§ Mr. BlizzardTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assistance he is giving to the development of fuel cell technology as a means of powering vehicles. [56729]
§ Mr. BattleFuel cells and reformers are supported by the Department's Advanced Fuel Cells Programme covering both transport and stationary applications. Since 1992, the programme has supported over 92 projects with a total value of about £34m, including industry contributions. Current work in the transport area includes a bus design studies project to evaluate fuel processing and fuel options for urban bus applications, and the programme is in negotiation with a leading UK bus manufacturer to develop and test the first UK fuel cell powered urban bus. Future support for fuel cells is being considered as part of the Government's review of policy for new and renewable energy.
In addition, the Foresight Vehicle acts to co-ordinate publicly funded automotive R&D in the UK. Under the Department's supporting Foresight Vehicle LINK Programme up to £11.5 million is being made available, to be matched by industry, for research into system technologies for future vehicles. Proposals are currently being sought in the area of hybrid, electric and alternatively fuelled vehicles which includes technologies for onboard storage of gas and development of fuel cell electric vehicle powertrain systems.
138WThe DTI's LINK Applied Catalysis and Catalytic Processes programme is providing a grant of £227k over two years to a consortium developing a low cost hydrogen generator for cars to support fuel cell deployment.
In addition, the EPSRC has been supporting basic and applied research in its "directed" fuel cells programme for the past 4 years. It has funded 26 projects totalling £3.7m. Fuel Cells are expected to form part of its £3.5m p.a. Renewable and New Energy Technologies Programme which is due to be launched next year.