EUR EN JRC ACTIVITIES SUPPORTING THE HYDROGEN ECONOMY

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1 EUR EN JRC ACTIVITIES SUPPORTING THE HYDROGEN ECONOMY

2 Table of contents Introduction: Counting on sustainable energy resources and technologies 3 Sustainable Energy Technologies Reference and Information Systems (SETRIS ACE Tech) 4 Clean and Efficient Energy from Waste and Biomass (CLEANWEB) 6 Systems for Alternative Fuels (SYSAF) 8 Fuel Cell systems performance Testing & Standardisation (FCTEST) 10 VELA-H2 (Hydrogen, hybrid, electric & bio-fuels vehicles) 12 The Joint Research Centre (JRC) is the European Commission s research-based policy support organisation. As an independent provider of scientific and technological support for EU policy-making, it works closely with policy Directorates General (DGs), Member State laboratories and international organisations. The JRC employs over 2000 people and has 7 scientific institutes spread over 5 sites in The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Italy and Spain. The Mission of the Joint Research Centre The mission of JRC is to provide customer-driven scientific and technical support for the conception, development, implementation and monitoring of European Union Policies. As a service of the European Commission, the JRC functions as a Centre of science and technology reference for the Union. Close to the policy-making process, it serves the common interest of the Member States while being independent of special interests, private or national.

3 Counting on sustainable energy resources and technologies Affordable and plentiful energy is an absolute prerequisite for the high quality of life enjoyed by Europeans and an essential ingredient of economic prosperity. In this respect, the European Union (EU) is currently confronted by a major challenge: how to meet the continuously increasing energy demand resulting from economic growth in EU member states while minimizing its over-dependence on imports and the adverse effects of energy production and use on the environment, the ecosystem, and human well-being. Driven by concerns about greenhouse gas emissions, mainly carbon dioxide, the EU has ratified the Kyoto Protocol and has intensified a European energy-strategy debate through the Green Paper on the Security of Energy Supply (COM(2000)769). Recent EU initiatives are geared towards increasing the share of renewable energy sources in the energy system, at promoting Combined Heat and Power (CHP), and at encouraging the uptake of environmentally friendly technologies by the energy sector. Furthermore, increasing efficiency in the production and end-use of energy and demand management are key components of European energy policy. Energy use in transport also receives considerable attention, highlighting the role of technology and policy actions for introducing alternative fuels, including hydrogen. In 2002, the Commission established a High Level Group on Hydrogen and Fuel Cells to help steer the way towards the introduction of hydrogen in the energy economy of the Union. Hydrogen offers the long-term potential for an energy system that produces near-zero emissions and which can be based on renewable energy sources. Fuel cells in combination with a range of hydrogen production techniques, are expected to play a major role in future energy supply. The Joint Research Centre (JRC), which already had hydrogen-related activities in its project portfolio and had recently embarked on the set-up of new facilities for performance characterisation of hydrogen storage and conversion, has joined the European Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Platform. To enable the long-term use of hydrogen as an energy carrier for power, transport and heat applications, work at the JRC focuses on elements in the hydrogen chain from production to end-use. In this effort JRC pursues a complementary twopath approach. On the one hand it undertakes actions and projects along with the build-up of key facilities to embark on pioneering work on pre-normative R&D whilst on the other hand it strengthens its primary role of reference and technology assessment required by the Commission s sustainable energy policy efforts through desktop studies. This approach is complemented by active participation in collaborative work under the Framework Programme through involvement in integrated projects, networks of excellence and specific targeted research projects. JRC also networks extensively with key actors and stakeholders and is involved in international and Member States hydrogen related activities, such as the International Partnership for the Hydrogen Economy (IPHE) and in the International Energy Agency (IEA). In line with the JRC mission, and complying with the subsidiarity principle, these actions do not aim at the development of new production processes or of new conversion technologies. Instead, they target the harmonisation and validation of methods and procedures for characterisation, performance and safety assessment of selected components in the hydrogen chain, such as gas sensors, storage methods and media, fuel cells, and of their integration in systems such as in vehicles. They also address underpinning numerical simulation and modelling. Available experimental facilities are being converted to suit this focus, and new ones have either just been acquired, or are under construction. Through the networks (institutional or co-funded by DG RTD), European partners can be granted access to these facilities. The JRC activities also include a dissemination and training component via the hosting of young researchers and the organisation of dedicated workshops. The projects described below are executed in the frame of the Core Area Environment and Sustainability of the JRC Multi-Annual Work Programme at the Institutes for Energy (IE-Petten), for Environment & Sustainability (IES-Ispra) and for Prospective Technological Studies (IPTS Seville). They address issues related to hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, and are examples of direct Commission contributions to the activities of the European Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology Platform. 3

