Energy Innovation and Business Unit Hydrogen– the DTI Perspective Financing the Hydrogen Revolution Thursday 26 th February 2004 Bronwen Northmore Department of Trade and Industry 1 Victoria Street, London SW1H 0ET
Energy Innovation and Business Unit Why hydrogen? environmental benefits –zero emissions at point of use –potential for zero carbon emissions competitiveness security of supply the American dimension
Energy Innovation and Business Unit What will the Hydrogen Revolution look like? Transport CHP Localised electricity production where the economics are favourable Unlikely ever to be an alternative source for centralised power generation
Energy Innovation and Business Unit Hydrogen energy covers the entire energy chain, with fuel cells being a key component of most chains Storage Production Distribution Conversion Application Fuel cells fit here, and are the most logical means of hydrogen energy conversion in many situations. However, they are not the only possible conversion device Hydrogen energy is fuel-specific and technology-neutral Fuel cells are technology-specific and fuel-neutral
Energy Innovation and Business Unit Barriers production storage distribution safety & public perceptions
Energy Innovation and Business Unit Hydrogen production from fossil fuels –gas, oil or coal by electrolysis –electricity from fossil fuel, renewables or nuclear by advanced methods –photochemical, photobiological, fermentation etc
Energy Innovation and Business Unit Hydrogen storage current technologies –compressed gas, cryogenic liquid advanced technologies –hydrides, carbon nanotubes etc A breakthrough is required for on-board vehicle storage
Energy Innovation and Business Unit Hydrogen distribution By road (liquid or compressed gas) By pipeline or, manufacture on-site
Energy Innovation and Business Unit Hydrogen – safety and public perceptions myths and realities differences between use by industry and use by consumers need codes and standards, and public outreach
Energy Innovation and Business Unit Hydrogen in the UK – now Strong university research base Some leading companies Regional activities
Energy Innovation and Business Unit UK Government Support Structure Basic research – EPSRC, NERC, Others –Responsive mode –Directed programmes –UKERC Industrial R&D – DTI R,D & D, investment – Carbon Trust
Energy Innovation and Business Unit Funding EPSRC, NERC –Responsive mode - £0.5m pa –SUPERGEN - £3.4m/4 years for hydrogen –TSEC (Towards a Sustainable Energy Economy) DTI –Advanced fuel cells programme - £2m pa –April call for fuel cells –Hydrogen programme? Carbon Trust
Energy Innovation and Business Unit Challenges for Government Need a UK hydrogen strategy! Address fragmentation. How should we position ourselves in relation to international initiatives? Web address for initial study:
Energy Innovation and Business Unit International Collaboration IEA Implementing Agreements – Hydrogen, Fuel Cells, Greenhouse Gas IEA Hydrogen Coordination Group EC Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Technology Platform International Partnership for the Hydrogen Economy