One
method of reducing fossil fuel consumption is to look at alternative methods of
storing and transporting energy.
Fuel cells are the most efficient devices known for converting a range of fuels
into electricity and, in some cases, heat. They also enable the efficient use of
alternative fuels such as hydrogen and bio-fuels. Fuel cells are electrochemical
devices that convert chemical energy to electrical energy without combustion. Likewise
other fuels such as hydrogen could be used as a direct replacement for petrol and
diesel in our vehicles. However, many technical obstacles need to be overcome if
these technologies are to enter widespread use.
Eleven projects are in collaboration with industry and we support £25 million
of research into fuel cell technology. We have established two fuel cell SUPERGEN
consortia focusing on biological fuel cells and on
conventional fuel cells.
Supported-research into the use of hydrogen as a fuel source currently stands
at £17.7 million.
There are two SUPERGEN consortia in this area. The
Delivery of Sustainable Hydrogen SUPERGEN focuses on improving the way in which
hydrogen and hydrogen-based fuels are produced and delivered whereas
UK-SHEC (United Kingdom Sustainable Hydrogen Energy Consortium) focuses on the
integration of hydrogen into the UK's energy economy. We have also recently allocated
£5.5 million to fund a
doctoral training centre in hydrogen and fuel cells at the University of Birmingham.
Our funding will allow us to continue and further build on the strong UK research
base in this area. This will help deliver future transport technologies such as
hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles, and high efficiency combined heat and power
units using stationary fuel cells.
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