4 SETRIS Rationale The pursuit of a sustainable energy policy requires a constant flow of validated and harmonised information on the evolution of energy systems and the development of energy markets. This information should be in line with the dynamic development of priorities for an energy policy under the EU Sustainable Development Strategy (COM(2001)264). Driven by this need and in order to assist policies to foster innovation in the field of energy technologies, the JRC has launched the Sustainable Energy Technologies Reference & Information System, SETRIS, an activity that integrates the scientific and technological knowledge on energy technologies of the JRC Institutes. Objectives The overall objective of SETRIS is to collect, harmonise and validate information on energy technologies and to perform related techno-economic assessments to establish the scientific and technical reference required for the debate on sustainable energy strategy in an enlarging EU, within the context of global sustainable development. The specific objectives of SETRIS are: To validate, harmonise and analyse data on sustainable energy technologies to be used by the policy-makers To undertake techno-economic and impact assessments of energy technologies and to develop policy relevant techno-economic scenarios and thus carry out forward looking studies on sustainable energy technologies To map the development patterns of energy technologies in the Member States and Candidate Countries Each Institute contributes to SETRIS with its own action: Institute for Energy (IE) New and Clean Energy Technologies Assessment System Institute for Environment and Sustainability (IES) Scientific-Technical Reference System on Renewable Energy and End-use Energy Efficiency Institute for Prospective Technological Studies (IPTS) Energy Technologies Modelling and Scenarios Project Institute for the Protection and Security of the Citizen (IPSC) Security and Reliability of Energy Supplies Institute for Transuranium Elements (ITU) provides IE with input on fuel aspects of nuclear power generation technologies In addition to its contribution through the New and clean energy technologies assessment system ACETECH, IE steers the SETRIS Coordination Group. The SETRIS activities relating to hydrogen focus on production, distribution, storage and conversion technologies, as well as on carbon management options (e.g. carbon capture), the role of renewable energy sources, the security and safety of energy infrastructure and the risk assessment of hydrogen related technologies. It also covers clean fossil fuels with respect to co-production of de-carbonised electricity and hydrogen, and technological options for distributed power generation. Its main tasks are: data collection and validation, techno-economic These objectives feed the headline objective of the JRC in the field of energy to become the scientific and technical reference of the European Commission for sustainable energy technologies. Project structure SETRIS is executed through collaboration between five of the JRC Institutes, namely: the Institute for Energy, the Institute for Environment and Sustainability, the Institute for Prospective Technological Studies, the Institute for the Protection and Security of the Citizen and the Institute for Transuranium Elements. 4

