Publications

Get ready for the 2023 AFC TCP Annual Report! This year, we’ve achieved significant milestones, embraced innovation, and continued our commitment to excellence. Stay tuned for a detailed look at our progress, impact, and vision for the future.

This report aims to reflect the current deployment status of fuel cell vehicles for road transport and that of the hydrogen refueling station infrastructure as a result of a global data collection and analysis effort performed by the IEA Technology Collaboration Programme on Advanced Fuel Cells. Our data collection estimates a fuel cell vehicle fleet that surpassed the 70,000 unit mark (72,193) being refueled by a network of  1,022 hydrogen refueling stations.
You can find more information on the analysis of this data and the development of the numbers of FCVs between 2017 and 2022 in the report.

You can find the open access report here (ISBN 978-3-95806-704-2) or download it directly here.

The global effort to introduce polymer electrolyte fuel cells for clean and renewable energy to the market is increasing the demand for high performance, robust and affordable membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs). There is not yet a standard method for large scale production of MEAs, or the methods employed are generally unsatisfactory in terms of quality and performance. A large number of published data of newly developed catalyst and electrolyte materials, claim to improve the state of the art, but are often not fully comparable due to different experimental studies and experimental designs.

This article summarizes the trends in material developments and emerging MEA-manufacturing techniques. The materials and techniques are systematically compared in terms of cell performance and scalability. Current and future scientific challenges are identified and analysed based on published findings over the past five years. Finally, the results of the cited papers have been quantitatively compared to each other and to the internal benchmarks used in each cited work to provide a complete picture of the state of the art in PEFC MEA manufacturing.

You can find the open access report here.

Get ready for the 2022 AFC TCP Annual Report! This year, we’ve achieved significant milestones, embraced innovation, and continued our commitment to excellence. Stay tuned for a detailed look at our progress, impact, and vision for the future.

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles can complement other electric vehicle technologies as a zero-emission technology and contribute to global efforts to achieve the emission reduction targets. This article spotlights the current deployment status of fuel cells in road transport. For this purpose, data collection was performed by the Advanced Fuel Cells Technology Collaboration Program. Moreover, the available incentives for purchasing a fuel cell vehicle in different countries were reviewed and future perspectives summarized.

Based on the collected information, the development trends in the last five years were analyzed and possible further trends that could see the realization of the defined goals derived. The number of registered vehicles was estimated to be 51,437 units, with South Korea leading the market, with 90% of the vehicles being concentrated in four countries. A total of 729 hydrogen refueling stations were in operation, with Japan having the highest number of these. The analysis results clearly indicate a very positive development trend for fuel cell vehicles and hydrogen refueling stations in 2021, with the highest number of new vehicles and stations in a single year, paralleling the year’s overall economic recovery. Yet, a more ambitious ramp-up in the coming years is required to achieve the set targets.

You can find the open access report here.

Fuel cell systems are becoming key technologies, worldwide recognized as society decarbonizing energy systems. The present report aims to analyze the worldwide rolling out of these technologies, with a deeper analysis for PEM and SOFC, since they result to share the most predominant rates in the market.

This study, funded by the AFC TCP, gives an overview of the applicable regulations, codes and standards for the installation of stationary fuel cell systems in different countries.

In particular, the proposal focuses on the analysis of the IEC 62282-3-300 “Stationary fuel cell system- installation” International Standard and IEC 62282-3-400 “Small stationary fuel cell power system with combined heat and power output”, comparing its uptake in different countries where stationary FC applications are relevant.
The main objective is thus to understand how the deployment of stationary fuel cell systems is governed by common standards that can facilitate the few industrial manufacturers in cornering emerging markets across the globe, thereby accelerating the achievement of scale and cost reductions. The countries analyzed are: Japan (Asia) and Germany, Austria and Italy (Europe).

For further information, please contact Vivana Cigolotti (Task Manager of Task 33)

Stationary power and cogeneration systems will surely need research and innovative actions towards a more energy efficient and more resilient energy network. Fuel cell systems can become key technologies and system enablers, since their performance is higher than conventional systems. Efficiency, stack durability, capital expenditure, maintenance activities and potential failures need to be investigated. The present report aims to analyze the worldwide performance of these technologies, with a particular focus on PEM and SOFC, for different sizes and range of applications.

Based on the data collection results, the AFC TCP estimates a total of 34,804 fuel cell vehicles and 540 hydrogen refueling stations to be in operation as of the end of 2020. The total number of fuel cell vehicles is made up of 25,932 passenger cars, which saw a 37% increase in 2020.

This report gives an overview of the present market trends in transportation applications. AFC TCP survey on the deployment of fuel cell vehicles as of end 2019 estimates a total of 25,212 vehicles worldwide.

