High temperature fuel cells use for the next ten years

Objective

There are significant R&D efforts in Europe being carried out on the use of low cost and reliable High Temperature Fuel Cells (FC). Main targeted applications are decentralised, electricity production and cogeneration. Commercialisation of SOFC and MCFC is expected within 10 years.
In order to foresee the potential and progress developments and to help industry, the European Commission and the Member States to plan their investments and support programmes, the objectives of the Concerted Action 'FUNTY' which is a thematic network, is to coordinate projects which are already funded (EC, Member States) or private bodies.
Trough co-ordination the development of the following themes will be examined:
1. To compare R&D strategic objectives and plans in order to prevent duplication of efforts and to optimize resources. The recommendations derived from this analysis will help the updating of the European Commission's policy on Fuel Cells.
2. To assess current and expected performance of SOFC and MCFC, with respect to competing technologies such as gas turbines.
3. Analyse the socio-economic consequences of the use of High Temperature Fuel Cells (environmental impact, benefit to customers, urban network planning development ...)
4. Assess the market of this innovative type of equipment in Europe and to analyse the competitors in the USA and Japan.
The work plan spans over two years. Five meetings will be organized at the different premises of members. After the kick-off meeting, each meeting will adress one of the specific objectives set for FUNTY. A consolidation report will give conclusions and recommendations concerning the objectives mentioned above.

Programme(s)

• FP4-NNE-JOULE C - Specific programme for research and technological development, including demonstration in the field of non-nuclear energy, 1994-1998

Topic(s)

• 020302 - Fuel cells

Funding Scheme

Coordinator

Participants (17)