2. Subtask2: Review and investigation for promoting international cooperation

2.1 R&D Goals

This research intends to clarify how to collaborate with relevant countries to develop the International Clean Energy Network Using Hydrogen Conversion (WE-NET) Project, which has been implemented since 1993 under a commission from the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), into a true international joint project, as well as how to facilitate international exchange of technical information.

Research during previous years focused on activities to develop international understanding toward the WE-NET Project and facilitate exchange of information with pertinent organizations. We have also extracted and sorted the subjects required for promotion of international cooperation for the WE-NET Project by researching similar projects trends, studies in research organizations around the world, and development plans for hydrogen energy in major countries. Based on these studies we have summarized "A Long-term Vision for International Cooperation" and proposed it in the report for fiscal 1996.

In order to realize our Long-term Vision, we continued our activities mentioned below in fiscal 1997.

  1. Examination and promotion of measures to obtain international understanding and cooperation for the WE-NET Project.

  2. Examination and development of measures to promote international exchange of technical information

2.2 Results in fiscal year 1997

2.2.1 Examination and promotion measures to obtain international understanding and cooperation for the WE-NET Project

Since the WE-NET Project is based on the premise of international cooperation, it is important that the concept of the WE-NET Project is correctly understood by organizations and pertinent people abroad so that their cooperation can be obtained. Therefore, the following activities were carried out in fiscal 1997, as they were in fiscal 1996.

(1) Distribution of the 1996 Annual Summary Report

We mailed the English version of the 1996 Annual Summary Report on results and outcomes prepared by the NEDO to approximately 150 pertinent organizations overseas, who were listed as our regular partners for information exchange.

(2) Presentations at international conferences

To develop understanding for the concept of the WE-NET Project, we made presentations of the WE-NET activities at the following international symposiums.
  1. The 3rd European Workshop on Chemistry, Energy and the Environment
  2. The 8th Canadian Hydrogen Workshop
  3. 32nd Intersociety Energy Conversion Engineering Conference(IECEC)
  4. Hypothesis II
  5. The 4th Japan-Korea Joint Symposium '97 on Hydrogen Energy
  6. The 9th Annual Meeting of the United States National Hydrogen Association (1998)

2.2.2 Examination and development of measures to promote international exchange of technical information

In progressing the WE-NET Project into a truly international cooperative joint research project, it will be essential to implement information exchange and research cooperation with pertinent organizations abroad on a regular basis, while maintaining close cooperation with the countries involved. As a basis for planning measures to promote such exchange of information and cooperation in research, the following activities were carried out.

(1) Research cooperation in the IEA

The International Energy Agency (IEA), a subordinate organization of the OECD, has promoted multilateral cooperation in the Hydrogen Implementation Agreement. NEDO became the new Contracting Party for Japan, beginning 1 January 1998 after the withdrawal of the Government of Japan. Therefore, NEDO's representatives will attend the IEA Hydrogen Executive Committee. The expert meeting on the each tasks were also held to seek for further cooperation. NEDO took a main role in the contribution to the IEA activities in Japan.

(2) Research cooperation with overseas organizations

As joint research and cooperation with overseas organizations, the following two items were implemented.
  1. Joint research with Stanford University in evaluating the effects in terms of improving urban air quality by introducing hydrogen automobiles (updating data of fiscal 1996 report)
  2. Research on "Hydrogen Projects Being Conducted in the United States" by Desert Research Institute, Reno, NV, USA

(3) Preparation of Internet Homepage

In consideration of the huge effect in terms of international public relations and information exchange that can be expected from the Internet, a WE-NET Project homepage was prepared, which is expected to be opened in FY1998.

2.3 Research plan for fiscal year 1998

Subtask 2 committee presented 'Long-term Vision for International Cooperation' in its activities in fiscal year 1996 and finished its mission. In order to realize the vision, it is important to continue the activities in Subtask 2, promoting international understanding for the WE-NET Project and international exchange of technical information, etc. In the coming fiscal year, other than the routine activities mentioned above, we will put emphasis on opening Internet Homepage of WE-NET project and organizing a Symposium which will summarize through the Phase I period (FY1993-FY1998) of the project.

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