FUEL-CELL ROAD TRACTION - AN OPTION FOR A CLEAN GLOBAL SOCIETY

Government and industry around the globe are currently faced with the challenge of meeting a rapidly growing demand for transportation services while minimizing the adverse energy and environmental impacts. Within the last decade, fuel cells have emerged as one of the most promising technologies to meet this challenge (by potentially replacing the internal combustion engine in all areas of ground transportation). Accordingly, both the USA and the European Community have assigned a high priority to the research and development of fuel cell technology and, in collaboration with the private sector, have established a wide range of programs to accelerate the development and commercialization of fuel cells for transportation. This paper discusses the development plans and strategies of the USA and the European Community, the progress achieved to date, and the potential of fuel cells to contribute to a successful transition towards a clean global society.