ABSTRACT
Due to the strategic importance of fuel cells, some countries such as the USA and Japan have set up specific development plans. Although the plans need periodical modifications based on the actual developmental status, they provide clear guidance and targets, and make the R&D efforts systematic and focused. Table 8.1 and Figures 8.1 and 8.2 show the funding situation by the Fuel Cell Technologies Office of the US Department of Energy (DOE) from 2006 to 2013 (2013 is a request). The major funded areas include fuel cell systems R&D, hydrogen fuel R&D, technology validation, safety, codes & standards, system analysis, manufacturing R&D, market transformation, and education. The first three areas account for more than ~80% of the total funding. The funding increased insignificantly from 2006 to 2007, peaked in 2008, and dramatically decreased from 2010 to 2011. Figure 8.3 shows funding distribution to sub-areas under the fuel cell systems R&D and the hydrogen fuel R&D in 2008 and 2009. Within the fuel cell systems R&D, most of the funding has been used for the development of stacks (and their key components). Within H2 R&D, more funding has been directed to the H2 storage over H2 production & delivery. The reasons may be that these areas are most challenging and they are the major bottlenecks for commercializing fuel cells.
