An Assessment Framework for Evaluating Community Potential to Integrate Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Energy Technologies

Hydrogen and fuel cells (H2FC) have been recognised as an important bridge to move from current unsustainable energy pathways to future sustainable energy systems. These technologies are relevant for communities as they are a potential vehicle for tackling a number of socio-economic interests: climate change mitigation, improvement of local air quality, creation of new industries and businesses to boost the local economy, exploitation of abundant renewable resources (e.g. wind), and, of course, meeting growing energy needs. At the same time, communities can play an important role in the development of these technologies. They are disposed to long-term thinking, considering the wider implications (benefits) of H2FC integration, not just cost; they have ready channels for increasing public awareness and thus support of these technologies; and they provide a natural framework for fostering similar activities in the field, leading to the development of innovation clusters. Of course, the mutual benefits cannot be realised in all cases; certain conditions need to be present. This paper presents a methodology for assessing the ¿goodness of fit¿ of H2FC technologies within defined community frameworks and, as such, an indication of their potential to form ¿hydrogen communities¿ . It can be a valuable tool for decision-makers to evaluate and identify opportunities for H2FC adoption. The work reflected in this paper is the result of an exercise conducted within the European Commission-funded ¿Roads2HyCom¿ project.

SHAW Suzanne;  MAZZUCCHELLI Paola; 

2008-02-08

Research Group on Energy and Sustainable Development - IDMEC - IST

JRC41601

http://www.energyanddevelopment-2007.net/pages/plenary-sessions.php,    https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC41601,