5 and environmental impact assessments, critical reviews, analyses and description of technologies for energy supply and demand modelling purposes, forecasts and energy outlooks. To implement its tasks it relies on a network of information sources and experts, and databases and assessment tools (e.g. LCA, process simulation and energy outlook models-poles). Impact The project provides support to the EU strategy on alternative fuels with a focus on hydrogen by preparing related technoeconomic assessments thereby identifying the main barriers that need to be overcome for the successful penetration of hydrogen in the energy market. The evaluation of hydrogen production, distribution and storage options are examples of such assessments. Assistance is given to the formulation of a European strategy for the security of energy supply by providing energy technology projections related to the role of hydrogen as an energy carrier and the long-term prospects for the so-called Hydrogen Economy. Within this framework, the project also assesses the different pathways that can be used for the large-scale production of hydrogen in the long term. Through the FP6 Specific Support Action HYCELL-TPS, ACETECH, with its partners Kellen Europe and LBST, currently undertakes the Secretariat function of the European Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology Platform. It contributes primarily to the works of the Deployment Strategy Panel and the Initiative Group on Regulations, Codes and Standards and leads the task on the validation and dissemination of the knowledge generated within the Platform operations. SETRIS has made considerable contributions to other major ongoing developments towards a sustainable energy system in which hydrogen and fuel cells will play an important role. Most notable, SETRIS has made progress on establishing the JRC reference system on renewable energy technologies and on end-use energy-efficiency. SETRIS also participates in the Executive Committee of the H2-Implementation Agreement of IEA and contributes to its Task 18. Progress to date SETRIS has provided recognized scientific and technological (S&T) input to a number of energy/transport policy related actions. Specifically, it supported the Commission s work in the follow-up of its Communication on alternative fuels, by contributing to the Alternative Fuels Contact Group (AFCG). It also produced techno-economic assessment reports on carbon sequestration, on hydrogen storage options and on the barriers for the introduction of alternative fuels. Presently it undertakes policy relevant assessment studies on hydrogen distribution, enhanced oil recovery, large scale and decentralized hydrogen production in the medium term, integrated gasification combined cycle and hybrid energy technologies. It has also been a partner in the execution of the World Energy Technology Outlook (WETO) project (presently being involved in the WETO-H2 project) and contributes in the Eucar/Concawe/JRC Well-to-Wheel study on alternative fuels. Information Dr. Stathis Peteves, DG Joint Research Centre, Institute for Energy, NL-1755 ZG Petten Estathios.PETEVES@cec.eu.int 5

6 CLEANWEB Rationale Safe and cost-effective waste treatment is increasingly important worldwide to ensure higher health and environmental standards. Recovering energy from waste and biomass provides an opportunity to generate energy in a sustainable way. While waste and biomass have been used as fuels for the production of heat and electricity up to the present time, the demand for increased energy recovery and for renewable fuels has prompted a new look at ways of obtaining the highest energy output from waste and biomass. As a consequence, the Clean and Efficient Energy from Waste and Biomass Action (CLEANWEB) focuses on maximising energy recovered as a function of type of waste/biomass, local energy demand in the area where the waste/biomass originate and environmental factors. The work covers both the direct production of heat and power via combustion/incineration, and the recovery of intermediate fuels for the production of alternative fuels (including hydrogen) via pyrolysis, anaerobic digestion, and primarily gasification. This effort fits in the frame of the promotion of electricity from renewables (COM(2000)279), with a targeted increase of 14% to 22% of gross electricity consumption by 2010 and Directive 2003/30/EC on the promotion of liquid biofuels for transport (targets: 2% by 2005; 5.75% by 2010). The work is also provoked by the demands of recent waste management legislation, particularly Directive (1999/31/EC) on the reduction of landfilling of the biodegradable component of waste by 65% by 2016 and by other EU efforts for the promotion of environmental technologies in the energy area. Objectives The key objectives of Cleanweb are to: Identify methods for improving the performance, efficiency and reliability of processes used for the recovery of energy from waste and biomass while maintaining environmental performance of the processes Identify and evaluate processes capable of making intermediate fuels from which clean fuels for power generation or transport can be efficiently produced, including hydrogen Undertake collaborative laboratory research to develop the tools for on-line monitoring of processes to improve process control, increase efficiency and reduce emissions Network in the international arena (including for example IEA Bioenergy and the International Solid Waste Association) to facilitate effective identification of best available processes for energy recovery for use by policy makers, industry and for training 6

