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Hydrogen

Hydrogen is an energy carrier (like electricity) which requires a primary energy source to make it. The production of hydrogen from renewable or sustainable energy sources and its subsequent use as a clean fuel is sometimes referred to as the hydrogen economy. Many experts regard this as the means by which we will ultimately end our dependence on fossil fuels, although the hydrogen economy could take decades to be realised.

Government Policy

The UK Government recognises that a number of hydrogen energy chains will, by 2030, potentially offer the UK cost-competitive CO2 savings, and that action needs to be taken now to develop these options. This was the key finding in the DTI-commissioned report published in December 2004:

which the Government accepted in its response published in June 2005:

Support Programmes

Demonstration

Demonstration of these technologies under realistic operating conditions is an important step on the road to commercialisation. It is needed to develop confidence by end-users that the technology will meet their needs as well as to identify issues requiring further research and development. The Hydrogen, Fuel Cells, and Carbon Abatement Technologies Demonstration Programme (HFCCAT) is a £50m 4 year programme which aims to demonstrate components or complete systems under realistic operating conditions. Up to £15m has been allocated for hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. The first call for proposals was announced in October 2006, and following the assessment process offers were made to 5 projects with BERR support of approximately £5m. An announcement will be made in due course regarding a second call. Further details of the programme may be found on the Hydrogen, Fuel Cells, and Carbon Abatement Technologies Demonstration Programme website.

In future BERR support for hydrogen and fuel cell demonstration projects will be under the umbrella of the domestic element of the Environmental Transformation Fund (ETF).

Research and Development

As a result of the machinery of government changes which took place after Gordon Brown became Prime Minister, the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) is now responsible for basic research supported by the Research Councils and industrial collaborative R&D supported by the Technology Strategy Board. DIUS also has lead responsibility for the Energy Technologies Institute.

International Activities

The UK has actively participated in the European Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology Platform (HFP) and welcomes the Commission’s proposal for a Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Technology Initiative.

The UK is a member of the International Partnership for the Hydrogen Economy (IPHE) the International Energy Agency (IEA): Hydrogen Implementing Agreement.

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