Fuel Cell Technology Level Assessment of IRAN Based on Experts’ Opinions

Energy shortage in the world has forced governments to find new sustainable energy resources such as hydrogen which is consumed as fuel in fuel cell. Iran has some experiences on new and renewable energy resources but it has not being experienced in fuel cell as an energy converter for a long time. Recently, some policies have been made on this technology and some progresses are observed, but there is not any exact information about the technology level of fuel cell in Iran. In this paper, technology level of ‘fuel cell’ has been measured in Iran by technological capability model. Required information has been gathered through questionnaire method. The questionnaire was designed according to the dimensions o f technological capability model which includes Proximity to the technological frontier, Depth of Development, Sophistication of Use, Pervasiveness and Indigenization that was filled out by experts who have experiences in this field. The result of the study indicates medium technology level (49.7%) of fuel cell in Iran. The dimensions of Pervasiveness Proximity to the technological frontier are weaker than others, so this innovational product is not in an international competitiveness level, but in comparison with most developing countries indicators show an improving condition.

Keywords:

Fuel Cell , Assessment , Technology Level , Experts’ opinions