WRITTEN QUESTION E-4125/00 by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Commission. Hydrogen fuel cells.
Date: 2001-01-11
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU research policy, engine, fuel cell, hydrogen, motor vehicle, research and development, research programme

3.7.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 187 E/141

within the European Climate Change Programme and have been mentioned as a source of pollution to be
addressed by the Environment Council of 10 October 2000. Expert Groups on vehicle technology and on
fluorinated gases in the framework of the ECCP are investigating the issue of mobile air conditioning.
Recommendations for action will be included in the final report of the ECCP.

(2001/C 187 E/149)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-4123/00

by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Commission

(11 January 2001)

Subject: Eels and elvers

Eels and elvers are a declining species in much of Europe.

Has the Commission implemented any measures (or is it intending to implement any measures), to
preserve eels and regulate fishing for eels?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(21 February 2001)

The Commission is fully aware of the problems concerning the European eel stock but has not proposed
any measures apart from those already implemented by Member States.

Work is proceeding on the preparation of a Community-wide management plan for eel. However the
initial time frame for this proposal has changed as the Commission has not yet been provided with the
requested information about possible measures by the International Council for the exploration of the sea
(ICES). ICES has, however, in the meantime analysed the eel situation in the United States and Canada
where similar concerns about the eel population have recently been raised. The report became available
by November 2000 and indicates that the advice on possible measures for the other side of the Atlantic
might also be applicable to Europe. The Commission will therefore reflect on this advice before finalising
the management plan for the European eel.

(2001/C 187 E/150)

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 Wallstr(cid:246)m 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.

C 187 E/142

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

3.7.2001

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 (cid:129) 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 demonstra-
tion (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.

(2001/C 187 E/151)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-4131/00

by Konstantinos Hatzidakis (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(9 January 2001)

Subject: Atmospheric pollution in Athens

According to the latest report by the Environment Directorate of the Ministry for the Environment,
Regional Planning and Public Works in Greece, ozone levels in the Athens area were above the permissible
limits for a total of 75 days between April and October 2000.

1. What data does the Commission have available on this specific matter (ozone levels) and, in more
general terms, on atmospheric pollution in the Athens area?

2. What are the apparent problems in Athens with atmospheric pollution from the point of view of
compliance with Community legislation?

3.

In the Commission(cid:146)s estimation, what are the possible implications for public health?