The mission of the International Energy Agency (IEA) Hydrogen Program is to accelerate hydrogen implementation and widespread utilization. In November 2006, the IEA-Hydrogen Implementing Agreement approved a collaborative task on Small Scale Reformers for On-Site Hydrogen Supply. Fifteen experts from nine member countries participate in this task, constituting a unique group of international gas suppliers, reformer technology suppliers and researchers. This paper describes the scope, goals and preliminary results for the task.

Subtask 1 Harmonised industrialisation
It is important for suppliers and end-users that norms and standards for size, footprint and capacity exist. The main goal of this activity is to develop a harmonised framework for design of reformer units for on-site production. Two of the world’s major suppliers of reformer technology participate in this work.

Subtask 2 Sustainability and renewable sources
On-site produced hydrogen cannot be provided at a reasonable cost when including CO2 capture and storage. The choice of capture technology depends on the reformer technology. Recommendations based on the task members experience will be given. Moreover, a study will be made on the various options on when to convert a feedstock to hydrogen and when to use it directly. Available international reports are taken into account.

Subtask 3 Market studies
Cheaper and more efficient small scale reformers, fewer and more compact components and growth in the hydrogen refuelling market could reduce the price. Three markets (California, Germany and Japan) will be evaluated and compared using existing studies based on medium and long term scenarios.