Fuel Cells - Electrochemical Power

Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in Spain

Nowadays, fuel cell technology activities in Spain are focused on the development of materials, stacks, and their integration in systems for different applications. Basic research is done at universities and research institutes, whereas the development and integration of stacks is done at technological centres, often involved in projects with both universities and industry. The funding for this work comes from the Spanish and local governments, and in a less extension from the EU.

In the field of fuel cells, the main areas of interest are PEMFC, DMFC, MCFC, and SOFC. BoP and integration are subjects of interest too.

There are two main Spanish associations focussing on fuel cell and hydrogen technology: the Spanish Fuel Cells Association and the Spanish Hydrogen Association.

The Spanish Fuel Cells Association, APPICE:

"The deed of incorporation that established the SPANISH FUEL CELL ASSOCIATION (APPICE) was signed on June 17, 2002, and results from the shared efforts of different individuals, companies and both public and private entities associated with Fuel Cell science, technology, its use and applications. It is intended to promote scientific and technical development of this technology, supply information regarding its potential in domestic and international markets, and make available training and information to interested social agents".

"The objectives of APPICE are:

" Promote scientific and technical development of Fuel Cell technology, and any actions that may be associated with their research and use. " Inform about the scientific and technical possibilities of Fuel Cells and their impact on the economy. To such end, different events such as Fairs, Exhibits and Domestic or International Public meetings, always in concert with the respective authorities will be sponsored and organised. " Increase the professional knowledge of its members and promote information exchange through Meetings and Publications of different kinds. " Establish close contacts with both domestic and international institutions whose activities may be related to the Association, especially, with Fuel Cell groups both European and Worldwide. " Provide scientific and technical advise about Fuel Cells to requesting official or private entities".

The Spanish Hydrogen Association, AeH:

"The main objective of the Spanish Hydrogen Association (AeH) is to promote the technological development of the hydrogen energy and its use in industrial and commercial applications, for the whole society interest, to avoid the environmental impact and enhance the industrial improvement foreseen".

"The technological fields covered by the AeH are:

" Centralized and distributed hydrogen production from fossil fuels " Hydrogen production from other energy sources (renewable and nuclear energies) " Hydrogen storage, transport and distribution " Use of hydrogen in combustion processes " Use of hydrogen in electricity production " Use of hydrogen in fuel cells " Use of fuel cells in centralized and distributed electricity generation " Use of fuel cells in applications of transport, mobile and auxiliary power systems " Use of hydrogen in industrial processes and facilities " Codes, standards and safety"

On the other hand, the Fuel Cell and Advance Batteries CSIC-UNIVERSIDAD Network (http://www.redpilas.csic.es), represents several research institutes and universities distributed in different areas of interest, such as, PEMFC, SOFC, Automatition, and hydrogen production and storage, among others.

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