydrogen technology for both filling stations and onboard hydrogen gas cylinders.

The project was initiated in November 2001 and will continue until May 2006. Successful demonstration of the fuel cell buses in major European cities is helping assess and validate the costs and efficiency of hydrogen production and of the buses themselves. It is also helping to increase public awareness and acceptance of the technology. Data collected during the operation will contribute to developing the technologies further. The project:

•involves large-scale demonstration of fuel cell buses in real-life conditions, thereby increasing the acceptability of fuel cell and hydrogen technologies

•promotes the development of a hydrogen infrastructure (hydrogen filing stations etc).

One of the key initiatives in promoting coordination of hydrogen and fuel cell R&D was the establishment of The European Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Technology Platform, launched in Jan 2004 to facilitate and accelerate the development of fuel cell and hydrogen energy systems and components. This aims to improve the effectiveness of research in Europe by developing a common vision and consistent strategic framework at the European level, structuring research into these technologies and promoting public and private funding in research and development. The European Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Technology Platform has developed a Strategic Research Agenda (SRA) as a guide to the development of a comprehensive research strategy for Europe in the field of hydrogen and fuel cells. It defines priorities for investment in R&D based on the strengths and weaknesses of European research and includes an immediate-term research programme (to 2010), medium-term strategy (to 2030) and a long-term strategic outlook (to 2050).

Note:For further details of the key cost and quality targets set by SRA for stationary applications of fuel cells, please refer to Annex I-1

The European Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Technology Platform has also developed a Deployment Strategy to promote the development of commercially viable fuel cell applications and a hydrogen infrastructure. The deployment strategy is aligned to the goals and timelines of SRA in order to ensure that the targets for European research are met. The European Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Technology Platform brings together the key stakeholders in European research (the research community, industry, public and government institutions, the financial community and the general public) to leverage expert knowledge in Europe and meet the interests of the diverse stakeholders. This process facilitates coordination between European, national and regional research, and contributes to the achievement of overall European research goals and the development of the European Research Area (ERA).

Note:For details on deployment status for fuel cells applications by 2020, please refer to Annex I-2

The broad research priorities of the key Member States (UK, France, Germany and Italy) involved in research into hydrogen and fuel cells are quite similar to those of the EC.

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The State and Pr ospects of Eur opean Ener gy Resear ch 19

Hydrogen

European countries are focusing on the development of hydrogen production and hydrogen storage technologies.

Within the hydrogen storage technologies, storage in metal hydrides is a key research area in Europe, as is development of a hydrogen infrastructure.

UK: Research in the field of hydrogen focuses on developing hydrogen production technologies and metal

hydrides storage technologies

Italy: Key research areas in the field of hydrogen include hydrogen production from fossil fuels and storage in

metal hydrides

France: Hydrogen research focuses on developing hydrogen production technology and new materials for

hydrogen storage

The Netherlands: Most hydrogen research focuses on hydrogen production, there is also funding for hydrogen

usage and the development of hydrogen storage technologies

Switzerland: Hydrogen production (solar thermal and photoelectric water splitting are the key strengths) and

hydrogen storage are the principal research areas

Spain: Focus areas include production of hydrogen (from renewables, nuclear or fossil fuels) and hydrogen storage.

Fuel Cells

The broad goals of research are to reduce costs and increase the durability and reliability of fuel cells in order to encourage their commercialisation. However, different European countries are researching different fuel cell technologies, depending on their competences and the level of interest of companies in the technology: for instance, in Germany, numerous technology companies (such as Vaillant and Ballard for PEM and MTU for MCFCs) and automotive companies (such as Opel, Daimler-Chrysler, etc.) are working on the development of fuel cells.

UK: Focus on SOFC and PEM technologies

France: Development of PEM fuel cells (nearly 80% of the fuel cells funding)

Italy: PEM and molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) technologies

Germany: All different fuel cell technologies for all key applications: automotive, stationary and mobile. There

is also on-going research in the field of fuel cell and hydrogen components in various European countries

Netherlands: Strong focus on PEM and SOFC technologies

Switzerland: PEM fuel cells and SOFC

Spain: PEM fuel cells and the development of high-temperature fuel cells (SOFCs and MCFCs).

There is considerable research across Europe on cross-cutting issues such as:

•Safety

•Codes and standards

•Raising awareness and acceptance of the hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.

