Large scale demonstration of µCHP fuel cells

The main focus of this topic is to initiate a second generation large scale demonstration of µCHP fuel cells destined for the residential and small commercial applications (0.3-5 kW); it will require further improvements of units/system concepts demonstrated in previous initiatives and build upon those results. This represents the second step of demonstration for the manufacturers (incl. all types of FC technologies) at a more advanced phase of the learning curve (i.e. ramp-up phase) which will ensure ramp-up in the range of 2.500 units in one/two-family homes (eventually small commercial applications in Europe).

The technology and system integration aspects in the <5kW part of topic 2.6 are closely linked to this topic and synergies between these topics should therefore be sought within the scope of these projects. This topic puts significant focus on the further development of the FC stack, being the main innovative element in a FC system and a prerequisite for the success and competitiveness o

According to COM(2015) 80 final, 25/02/2015 on the Energy Union Package, the vision of the Energy Union is a sustainable, low-carbon and climate-friendly economy that is designed to last; the vision is of strong, innovative and competitive European companies that develop the industrial products and technology needed to deliver energy efficiency and low carbon technologies inside and outside Europe (the European Council set in October 2014 an indicative target at the EU level of at least 27% for improving energy efficiency in 2030, and the agreement on the 2030 climate and energy framework has defined the EU commitment of an at least 40% domestic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990); most importantly, the vision is of an Energy Union with citizens at its core, where citizens take ownership of the energy transition, benefit from new technologies to reduce their bills, participate actively in the market, and where vulnerable consumers are protected (e.g. facilitating the participation of co

The project shall explicitly strengthen the European value chain in particular for the critical components such as fuel cell stack, reformers (incl. desulphurization), special heat exchangers, inverters, etc. Proposals have to explain which of these issues can be addressed by scaling up in order to strengthen European industry competiveness. This large scale demonstration will as well initiate the drive to achieving economies of scale and hence significantly reduce costs enabling further phase roll-outs/deployment stage to be funded at lower rates by Member States after 2020.

The proposals are expected to have the impacts described below:

• The main objective of this topic is to achieve significant improvements in the technical and economic performance of the FC stack and its manufacturing:
  • Reduction of the FC stack production cost with at least 30%
  • Application of innovative production methods, demonstrated through increase of production capaci