The italian energy situation.

Fossil fuels will continue to play a significant role in power generation and transport in the shrt-medium term.

Foreign dependency is so strong that in the last 20 years over 85% of total energy consumption has been “imported”.

Italy is committed to reduce by 2008-2012 the emeission of CO2 and other grrenhouse gases by 6,5% compared to 1990. (Kyoto protocol, 1997)

To meet this target Italian government indicates a general promotion of energy efficiency, with particular emphasis on

Finally the Kyoto protocol ratification act (2002) indicates among the measures to be adopted to meet the protocol targets the use of hydrogen as an energy vector in the national enrgy system.

In this scenario fuel cells represent a key technology, and MCFC in particular are recognised the ideal system for the transition period towards a hydrogen energy system.