An important project in Germany in the field of hydrogen and fuel cell research is the Clean Energy Partnership launched in June 2002. The German Federal Government’s “Sustainable Energy Strategy for Germany” has invested a total of €33 M in this project, which can be considered a “lighthouse” project as it involves large-scale demonstration of fuel cell-powered cars, facilitates technology improvement and infrastructure development and helps to increase public awareness and acceptance of the technology.

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The State and Pr ospects of Eur opean Ener gy Resear ch 20

In Germany, the Clean Energy Partnership12is aiming to develop hydrogen and fuel cell technologies along the

same lines as the CUTE project. Key vehicle manufacturers – BMW, Daimler Chrysler, Ford and GM/Opel – are collaborating with companies like Aral, Linde, Hydro, TOTAL, Hydro Berlin Public transport (BVG) and Vattenfall to demonstrate the operation of 16 hydrogen-powered passenger cars and a hydrogen filling station. The demonstration project, launched in November 2004, is expected to continue for a period of five years. The aims of the project are to:

•Show the system viability of a range of readily developed technologies.

•Test the viability of commercial production and distribution of hydrogen from renewable energy at

a commercial filling station in daily operation.

•Achieve rapid hydrogen refuelling.

•Demonstrate the everyday use of high-performance vehicles approaching series production quality.

•Optimise administrative tools and the authorisation processes involved in the build-up of a new energy

infrastructure and the use of hydrogen vehicles. The project can be considered a lighthouse project as:

•It involves large-scale demonstration of fuel cell-powered vehicles, thereby increasing public awareness.

•It promotes the development of hydrogen infrastructure (hydrogen filling station).

Though the broad goals of research are similar across Europe, Japan and the United States in terms of technology development, fuel cell commercialisation and hydrogen infrastructure development:

•The research objectives of EC-funded projects tend to be more general in nature when compared with the objectives

set in the US and Japan.

•The penalty of non-achievement or delayed achievement of the project targets is not as stringent in the case of

EC-funded projects as it is for the projects funded in the US and Japan.

•There is a stricter review and monitoring of the projects in the US and Japan, and there have even been instances

where project funding has been discontinued when it was felt that the project was not going to meet its objectives. At an overall level Europe, the US and Japan have specific efficiency and cost targets for development of fuel cells

at different stages13. The targets set by the EC for European research in the Strategic Research Agenda are broadly

in line with the targets set by the US and Japan.

The Priority Areas for Research in the field of hydrogen in the US are:

•Hydrogen Production and Delivery Techniques – Producing hydrogen from renewables and feedstock, developing

cost-competitive, safe and efficient hydrogen delivery technologies.

•Hydrogen Storage Technologies – Research focuses on metal hydrides, carbon-based materials and chemical

hydrogen storage.

•Safety Codes and Standards

•Infrastructure Validation, Education and System Analysis

Note:For further details of the priority areas for research in the field of hydrogen in the US, please refer to Annex I-3.

The Priority Areas for Research in the field of fuel cells in the US are:

•Transportation Fuel Cell Systems – Developing compressor/expandor technologies, thermal and water management

technologies, and system analysis.

•Distributed/Stationary Systems – Developing power systems for back-up or peak shaving applications and

developing high-temperature membranes for distributed generation applications.

•Subsystems and Components – Developing onboard fuel processors and improving reformer performance at start-up.

Note:For further details of the priority areas for research in the field of Fuel Cells in the US, please refer to Annex I-4.

12 – http://www.cep-berlin.de

13 – METI (2003): Japan’s Approach to Commercialisation of Fuel Cell / Hydrogen Technology, DOE 2005: Multi-Year Research, Development, and Demonstration Plan

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The State and Pr ospects of Eur opean Ener gy Resear ch 21

The FreedomCAR and Fuel Partnership of the DOE-EERE can be considered a “lighthouse” initiative in the US as it involves large-scale demonstration and development of fuel cell vehicles and of a hydrogen infrastructure. It will also facilitate technology development and shape future research in this field by conducting technology mapping and suggesting R&D priorities.

In US, the FreedomCAR and Fuel Partnership14 is a collaborative effort between the DOE and energy

companies – BP America, Chevron Corporation, Conoco Phillips, ExxonMobil Corporation, and Shell Hydrogen (US), and the US Council for Automotive Research (USCAR) partners (Daimler Chrysler Corporation, Ford Motor Company, and General Motors Corporation). The US Government’s Hydrogen Fuel

Initiative and the FreedomCAR Partnership (launched in 2002) aims to provide €1.4 billion through 2008 to

develop hydrogen-powered fuel cells, hydrogen production and infrastructure technologies, and advanced

automotive technologies to ensure commercialisation of fuel cell vehicles by 202015.

