Sustainable Technology Development: the Mobile Hydrogen Fuel Cell

he central theme of this paper is how to influence technological development in the T direction of sustainability. This question will be approached from theoretical and practical points of view. Theoretically, the concept of constructive technology assessment is introduced, which aims to manage technological development in directions that are optimal with respect to social acceptance @aey Ouwens et al., 1987; Rip et al., 1995). This concept is combined with that of back-casting, i.e. starting from a desirable or unavoidable picture of the future and looking backwards towards the present situation (Jansen and Vergragt, 1993; for back-casting in industry, see Wang and Guild, in press). Practically, the example of the hydrogen economy will be taken as an illustration. Hydrogen is often considered as the energy carrier of the future: if it is generated by solar cells, wind energy or other non-fossil fuel sources, it can be burned without introducing toxic substances into the atmosphere (Quakernaat, in press). In this context one specific example has been taken: the polymer fuel cell. In this cell hydrogen is chemically combined with oxygen, providing water and an electric current at relatively low temperatures. This type of fuel cell seems to be an appropriate candidate for a power source for personal transportation, such as cars and buses (Prater, 1990; Mallant and Koene, 1993). The polymer fuel cell has been taken as an example (an illustrative process) by the programme Sustainable Technological Development. In this Dutch interdepartmental research programme it is investigated how, starting from a sustainable futural vision, technologies could be developed and implemented that fulfil the necessary functions while at the same time being sustainable (Jansen and Vergragt, 1992; Vergragt and Jansen, 1993). ~