Hydrogen (H2)
Le global contexte of hydrogen sector
Hydrogen is a storable energy carrier. It can be produced from electricity (water electrolysis) or from hydrocarbons (reforming).
A fuel cell is an electrochemical system which, when supplied with hydrogen will produce electricity without any CO2 reject.
Hydrogen and fuel cell are involved in many applications,in addition to other technologies available. The hydrogen technology is today unavoidable to realize "zero emission" bus or boats.
Complementarity and markets for hydrogen and fuel cells
Hydrogen allows electric power to isolated sites or to secure electric distribution.
Fuel cell are efficient energy solutions in building. When used in cogeneration, fuel cell produces both electricity and heat with a global energy efficiency of more than 90%.
Hydrogen is also used to increas the autonomy of electric vehicles.
National dynamic
The French platform HyPaC has been created in 2009. It gathers french actors(industries, researchers, associations, universities and institutions) so as to establish a national roadmap on the deployement of hydrogen technology and to make a statement on rules and regulations.
International dynamic
Hydrogen and fuel cells technologies have significant potential benefits for a sustainable global energy future. They are already integrated in many national and international roadmaps: Germany, Italy, Denmark, Norway, Iceland, United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, European Union, India and China. Today, France has still no roadmap.
Car manufacturers like Daimler, Ford, General Motors / Opel, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Renault / Nissan and Toyota, have communicated their intention to market electric vehicles to fuel cell as from 2015.
The storage of renewable energy initiatives are increasing with the introduction of hybrid power plants (wind, biogas, hydrogen).
The market for low power is exploding with the commercialization of small fuel cells (1 kW) and electrolyzers at competitive prices.