The aim of the partnership is to:

•Jointly conduct technology road mapping

•Determine technical requirements

•Suggest research and development (R&D) priorities

•Monitor R&D activities.

The partnership aims to ensure the development of reliable systems for future fuel cell power- trains with costs comparable to conventional internal combustion engine/automatic transmission systems.

To permit lightweight vehicle structures and systems, the goal is:

•Material and manufacturing technologies for high-volume production vehicles that enable or support

the simultaneous attainment of:

>50% reduction in weight of vehicle structure and subsystems

>Affordability, and

>Increased use of recyclable/renewable materials. This project:

•involves large-scale demonstration of fuel cell-powered vehicles and the development of a hydrogen

infrastructure

•shapes future R&D in the field of hydrogen and fuel cells by determining research requirements and

suggesting priorities.

Note:For further details of the targets of the FreedomCAR and Fuel Partnership, please refer to Annex I-5.

The Priority Areas for Research in the field of hydrogen and fuel cells in Japan are:

•Improving basic performance of fuel cells – the bulk of the funding is devoted to PEM fuel cells development.

High-temperature fuel cells technology, gas refining technology for fuel cells and high throughput hydrogen separation membrane for high- temperature operation are also being researched.

•Researching hydrogen technologies - research on improving hydrogen production and transportation efficiency,

developing hydrogen storage materials, developing hydrogen components and analysing hydrogen infrastructure in terms of safety.

•Gaining public acceptance.

•Developing codes, regulations and standards for hydrogen and fuel cells.

Note:For further details of the key commercialisation targets for fuel cells in Japan, please refer to Annex I-6.

14 – http://www.eere.energy.gov/vehiclesandfuels/about/partnerships/freedomcar/index.shtml 15 – White House Press Release - http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/05/20050518-4.html

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The State and Pr ospects of Eur opean Ener gy Resear ch 22

JHFC is a key demonstration project in the field of hydrogen and fuel cells in Japan. This project involves large-scale demonstration of fuel cell vehicles and the development of a hydrogen fuelling infrastructure that will help in facilitating technology development of fuel cells and integration of hydrogen infrastructure within the existing infrastructure.

JHFC16 (hydrogen and fuel cell demonstration project) is the first extensive fuel cell demonstration programme in Japan, comprising the fuel cell demonstration programme itself and a demonstration study of hydrogen fuelling facilities for fuel cell vehicles. The project, launched in 2002, ran through to 2005. Annual

funding for the project was about €18M (2002).

In 2003 fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) from eight car manufacturers and fuel cell buses for commercial routes participated in trial runs on highways. Highway performance data such as driveability, reliability, environmental characteristics, fuel consumption, etc., and hydrogen station usage data were obtained for evaluation. Nine hydrogen stations were equipped for desulfurised gasoline reforming, naphtha reforming, LPG reforming, liquid hydrogen storage, methanol reforming, high-pressure hydrogen storage, lye electrolysis, petroleum reforming, and city gas reforming. These stations were operated and evaluated, using them for the FCVs that participated in the project. The facilities for producing liquid hydrogen were designed in 2002.

The key results of the project were:

•Determination of energy-saving effects (CO2emissions reduction and efficiency) achieved by FCVs and

hydrogen stations.

•Determination of environmental (non-CO2) load reduction effects achieved by FCVs and hydrogen stations.

•Data acquisition for preparing specifications, regulations and standards concerning the safety of FCVs and

hydrogen stations.

•Activities for familiarising the general public with FCVs and hydrogen stations.

•Resolution of problems involved in the introduction of FCVs and hydrogen stations.

•Efficient recovery of hydrogen from by-product gas, and development and verification of an efficient

liquefaction technique. The project:

•Involves large-scale demonstration of fuel cell-powered vehicles thereby increasing public awareness.

•Involves development of a hydrogen fuelling infrastructure helps to integrate this with the existing infrastructure.

