Energy and Climate Change written question – answered at on 6 January 2014.
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change if the Government will introduce support mechanisms to help fuel cells and hydrogen energy reach their potential in the UK.
Fuel cells are energy conversion devices which offer zero emissions at the point of use. Hydrogen is an energy vector (like electricity), which depending on how it is produced, has the potential to be low or zero carbon. Fuel cells and hydrogen have potential applications for stationary power generation, transport, and battery replacement in some niche markets such as materials handling. The technology is on the verge of commercialisation.
Three Government Departments (DECC, BIS and DFT through the Office of Low Emission Vehicles) have been participating in UK2Mobility, an industry-led project to develop a business plan for the roll out of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure in the UK. This would facilitate the deployment of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) which leading automotive manufacturers are committed to introducing on a commercial basis in selected markets from 2015. Government will be considering the support mechanisms which may be needed to facilitate the deployment of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, fuel cell electric vehicles, and the production of low-carbon hydrogen. In addition the Government has launched a call for evidence on measures to support uptake of ultra low emission vehicles (ULEVs), including FCEVs, in 2015-20 using the £500 million we committed in this year's spending round.
For power generation, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend Dan Byles on
Yes0 people think so
No0 people think not
Would you like to ask a question like this yourself? Use our Freedom of Information site.