IEA TCP AFC Annex 33: Fuel Cells for Stationary Applications (Working period 2022 - 2024)

The task focus is on the analyses of decentralized hydrogen concepts in climate-neutral neighborhoods or renewable energy communities. Based on decentralized hydrogen energy concepts and in combination with electrolysers and hydrogen storage systems, stationary fuel cells will improve self-consumption rates of the renewable energy sources produced on site. Furthermore, the grid consumption of electrical energy will be reduced and the resilience of the energy system will be increased.

Short Description

In the remaining period (from 2022 to 2024) Austria will take over a new Subtask entitled: 'Use of stationary fuel cells for climate-neutral districts and neighbourhoods'.

In this sub-task, the extent to which stationary fuel cells will be used in integrated energy concepts based on renewable energy sources in energy communities or climate-neutral neighbourhoods will be investigated.

Specifically, the following questions will be addressed:

Analysis of neighbourhood solutions (mainly abroad or in Annex 33 member countries like Germany) that already rely on decentralized hydrogen solutions. The results include the analysis of software tools and hardware components that were implemented. Further results include identified success factors that ultimately led to the realization of the projects.
Analysis of the Austrian situation with the involvement of relevant stakeholders. Austria is leading in renewable energy systems (incl. renewable energy communities or citizen communities), but in decentralized hydrogen solutions Austria is only at the beginning of the developments. As a result, the possibilities (by means of SWOT analyses) for the realization of Austrian (pilot-)projects involving Austrian stakeholders are shown.
Modelling and simulation of at least three districts in Austria distinguishing between neighbourhoods with purely residential buildings, commercial areas and mixed uses. In addition to the model and simulation results, recommendations for the further promotion of climate-neutral neighbourhoods will be developed, on the one hand for project developers, technology providers, software providers, and on the other hand for political decision-makers (e.g. in case of regulatory or funding-related implementation needs or barriers).

Participants

Austria, Germany, Italy, France, Finland, Japan, Korea, Sweden, USA

Contact Address

Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Günter Simader
Austrian Energy Agency
Mariahilfer Strasse 136 | 1150 Vienna | Austria
guenter.simader@energyagency.at

Dr. Elisabeth Sibille
Austrian Energy Agency
Mariahilfer Straße 136 | 1150 Vienna | Austria
elisabeth.sibille@energyagency.at