7 Project structure In the area of waste, the action operates the European Network for Performance, Reliability and Emissions Reduction in Waste Incinerators (PREWIN), which provides a forum for operators and support industries to discuss technical issues, to develop common standards and to provide relevant data for policy makers on waste management and energy from waste. The network has assumed greater importance in the context of EU enlargement as new member states strive to develop their waste management systems. In the area of hydrogen, the action studies pathways for intermediate fuel production from biomass, and addresses optimisation of the recovery processes and of the subsequent transformation into hydrogen. Both laboratory and desk-top studies are undertaken in collaboration with SETRIS and other organisations to enhance the impact of the work. Impact Waste, including in particular the biodegradable component of municipal and agricultural wastes, has a substantial energy content that is usually not recovered, although a large potential exists in the Union. However, while some technologies have been effectively exploited for specific applications, there is generally very limited development of successful systems on a wide scale and there has so far been only limited attempts made to identify best practices and to integrate systems for maximised output. The provision of information and data from the CLEANWEB Action permits the Commission policy makers to understand the potential scope of expansion of bioenergy production and will enable better monitoring of growth. Progress to date Commissioning of the Plant Simulation Test Laboratory (PSTL) at JRC-IE for underpinning research particularly in the area of process monitoring and plant efficiency and reliability of waste and biomass energy recovery projects Development of different types of gas sensors for online monitoring of process gases at high temperatures to permit process control and tailoring of on-line gas treatments Review of gasification and pyrolysis processes for the recovery of energy Completion of a feasibility study on the production of hydrogen from biomass and the evaluation of hydrogen-rich gas for high temperature fuel cells Information Dr. David Baxter, DG Joint Research Centre Institute for Energy, NL-1755 ZG Petten david.baxter@jrc.nl 7

8 SYSAF Rationale Air quality concerns, greenhouse gas emissions and the security of energy supply being the key drivers, alternative fuels attract considerable interest in the EU. As already anticipated in the White Paper on Transport (COM(2001)370), their use is promoted, with the aim to have them accounting for 20% of the total fuel consumption by 2020 (COM (2001) 547). The action plan of the Commission focuses on the promotion of biofuels, natural gas and hydrogen. The SYSAF (SYStems for Alternative Fuels) Action focuses on the study and evaluation of fuel storage, of distribution and of safety sensor technologies providing the transport industry with reliable information on the design of onboard energy storage, upstream of the fuel cell or modified internal combustion engine. The fuels include natural gas and gaseous hydrogen stored under high pressure in lightweight tanks and hydrogen stored in solid-state systems (metal hydrides, carbon nanotubes, or graphite nanofibres). Objectives The key objectives of the SYSAF Action are: Setting up and providing state-of-the-art test facilities for evaluating safety aspects and establishing test methods for consideration for use in standards for high pressure gaseous storage of hydrogen and natural gas Setting up and providing state-of-the-art laboratory test facilities for the evaluation of parameters affecting the hydrogen storage capabilities of solid state materials as well as for developing harmonised test methods Setting up and developing a facility to test the performance of hydrogen detectors under the influence of a range of environmental conditions representative of those expected in use Developing a risk assessment model for high-pressure hydrogen storage systems 8