China17is an emerging country in the field of fuel cell and hydrogen research. The main focus of research is the

development of PEM fuel cells for automotive applications and the development of hydrogen production and storage technologies. Research is also being carried out by different research institutes in the field of direct methanol fuel cells and SOFCs, also the development of hydrogen turbines and hydrogen fuel cell and hybrid power systems. During the 10th five-year plan (2001-2005), China’s Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) approved an

€82.4 M R&D programme to develop advanced hybrid electric-drive and fuel cell vehicles18. The government aims

to support the Chinese auto industry through this programme by promoting research in the field of PEM fuel cells for automotive (mostly bus) applications and hydrogen production and storage technologies. There is also some research in the field of direct methanol fuel cells, SOFCs and MCFCs. There is another MOST programme (the 973 programme launched in March 1997) that promotes basic research in the field of hydrogen storage materials, fuel

cell membranes and catalysts. Funding for this programme is €2.8 M.

16 – http://www.jhfc.jp

17 – IEA 2005: Issues and Opportunities for International Collaboration in Energy Science and Technology: The Chinese Perspective, IEA AEGSET Workshop

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The State and Pr ospects of Eur opean Ener gy Resear ch 23

Funding for Hydrogen and

Fuel Cells Research

European Commission-Funded Research

EC-funded research in the field of hydrogen and fuel cells is dominated by basic research for the development of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies and systems. All the major technologies and applications are covered, at least to some extent, in FP5 and FP6: the technology is relatively underdeveloped and a lot of research (both basic and applied) is still required before the best technologies can be clearly assessed. Demonstration projects, like the Virtual Power Plant and the CUTE project, have helped research, demonstrate and improve public awareness of the technology.

Funding is relatively evenly split between hydrogen and fuel cell research in FP6. This is a significant shift from FP5 where fuel cell research received the bulk of the funding. From the information available to date, no projects have been funded in the field of fuel cell processors and MCFC under FP6. Hydrogen and fuel cell technologies

have received around €125.7 M and €153.9 M respectively in funding under FP6 (This includes funding from the

different departments of the EC like DG Research, DG TREN etc. However some projects related to socio-economic aspects have been excluded. Those projects are covered under chapter 12 of this report – Socio-Economic Research).

The two areas together have received nearly half of the total funding given to the NNE technologies to date by the EC under FP6. This reflects the importance of these technologies in achieving the energy goals of the future. Within fuel cells, the bulk of the funding is allocated to research for PEMFC technology and transportation applications. Another technology area receiving a significant amount of funding is SOFC. The high level of funding to the PEMFC and fuel cell research for automotive applications is a reflection of the level of interest of European power and automotive companies in this technology. The combined funding to these is over 75% of the total EC funding for fuel cells. In comparison, Japan also devotes approximately 65% of its funding on fuel cells to PEM technology19.

Note:For further details of EC funding for fuel cell technologies in FP5 and FP6, please refer to Annex I-7.

Research in the field of hydrogen is focused on development of hydrogen production technologies. Within this technology sub-area, most of the research is focused on the production of hydrogen from renewables. There is also research on the production of hydrogen from thermochemical water splitting (an area that was totally ignored in FP5) and hydrogen storage technologies, with the focus on development of metal hydrides and developing storage technologies for automotive applications. Some funding is also available for the development of codes and standards.

Note:For further details of EC funding for hydrogen technologies in FP5 and FP6, please refer to Annex I-8.

Research Funded at EU Country Level

Key countries researching hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in Europe are Germany, the UK, Italy and France. Specific funding information for the key Member States was not always available at the time of writing: however, in order to give an order of magnitude, one can generally consider that if funding from the EC in the hydrogen and fuel cell field represents roughly 20% of total European funding, then the four key countries involved in fuel cells and hydrogen research at European level represent around 57% of total EU funding.

Of the four key European countries20, Germany presents the highest government and state funding level, evaluated

at €72 M in 200521. France comes second with 60 M in 2005 (40 M for fuel cells and 20 M for hydrogen

technologies). This represents a significant increase from 1999 figures, when the combined funding for hydrogen

and fuel cells technologies was around €10 M. The UK and Italy contribute approximately the same annual

amount with some €30 M in funding.

19 – British Embassy 2003: Fuel Cell Development in Japan; An Outline of Public and Private Sector Activities

20 – Funding figures for UK, France and Italy refer to government funding and have been compiled on the basis of primary research in these countries. They are based on the most recent annual data available at the time of writing the report.

