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ENT6: Alternative Fuels, propulsion systems and vehicle technologies - Part 1: Trans-national strategy

Background and contents

Transport systems in the world rely on oil for 95% of energy provision and use half of the total oil production, compared to only 35% twenty years ago. This evolution is clearly not compatible with the foreseen decline in oil production, after a peak in 2008 for the most pessimistic experts or in 2050 for the most optimistic ones. In the long run two major options should be followed:

Development of alternative fuel production based on renewable sources and their market introduction
Improvement of ICE concerning efficiency and utilization of alternative fuels including development of innovative hybrid power train systems.

Both, the replacement of conventional fuels as much as possible and the adaptation of power train systems are closely linked and crucial for future economic, social and environmental impacts.

Several technologies (fuel cells and hydrogen, BTL, electricity etc.) are potential substitutes. However, so far, none have reached the status of an undisputed alternative. Indeed, most of these options, despite their promises, still face problems (technological mainly but also socio-economic, or environmental) and need more research before reaching the market stage.

Key ideas and objectives

The aims of this cooperation project are the following:

to assess the potential of alternative solutions and to perform a technical-socio-economic analysis of these alternatives
to map the strategies of the European industry as well as identify and clarify the current controversies on the technologies
to elaborate transition scenarios, from an oil based transport economy to another kind of transport economy in 2050 (for instance using hydrogen and fuel cells or bio-fuels). By doing so consider relevant ongoing activities of other ERA-NETs and European countries
to define a common trans-national strategy, and identify corresponding policy tools: regulation measures, incentives, support for research

Participating countries

Austria, Germany (leader), Finland, France (leader), Norway and Poland.

Expected results and aim of cooperation

It is expected to retrieve a trans-national strategy in this field that gives partners countries an indication on core interests of other countries and can serve as a solid foundation for common cooperation and coordination activities. A concrete cooperation action shall not be the objective of this action group. However it can be recommended for other or newly to be founded action groups.

Status and intermediate results

Position paper and country contributions.
Inventory on Alternative Fuels, Propulsion Systems and Vehicle
Technologies covering the partner countries of ENT and other relevant
areas of the world as well as relevant organisations and initiatives.
A matrix of thematical interest and national priorities of participating counties.
Thematic and topical recommendations for other ENT action groups, ERA-NETs as well as external organisations.

The foundation of a tangible trans-national cooperation action on one of the selected topics has not yet been decided.
A final report will be prepared in early 2007.