9 Project structure The Action is split into 3 main experimental tasks addressing the safety and performance of high-pressure tanks, the establishment and validation of accurate and reliable data on hydrogen storage densities of various solid storage media, and performance validation of hydrogen sensors. In collaboration with EU stakeholders, the action focuses on harmonising test methods and on providing technical and scientific support to the development of standards and best practice guidelines for industry-wide standardisation. Expected impact The growth of hydrogen as a clean fuel, and the consequent hydrogen economy, depend on a number of factors among which safe storage and transportation are prominent. While a number of commercial and research organisations are dedicating effort to improving associated technologies, little is being done in the area of harmonising standards for evaluating the systems in question. It is therefore important that the JRC in its independent role catalyses European efforts for formulating unified methods for testing the key components for hydrogen storage, viz. high pressure gas tanks, solid-state media and hydrogen gas leak sensors. A role for SYSAF is providing facilities where unified testing can be carried out by outside organisations. Progress to date Completion of design and license applications for the new full-scale high-pressure tank testing facility. The works for the construction of the bunker hosting the facility has started in February Established partnerships with key players in the alternative fuels storage field through membership of a Network of Excellence (Hysafe), an Integrated Project (StorHy), a Research Training Network (HYTRAIN), and additional project proposals (Nesshy and Hyapproval). Measurement of hydrogen storage capacity by mass and volumetric methods in solid-state materials, in view of methodology standardisation and benchmarking. Construction of a laboratory equipment for testing hydrogen sensors in simulated operating environments State-of-the-art reports in collaboration with SETRIS on hydrogen storage and distribution technologies and future perspective (EUR 20995EN) Established the basis of Computational Fluid Dynamics models for dealing with high pressure gaseous storage systems Hosting of successful training workshops for Candidate and New Member State Countries technical staff on the subjects of "Safety, Efficiency & Performance of Innovative Hydrogen Storage Technologies for Road Transport" (2003), and "Mapping European Knowledge on hydrogen Storage" (2004) Identification of pre-normative R&D work needed for the safe and effective implementation of hydrogen (and natural gas) storage Information Dr. Pietro Moretto, DG Joint Research Centre Institute for Energy, NL-1755 ZG Petten pietro.moretto@jrc.nl 9

10 FCTEST Rationale Fuel cells are widely expected to play a major role in future energy conversion in both heat and power generation and propulsion power applications. They may replace current combustion systems in many end-use sectors in the long-term. In combination with a diversity of hydrogen production technologies, they have large potential for energy savings and emissions reductions in the mid- and long-term. Significant technological challenges remain, however. Among these, commonly agreed measures and evaluation methods for system efficiency (i.e. power density, dynamic behaviour and durability) are indispensable for rating improvements in fuel cell technologies. This requires the definition of harmonised testing procedures for both entire fuel cell systems and system components, which are of utmost importance for fuel cell developers, manufacturers and users. To date, no standardised test procedures for operational performance, environmental compliance and safety of fuel cells, stacks and systems are available. Similarly, no procedures exist for assessment of fuel cell systems against user requirements for stationary, portable and transport applications. Although fuel cells are largely still in the pre-competitive phase the issue of harmonisation of testing procedures and methodologies needs to be addressed now to ensure their smooth introduction and to provide customer and user guidance. Objectives The Fuel Cell systems performance TEsting & STandardisation (FCTEST) action aims exactly at these objectives, and is structured around three major tasks: Set-up and commissioning of the testing facility for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cells, stacks and systems Acquisition & consolidation of a position on the international scientific scene through networking & coordination within the FCTESTNET thematic network Enhancement of scientific insight into fuel cell performance through mathematical modelling & simulation to guide testing activities 10

11 Progress to date and challenges ahead In focus up to early 2005 is the completion of the testing facility (see fig. above: FCTEST facility concept layoutartistic view). This unique state-of-the-art facility is equipped with a 6 Degree of Freedom (6DoF) vibration table housed inside an environmental chamber capable of 40 to 60 C temperature and up to 95 % relative humidity simulations. At its heart is a fully computerised and autonomous operating Fuel Cell Automated Test Station (FCATS) combined with gas analyzers, which also allows the in-house use of the generated electricity. Supplementary systems and auxiliary equipments manage onsite fuel supply on demand and those of other process fluids and ensure their safe and reliable distribution. The complete installation is cooled using an innovative geothermal process. The thematic network FCTESTNET with over 50 partners is acknowledged as the preferential exchange and cooperation platform between EU and US DoE in fuel cell testing and standardisation. Fuel cell performance under a given set of experimental conditions is influenced by a large variety of different parameters. Measuring all of these, as well as their interdependencies, quickly exceeds the experimental feasibility. Hence, to support testing activities, the FCTEST action works on mathematical modelling of the complicated physical laws pertinent to fuel cells with the aim of identifying celllimiting mechanisms. After experimental validation in the test facility, these cell models will be used to forecast cell performance in design, scale-up, and optimisation. Novel Lattice-Boltzmann modelling tools, coupling theoretical descriptions of transport phenomena in physico-chemical processes and statistical physics, are being investigated. Information Dr. George Tsotridis, DG Joint Research Centre, Institute for Energy, NL-1755 ZG Petten george.tsotridis@jrc.nl 11

