WRITTEN QUESTION E-4125/00

by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Commission

(11 January 2001)

Subject: Hydrogen fuel cells

Will the Commission indicate its views on the replacement of the internal combustion engine with hydrogen fuel cells and state whether it has any plans to give serious consideration to this project within the EU?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(2 March 2001)

As the Honourable Member quite correctly indicates the use of hydrogen in combination with fuel cells is discussed as a possible future solution for replacing combustion engines in the automotive industry or for generating power and supplying heat and/or electricity in homes, commercial/business buildings and industries.

The Commission recognises that the use of hydrogen with fuel cells could offer environmental benefits as well as contribute to the security of energy supply. However, the magnitude of those benefits largely depends on how the hydrogen is produced, distributed, stored and used. Today, many equipment and vehicles manufacturers and oil companies as well are currently carrying out research projects within this field some of them concentrating on the development of fuel cells, others on the direct use of hydrogen as a possible alternative fuel.

The Fifth research and development framework programme (FP5) (1999-2002), concentrates an important part of the Non-Nuclear Energy Programme (Energie) on support to research, development and demonstration (RTD) of hydrogen, especially in combination with the use of fuel cells. Until now, the Community support in FP5 has already exceeded 59 million allocated to RTD on fuel cell systems, fuel processors, hydrogen storage, hydrogen fuelled fuel cell vehicles, and to large projects in heat and power generation and clean urban transport, including the use of hydrogen as a possible fuel in combination with fuel cells.

The Energie programme continues to actively stimulate RTD effort on fuel cells and hydrogen technologies as well as including socio-economic studies, pre-normative research to develop standards and safety norms, and training. The action addresses fuel cells, reformers and hydrogen technologies aiming at a cost reduction with lower CO2 and pollutant emissions. RTD addresses components, systems, multifuel capability and fuel flexibility. For transport, the fuel choice including hydrogen is addressed focusing on cost, emissions, safety and re-fuelling infrastructure.

In order to set up a possible European strategy in the field of alternative/renewable fuels for the transport sector, the Commission also intends to launch a study on future possible concepts of vehicle technology/fuels, benefits and shortcomings of those different concepts and possible long term and intermediate introduction strategies. It is expected that the use of hydrogen and the development of fuel cell technology will be a central focus of this study, although it is not limited to that type of fuel. Discussions are planned to take place with the Member States and with non-governmental organisations on possible actions at a Community level. This discussion will of course include possible support of on-going and new local activities.