Aims and Objectives of the Scheme

The overall aim of the scheme is to reduce barriers to the introduction of cost-effective, low carbon fuel cell, hydrogen and carbon abatement technologies by demonstrating these technologies in real applications.

The specific objectives of the scheme are:

• To construct and install systems demonstrating hydrogen, fuel cell, carbon abatement technologies (CAT), or combinations of these technologies.

• To operate these systems (or components) for a sufficient period under conditions representative of those that would be experienced in commercial deployment.

• To generate and publish sufficient data on operational performance of these systems for potential users to make investment decisions.

• To identify the needs for further R&D and design improvements.

The scheme will demonstrate only those technologies that have the potential to be cost-effective and which could lead to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Demonstrations of key components or sub-systems may be supported for certain carbon abatement technologies, but generally the intention is to demonstrate systems. Overseas projects may be eligible for support, e.g. as part of a collaborative EU activity, but the majority of projects are expected to be located in the UK.

Principles of the Scheme

1. To demonstrate fuel cell, hydrogen and carbon abatement technologies which have the potential to be cost effective.
2. To demonstrate technologies that could make a significant contribution to the necessary major reductions in greenhouse gas emissions once in widespread use.
3. To demonstrate integrated systems where possible, although demonstrations of key components may be supported for certain carbon abatement technologies.
4. To support projects that will benefit the UK .
5. To provide potential users of the technology with hands-on experience.
6. To use demonstration experience to identify further needs for R&D and design improvements.
7. To inform the wider community on the performance of the technologies supported through monitoring and publication of results.