12 VELA-H2 (HYDROGEN, HYBRID, ELECTRIC & BIO-FUELS VEHICLES) Rationale Health and environmental (urban air pollution, climate change) concerns have pushed industrialised countries to develop means of transport with low or zero impact to both the environment and for improving the health of their population. Additionally concerns on security of energy supply drive the need to find alternatives to the nearly full dependence of the transport sector on oil. In this context hydrogen fuelled cars have an important role to play as the ultimate zero-emission transport vehicles above all if fuel-cells (FC) are used as electrical generator. The interest in hydrogen comes from one simple fact: when it produces energy, it produces only water as waste. Hydrogen is considered the ultimate sustainable, nonpolluting, renewable fuel for the future. To achieve this ultimate goal, mid-way alternatives have been designed to start reducing the environmental and health impact of the transport system, e.g. internal combustion hydrogen engines (ICHE), bio-fuels engines, and hybrid electrical vehicles (HEV). There is a need for checking and regulating the level of emissions that these vehicles (ICHE, FCV, HEV...) have or should have to be accepted as zero/low emission vehicles. Facilities The main tool of the activity is the Vehicle Emissions Laboratory (VELA) at IES-JRC-Ispra. VELA is equipped with the most advanced facilities and instrumentation which allows the physical/chemical and toxicological characterisation of the emissions from all types of transport fleet. Tests are conducted on engines for small hand-held to large heavy-duty applications, and on full vehicles as mopeds, motorbikes, passenger cars, 4WD cars and small trucks. The research lines of VELA cover all environmental aspects related to advanced technologies, new engines and after-treatment systems, OBD, new or reformulated fuels, biofuels, gaseous fuels and technology foresight (Life Cycle Analysis, Cost-Effectiveness of Abatements Methods, Environmental Impact Assessment, Well-to-Wheels (WtW) analysis, hybrid engines, and hydrogen). Objectives The overall aim of the activity is to contribute to the EC s political objective of 20% conventional fossil fuel substitution with alternative fuels in the road transport sector by the year The key actions of the activity are: Participation in the major international working group on H2 vehicle regulation (i.e. UNECE/GRPE). Participation in the European Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Platform (Deployment Strategy Panel) as an essential part to meet the overall aim of the activity. This will also provide first hand information from competent players and disseminate at relevant level the own results and activities. Development of test programmes and test procedures for the assessment of efficiency and overall environmental performance of electrical, hybrids and H2-vehicles Preparation of testing facilities for hydrogen vehicles evaporative emissions and fuel consumption. Study on evaporative emissions of alternative fuels (e.g. ethanol blending in gasoline) Investigation of the effect of different biodiesel qualities on pollutant emissions from modern diesel vehicles Expected Impact The transition to a sustainable transport founded on hydrogen-based energy systems depends among other factors on non-technical barriers as regulations for assessment and homologations purposes as well as public acceptance. Technical regulations will contribute to an open market if they are harmonised and globally accepted. They will also contribute to the acceptance of the new technology by the public. The EU has set as a target the substitution of 5.75% of conventional fossil fuels with biofuels by This target implies a review of the current fuel specifications laid down in the Directive EC/98/70; more in general, in this review process, the Commission shall consider the need to encourage the introduction of alternative fuels, including biofuels, as well as the need to introduce modifications to other parameters in the fuel specifications, both for conventional and for alternative fuels, for example the modifications to the maximum volatility limits for blends of bioethanol with petrol. 12

