September 2014: The International Energy Agency (IEA) has released the 2013 Annual Report of its Advanced Fuel Cells Implementing Agreement (AFC IA). As reported in the document, the Executive Committee (ExCo) notes that, inter alia: the technology for fuel cell electric vehicles is ready for market introduction; the first example of core shell catalysts has been licensed to a Japanese company; achieving materials-based hydrogen storage has still been elusive; and fuel cells are in need and worthy of policy support.

In 2013, the Agreement, which has 13 member countries, had seven active Annexes: Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells (PEFC); Molten Carbonate Fuel Cells (MCFC); Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC); Fuel Cells for Stationary Applications; Fuel Cells for Transportation; Fuel Cells for Portable Applications; and Systems Analysis.

In the opinion of the ExCo, major technology breakthroughs on high-temperature membranes, low-cost catalysts and improved durability will propel PEFC onto the market not only in the transportation sector, but also in stationary power generation. The ExCo also gives positive outlooks for MCFC given the so-called “golden age of gas” and SOFC, given their maturity and imminent commercialization.

On Stationary Applications, the ExCo notes fuel cells’ competitiveness as alternatives in material handling equipment, telecom stations, back-up systems and auxiliary power units (APUs), while for Portable Applications, it underscores the need to increase durability while decreasing cost. On Transportation, it says that the capital cost of fuel cell buses is expected to decrease enough to make them competitive with trolley buses by 2015-2020 and diesel buses by 2025. [Publication: International Energy Agency (IEA) Advanced Fuel Cells Implementing Agreement Executive Summary for the Annual Report 2013] [Publication: International Energy Agency (IEA) Advanced Fuel Cells Implementing Agreement Annual Report 2013]