The German Federal Ministry for the Environment tasked the Wuppertal Institute and five other research institutions with accompanying ecological research on the introduction of fuel cells. Focal point of the work finalised in September 2003 was an analysis of the mitigation potential for climate and environment resulting from the application of fuel cells, but also an assessment of the possible resulting ecological damages. Furthermore, it was discussed which role various fuel cell technologies are going to play in the German energy and heat market; which ecological and economical performance targets will be suggestive for a successful market penetration; which barriers may be in the way, and which policy instruments may help overcome these barrriers.

The project report has been published under the title "Brennstoffzellen in der Kraft-Wärme-Kopplung" (Erich Schmidt Verlag, 2004).