13 Well-to-Wheels analysis (collaboration JRC, EUCAR & CONCAWE) H2 from NG: H2 ICE & FC vs. Best Conventional Pathways ICE Diesel CIDI ICE CNG SI ICE H 2 SI FC H 2 Hybrid FC H 2 N 2 +O 2 C x H y N 2 +O 2 C H 4 N 2 +O 2 H 2 O 2 H 2 O 2 H 2 FC FC CO 2 NO x H 2 O CO 2 NO x H 2 O H 2 O NO x V ElecM H 2 O V Accu H 2 O ElecM Cycle CYC_ECE - Velocity vs. time velocity (km/h) time (s) WYW GHG (g CO2eq/km) Crude oil Natural gas WTW energy (MJ/ 100 km) Eu-mix coal Eu-mix elec Biomass (advanced) Wind, Nuclear Gasoline Diesel Hyd ex NG, ICE Hyd ex NG, FC Hyd ex NG+ely, ICE Hyd ex NG+ely, FC Hyd ex coal, ICE Hyd ex coal, FC Hyd ex coal+ely, ICE Hyd ex coal+ely, FC Hyd ex bio, ICE Hyd ex bio, FC Hyd ex bio+ely, ICE Hyd ex bio+ely, FC Hyd ex wind+ely, ICE Hyd ex wind+ely, FC Hyd ex nuclear, ICE Hyd ex nuclear, FC Hyd ind (Ref+FC) Hyd ex EU-mix elec, ICE Hyd ex EU-mix elec, FC Progress to date The action participates in the UN ECE (The World Forum for Harmonisation of Vehicle Regulations) within the GRPE dedicated to Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Vehicles. In particular it chairs the subgroup dealing with Energy and Environmental considerations with the aim of producing a Global Technical Regulation (GTR). Well to Wheels study: a joint (with EUCAR and CONCAWE) Well to Wheels study aiming at establishing, in a transparent and objective manner, a consensual well-to-wheels energy use and GHG emissions assessment of a wide range of automotive fuels and powertrains relevant to Europe in 2010 and beyond. Amongst these fuels, a particular attention has been dedicated to the numerous Hydrogen potential production routes. Integrated Project Zero Regio : the project focuses on hydrogen and on fuel cell vehicles and has the overall objective of developing low-emission transport systems for European cities; one of the specific objectives of the project is the demonstration of the use of hydrogen as an alternative fuel via automobile-fleet field tests at 13

14 two different urban locations in the EU (Rhein- Main, Germany and Mantova, Regione Lombardia-Italy). The contribution of the JRC consists in the assessment of the test fleet in terms of fuel consumption, energy efficiency and some safety aspects (hydrogen leakages). The measurements performed at the VELA laboratory will represent the basis to perform an overall Green House Gases (GHG) emissions balance to evaluate the environmental impact of the fuel cell vehicles. Information Dr. Adolfo Perujo, DG Joint Research Centre Institute for Environment and Sustainability, I Ispra 14

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16 For further information: On the JRC: On the Institute for Energy: On the Institute for Environment and Sustainability: On the European Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Technology Platform: CONTACT INFO Public Relations & Communication D. McGarry DG Joint Research Centre, Institute for Energy, NL-1755 ZG Petten SCIENTIFIC CONTACTS SETRIS / ACE Tech Dr. Stathis Peteves DG Joint Research Centre, Institute for Energy, NL-1755 ZG Petten Estathios.peteves@jrc.nl CLEANWEB Dr. David Baxter DG Joint Research Centre, Institute for Energy, NL-1755 ZG Petten david.baxter@jrc.nl SYSAF Dr. Pietro Moretto DG Joint Research Centre, Institute for Energy, NL-1755 ZG Petten pietro.moretto@jrc.nl FCTEST Dr. George Tsotridis DG Joint Research Centre, Institute for Energy, NL-1755 ZG Petten george.tsotridis@jrc.nl VELA-H2 Dr. Adolfo Perujo DG Joint Research Centre, Institute for Environment and Sustainability, I Ispra adolfo.perujo@cec.eu.int European Communities, 2005