The idea was proposed by the MOEA's Bureau of Energy (BOE) at a conference of fuel cell and hydrogen energy development that drew the participation of government officials and business leaders in related fields. The proposal was unanimously welcomed by local cell makers, according to a conference organizer.

The conference also proposed development guidelines for the fuel cell-related industry, including measures such as relocating R&D resources to develop key components and materials, helping to integrate upstream, midstream,and downstream manufacturers in Taiwan, interlinking domestic makers with global fuel cell supply chains, and establishing a world-class certification and accreditation platform for products.

To date, fuel cell is the best alternative in power generation and storage in terms of energy conversion ratio, pollutants produced, and diversity in fuel materials, said BOE officials, adding that the global fuel cell market is expected to expand multifold in the next two decades.

According to BOE estimates, the annual output value of the domestic fuel cell industry will reach NT$4 billion (approximately US$131 million) in 2011, while the figure is expected to exceed NT$13 billion in 2016 and come close to NT$100 billion in 2020.