Exciting developments are ahead as we prepare to unveil the 2018/2019 AFC TCP Annual Report. Over the past two years, we’ve marked significant achievements, pushed the boundaries of innovation, and strengthened our commitment to our mission. This report will provide a deep dive into the key successes and the strategic direction shaping our future. Whether you’re deeply involved or simply curious, there’s plenty to look forward to.

Explore the advancements in fuel cell electric vehicle deployment by the end of 2018 in our latest report. Get insights into the progress, challenges, and future potential of this transformative technology.

Delve into our report for an in-depth analysis of fuel cell electric vehicle deployment by the close of 2017. Discover the key milestones achieved and the outlook for the continued growth of this innovative technology.

Explore our 2017 “Booklet of Annex 31” for a unique snapshot of the Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells landscape. This edition captures the essence of recent innovations and sets the stage for future breakthroughs in fuel cell technology.

Explore national strategies and plans for advancing fuel cell technology with our comprehensive guide on the Implementation Agreement for Research, Development, and Demonstration in the field.

Discover “The New Fuel Chain” and explore the journey from renewable energy sources to cutting-edge fuel cell technology.

Unveil the global progress of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) technology with “The Yellow Pages of SOFC Technology.” Our 2017 edition offers an in-depth look at international deployment trends and key milestones in the field. This report provides essential insights into the advancements and growing impact of SOFC technology across various markets.

Explore the 2015 dossier on the international status of molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) technology, offering a detailed examination of global advancements in this promising field. The report highlights MCFCs as a pivotal technology for reducing CO2 emissions and enhancing energy efficiency, particularly in stationary applications ranging from hundreds to thousands of kilowatts. With increasing decentralization of energy supply and the need for reliable, high-quality power, MCFCs are gaining traction in commercial ventures worldwide. This comprehensive review covers current operational power plants, innovative applications with significant market potential, and the key stakeholders driving progress in MCFC technology.

Join us for an in-depth seminar on the latest international developments in stationary fuel cell systems, presented under Annex 33 of the Implementing Agreement on Advanced Fuel Cells. This session will highlight the significant progress made in creating low-emission, production-ready fuel cells, driven by global institutions and research initiatives. Discover how countries like Japan and South Korea are leading the way, with Japan surpassing 100,000 installed units and South Korea operating the world’s largest fuel cell park. Additionally, learn about the EU’s EneField project, which aims to install 1,000 systems across Europe, including 30 to 40 in Austria. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights into the advancements and future of decentralized, efficient energy systems.

The Task 33 report on “Fuels for Fuel Cells” offers a detailed exploration of fuel options and their implications for various fuel cell technologies. Conducted under the IEA Implementing Agreement, this study provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of fuel cell applications. Over the past decade, fuel cell development has accelerated, with diverse applications emerging, from stationary combined heat and power systems to portable electronic devices.

Low-temperature fuel cells typically rely on hydrogen, which can be derived from hydrocarbons through steam reforming or electrolysis, while high-temperature fuel cells can utilize various hydrocarbons due to their internal reforming capabilities. This report aims to survey the different types of fuel cells and their feedstocks, evaluating their availability in member states and assessing future market penetration. Additionally, it provides an overview of the potential for new fuel cell technologies to contribute to diverse energy supply needs. The full study is accessible through Task 33, offering an in-depth analysis of these critical topics.

Discover the 2014 Annual Report for a detailed review of our key achievements, advancements, and strategic developments over the past year.

Discover the 2013 Annual Report for a detailed review of our key achievements, advancements, and strategic developments over the past year.

Discover the 2012 Annual Report for a detailed review of our key achievements, advancements, and strategic developments over the past year.

Discover the 2011 Annual Report for a detailed review of our key achievements, advancements, and strategic developments over the past year.

Discover the 2010 Annual Report for a detailed review of our key achievements, advancements, and strategic developments over the past year.

Discover the 2009 Annual Report for a detailed review of our key achievements, advancements, and strategic developments over the past year.

Discover the 2004-2008 End of Term Report for a detailed review of our key achievements, advancements, and strategic developments over the trem.

Discover the 2007 Annual Report for a detailed review of our key achievements, advancements, and strategic developments over the past year.

Discover the 2006 Annual Report for a detailed review of our key achievements, advancements, and strategic developments over the past year.

Discover the 2004 Annual Report for a detailed review of our key achievements, advancements, and strategic developments over the past year.

Discover the 2003 Annual Report for a detailed review of our key achievements, advancements, and strategic developments over the past year.

Discover the 2002 Annual Report for a detailed review of our key achievements, advancements, and strategic developments over the past year.