EDA endorses study into diesel fuel-cell technologies

The European Defence Agency (EDA) has invited bids to tender study into 'diesel-compatible fuel-cell technology for military applications'. The study will assess the benefits or disadvantages of such technology for military applications and individual profiles. The contract demands a global survey to identify world leaders in emerging diesel fuel-cell technologies and government-funded research on this topic. Work on the study contract will be carried out in Brussels, and the deadline for submissions is 15 September, 2006. The work in Europe on the centralized research and development of next generation fuel cell technology is at an early stage. The defense Science Board of US has founded a Task Force on Energy Strategy to identify options for reducing the US armed forces demand for petroleum-based fuels. The need for armed forces on both sides of the Atlantic to seek alternative sources of power generation has been relieved by the continuing instability in the Middle East.