With growing awareness of global warming and fear of political instability caused by oil depletion, the need for a society with a sustainable energy system has been brought to the fore. A promising technology often mentioned as a key component in such a system is the fuel cell technology, i.e. the energy conversion technology in focus in this thesis. The hopes and expectations on fuel cells are high and sometimes unrealistically positive. However, as an emerging technology, much remains to be proven and the proper use of the technology in terms of suitable applications, integration with society and extent of use is still under debate. This thesis is a contribution to the debate, presenting results from two fuel cell demonstration projects, looking into the introduction of fuel cells on the market, discussing the prospects and concerns for the near-term future and commenting on the potential use in a future sustainable energy system. Bringing fuel cells to reality implies finding near-term niche applications and markets where fuel cell systems may be competitive. In a sense fuel cells are already a reality as they have been demonstrated in various applications world-wide. However, in many of the envisioned applications fuel cells are far from being competitive and sometimes also the environmental benefit of using fuel cells in a given application may be questioned. Bringing reality to fuel cells implies emphasising the need for realistic expectations and pointing out that the first markets have to be based on the currently available technology and not the visions of what fuel cells could be in the future. The results from the demonstration projects show that further development and research on especially the durability for fuel cell systems is crucial and a general recommendation is to design the systems for high reliability and durability rather than striving towards higher energy efficiencies. When reliability and durability are achieved fuel cell systems may be introduced in niche markets where the added values presented by the technology compensate for the initial high cost. / QC 20100909 / Energy Systems Programme / Clean Urban Transport for Europe / GlashusEtt

Global industries are undergoing significant sustainability transitions, presenting new opportunities for R&D and innovation-driven companies. Rather than competing in large markets, these companies thrive in specialized niches. In the energy utility sector, which is experiencing rapid growth and the emergence of new niches, uncertainty surrounding future market dynamics and technology poses challenges for large-scale infrastructure investments. However, this uncertainty opens doors for smaller niche actors that prioritize innovation over mass production of standardized products. This study focuses on the challenges and benefits faced by small innovation-based companies as they offer tailored solutions in the face of growing standardization within emerging industries. To address this topic, the researchers conducted a case study at Loccioni, an Italian engineering firm involved in the energy utility industry. Loccioni has positioned itself as a niche player, emphasizing strong customer relationships, differentiation, and research and development to gain a competitive edge. During a two-month period in Italy, the authors conducted nine semi- structured interviews, engaging seven Loccioni collaborators and two customer representatives. Thematic analysis of the interview data revealed three key themes: Customer Relationship Management, Dominant Logic, and Loccioni's position in the energy market. The thesis concludes that Loccioni cannot effectively compete with standardization solely by developing components; instead, they must focus on designing integrated systems. This approach allows Loccioni to simultaneously compete in the present market and drive innovation for the future. Moreover, it enables the continuous development of core competencies, vital for the long-term survival of the company. To achieve this, small innovation-based companies must adopt a business strategy centered around flexibility and customer satisfaction, leveraging their customers' resources. However, it is crucial for these companies to utilize flexibility wisely, as it can hinder growth and innovation if mismanaged. Loccioni's dominant logic, which prioritizes customer contentment and investment in uncertain technologies and opportunities, positions them as a significant contributor to the global green transition.