What are we doing?
We aim to deliver a market-oriented, end-user focused programme, which has the potential to accelerate access to new markets for fuel cell products, saving carbon whilst generating economic value for the UK.
Why?
Although fuel cells are already emerging in specific markets, they are currently too expensive for widespread commercial applications, such as
road vehicles and co-generation of
heat and power. A reduction in the whole fuel cell system cost of at least a third, at mass-manufacture volumes, could unlock a global polymer fuel cell market worth over $180bn by 2050. The UK market alone could be worth $19bn, with corresponding savings of 7MtCO2e a year. Our analysis indicates that UK research has strong capabilities in the area, and hence we are looking to spend up to £8m through the Polymer Fuel Cells Challenge to achieve this cost breakthrough.
How are we doing this?
We are currently running a competitive process to select the most promising breakthroughs that could meet the objectives of the Polymer Fuel Cells Challenge. The first stage of the competition, which called for Expressions of Interest, closed in November 2009. Following the review and selection of the Expressions of Interest received, a short list of consortia have been invited to submit a Full Proposal by April 2010. We expect to annouce the finalists during summer 2010.
Fuel cell end-users and customers interested in the products developed are also welcome to
contact us throughout the process.
Successful projects will be taken forward for grant-funded technical validation and industry engagement for 18-24 months. The concept shown to have the greatest impact will attract further co-investment via a commercial vehicle, in order to create or develop a world-class UK business, and secure major customer contracts.
Any other questions?
Email your enquiries to:
directed.research@carbontrust.co.uk or call Richard Taylor from E4tech on +44 (0) 203 008 6140.