21 – Funding figures for Germany are based on the estimates of “Fuel Cells in Germany – A survey of current developments, 18 June 2003 (FUEL CELL TODAY)”. It estimates annual funding for hydrogen and fuel cells in Germany (including central and state governments and EC funding) to be around €80-90 M per year. The figure for Germany has then been adjusted on the assumption that the EU contribution represents 20% of funding.

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The State and Pr ospects of Eur opean Ener gy Resear ch 24

Graph 2: Funding22for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell RTD across Europe, the US and Japan

Research Funded at Third Country Level

The US overall level of funding for RTD in hydrogen and fuel cells was €195.9 M in 2004, €239.2 M in 2005 and

€242.1M in 200623. The level of funding increased in 2005 and 2006, showing the high emphasis placed on

research in these RTD fields. Within hydrogen, most of the funding went to research into production and delivery R&D and storage. Within fuel cells, the funding is mainly allocated to two key research areas: stack component R&D and technology validation. Transportation applications get more than one-third of the total funding for fuel

cells and hydrogen in the US Over €83 M was appropriated for research into the development of fuel cell vehicles

in 2006.

In Japan the level of funding for fuel cells and hydrogen by METI/NEDO was slightly higher than that of the US

with €254.9 M (2005). The level of funding has been increasing over the last few years. In 2004, METI spent

€236.9 M on fuel cell research, with the bulk of the funding going to PEM technology and the remainder devoted

to the development of high- temperature fuel cell technology. In the field of hydrogen research, funding is concentrated on NEDO’s “Development Of Basic Technology For The Safe Use Of Hydrogen” project, launched in 2003 and

going through to 2007. Funding for this project was increased from €32.4 M in 2003 to €43.4 M in 2004.

Note:For further details of funding for hydrogen and fuel cell RTD across Europe, the US and Japan, please refer to Annex I.9.

22 – Refer to Annex I.9 - Notes on funding information

23 – This includes funding by EERE basic energy sciences and transportation offices of US-DOE. It also includes the funding for the FreedomCAR and Vehicle Technologies programme. It does not include funding by the fossil fuels and nuclear energy offices of the DoE and the funding by the US Dept. of Defence

0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 Ger ma ny Fra nce UK Italy Eur ope (EC+M S) EC US Jap an

Million

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The State and Pr ospects of Eur opean Ener gy Resear ch 25

Evaluation and Conclusions

Technology focus

Important Areas

EC1 US2 Japan3 Germany4 France6 UK

and Topics

PEM and Automotive Applications SOFC MCFC Materials and Components (including stacks and processors)5

Other Fuel Cells Research Production Storage

Other Hydrogen Research (Including Safety and Standards)

High level of funding Medium level of funding Limited level of funding

(>30% of total Hydrogen/Fuel cells funding) (>15% of total Hydrogen/Fuel cells funding) (<15% of total Hydrogen/Fuel cells funding) 1EC portfolio refers to the FP6 portfolio of EC. Based on the latest information available at the time of writing the report.

2Based on FY 2005 funding figures.

3Fuel cells analysis is based on available 2005 funding figures. The main focus of the hydrogen research seems to be on setting up infrastructure and on hydrogen safety, though production and storage technologies are also researched. An exact funding split was not available at the time of writing.

4The distribution of hydrogen technologies for Germany is not shown as the funding levels for hydrogen are quite low.

5Funding for materials and components are not shown for the EC, Germany and France as the funding for this area is included within the funding for different fuel cell technologies. It should NOT be interpreted that the EC, Germany and France provide no funding in this area. 6Based on Plan d’Action Nationale sur l’Hydrogène et Piles à Combustible (National Action Plan on Hydrogen and Fuel Cells, PAN-H).

In the field of fuel cells, the focus of research across Japan, Europe and the US is on the development of PEM fuel cells technology and on automotive applications, although there is also substantial funding in the US in the area of fuel cell component development, including stacks and fuel processors. SOFC and MCFC technologies are also researched, although to a relatively limited extent in each of these’ regions. In Germany, one of the key countries researching fuel cells in Europe, over 50% of funding is on PEM fuel cells technology. The rest of fuel cell funding is almost evenly split between MCFC and SOFC research. In France, the bulk of funding (around 80%) is focused on PEM fuel cells-related research, with the remaining funding devoted to high-temperature fuel cells. There is also research into materials and components – funding for this is included within the technology areas. In the UK, the key areas of research are PEM and solid oxide fuel cells: there is also substantial research on developing fuel cell materials and components.

F

uel Cells

References

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