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understanding photosynthetic mecha­
nism in relation to hydrogen production
and the trial to improve the photosyn­
to challenge. These objectives require
the application of modern and advanced
tools of molecular biotechnology and
microbial physiology, techniques already
available at leading research laborato­
ries in the participating countries.
Subtask B will focus on:
1. Genetics and Metabolism of H 2
production by photosynthetic microbes.
2. Physiology and cultivations of
photosynthetic microbes to maximize
H2 production from water or organic
wastes.
3. Photosynthesis ­ overcoming
limiting factors.
Goal: Identify promising
applications of enzymes and
biologically­inspired processes for
hydrogen production and fuel cells
Hydrogen production by in vitro and
bio­inspired systems and construction of
biological fuel cells are a most modern
part of nano­technology and molecular
handling technology. In the bio­inspired
systems for hydrogen production, photo­
synthetic apparatus from cyanobacteria,
algae or photosynthetic bacteria and hy­
drogenase enzymes from various kinds
re­constituted in the consideration for
effective electron transportation among
the components. These technologies
can resolve the problematic limit in the
R & D for biological fuel cell systems is
environmentally acceptable technology
because of no use of much rare metals.
Subtask C will focus on:
1. Enzyme systems for hydrogen
production.
2. Bio­inspired systems for hydro­
gen production.
3. Biological fuel cells ­ coupling
enzymes and even whole organisms to
electrodes.
Goal: Finding the solution to
realize the biohydrogen process
in the coming hydrogen society.
Adaptation of the technology is
analyzed from the economical,
technological and socialistic point
of view.
Attention to renewable energy
technologies like BioHydrogen has been
increasing not only due to its environ­
mentally acceptable characteristics, but
also due to the recent rise in the price
of oil. BioHydrogen has quite different
characteristics from energy systems
based on fossil fuels; BioHydrogen en­
ergy sources, sunlight and biomass, are
found around the world. Therefore, we
have to evaluate this technology from
both sociological and economical points
of view. The effects of BioHydrogen on
social systems and human life are to be
evaluated. Analysis of unstable factors
(i.e. availability of sunlight and biomass)
manipulated microorganisms) should be
studied. Other important subjects are
economic analysis and social accep­
tance.
Subtask D will focus on:
1. Effects of BioHydrogen on social
systems and human life
2. Analysis of unstable factors and
risks of BioHydrogen
3. Economic and social conditions
needed to realize BioHydrogen.
DURATION
program was proposed. The task 21 is
scheduled for a three­year period, with
an option for a 2­year extension. The
task 21 was proposed and tentatively
approved at 52th Ex­Co meeting in
Norway, May 9, 2005. Then, the pro­
posal revised in the kick­off meeting by
expert of Task 21 in IHEC 2005 (Inter­
31
“BioHydrogen
has different
characteristics
from energy systems
based on fossil fuels;
BioHydrogen energy
sources, sunlight
and biomass, are
found around the
world. Therefore,
we evaluate this
technology from
both sociological
and economical
points of view.”