U.S. Department of Energy - Hydrogen ProgramInternational PartnershipsBilateral and multilateral hydrogen and fuel cell technology R&D cooperation and collaboration will be a central tool in advancing towards the hydrogen economy. Two key multilateral international partnerships that are facilitating cooperative R&D efforts are:
International Partnership for the Hydrogen Economy (IPHE)At the April 2003 International Energy Agency Ministerial, U.S. Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham called for the establishment of the International Partnership for the Hydrogen Economy to serve as a mechanism to organize and implement effective, efficient, and focused international research, development, demonstration and commercial utilization activities related to hydrogen energy technologies. It also provides a forum for advancing policies, and international codes and standards that can accelerate the cost-effective transition to a global hydrogen economy. The ultimate goal of the IPHE will be to enable Partner countries' consumers to have by 2020 the practical option of purchasing a competitively priced hydrogen-powered vehicle that can be refueled conveniently. IPHE Member Countries
In 2005, the first ten projects endorsed by the IPHE Steering Committee were announced, a product of the IPHE Implementation — Liaison Committee led by Germany and Iceland. They cover a broad range of topics, including fuel cell development, hydrogen safety, the use of natural gas as a catalyst, and hydrogen production using solar energy. All projects are collaborative in nature with multiple IPHE members as sponsors. Results and lessons learned from the projects will be disseminated to all IPHE members and will be made available to the public. This selection is the first international recognition provided to collaborative research projects on hydrogen and fuel cell development. A public announcement (PDF 23 KB) from the IPHE provides details and a description of the projects. Download Adobe Reader. International Energy Agency (IEA)The International Energy Agency (IEA) was established in 1974, following the first oil crisis, for the purpose of facilitating collaborations for the economic development, energy security, environmental protection, and well-being of its members and of the world as a whole. For more than 20 years, the IEA has supported collaborative activities focused on the advancement of hydrogen technologies. The U.S. has participated in several IEA Implementing Agreements (international collaboration agreements) related to hydrogen and fuel cell technologies over the past two decades. A leading role is played by the Implementing Agreements on Hydrogen and Advanced Fuel Cells, while other Implementing Agreements (Advanced Motor Fuels, Advanced Materials for Transportation, Bioenergy, the Greenhouse Gases R&D Program and the Clean Coal Centre) provide contributions on specific topics important for launching the hydrogen economy. IEA Hydrogen Implementing AgreementThe IEA Hydrogen Program has been in existence for more than 25 years for the purpose of advancing hydrogen technologies and accelerating hydrogen's acceptance and widespread utilization. The goal of the Hydrogen Program is to accelerate hydrogen implementation and widespread utilization by facilitating, coordinating and maintaining innovative research, development and demonstration activities, through international cooperation and information exchange. Past collaborations have been in the areas of Thermochemical Production, High Temperature Reactors, Electrolysis, Storage, Safety, and Markets. Current activities are summarized in the table below.
IEA Hydrogen Implementing Agreement Participating Countries:
IEA Advanced Fuel Cells Implementing AgreementThe Advanced Fuel Cells Implementing Agreement has been in existence for almost 15 years with the aim of advancing the state of understanding in the field of advanced fuel cells. It achieves this through a coordinated program of research, technology development and system analysis on Molten Carbonate (MCFC), Solid Oxide (SOFC) and Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell (PEFC) systems. The work is undertaken on a task-sharing basis with each participating country providing an agreed level of effort over the period of the Task. The current phase of the IEA Advanced Fuel Cells Program runs from 2004 to 2007, and comprises the following six annexes.
IEA Advanced Fuel Cells Implementing Agreement Participating Countries:
|