EU Launches €1B Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Undertaking

October 14, 2008 // Published as a news service by IHS

The European Commission (EC), European industry and the European research community, which compose this public-private joint technology initiative (JTI), will invest nearly €1 billion over six years in fuel cells and hydrogen research, technological development and demonstration.

The goal is to achieve mass-market rollout of these promising technologies before 2020.

Fuel cells, as an efficient conversion technology, and hydrogen, as a clean energy carrier, have a great potential to help address the energy challenges facing Europe.

"By investing in such a results-oriented scientific project, we are putting our money where our mouth is: the development of new technologies is crucial if we are to meet EU objectives to address climate change and energy challenges," said Janez Potočnik, EC commissioner for science and research.

"This requires the commitment of all actors. Gathering more than 60 private companies, from multinationals to SMEs, together with the Commission, an equal number of universities and research institutes is therefore a great success. This JTI brings together the most significant players to put Europe ahead of the game in new energy technologies. I hope we will see a snowball effect in other strategic research areas."

The first stakeholders' general assembly, to be held in Brussels on the Oct. 14 and 15, will mark the official launch of the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Technology Initiative.

The main goal of the JTI is to speed up the development of fuel cells and hydrogen technologies in Europe and enable their commercialization between 2010 and 2020. The JTI's activities should reduce time to market for hydrogen and fuel cell technologies by between an estimated two and five years.

The partnership will implement an integrated and efficient program of basic and applied research and technology development, demonstration and support activities, focused on the most promising applications.

This JTI can be also seen as a first working example of future European industrial initiatives, as foreseen by the European Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET-Plan), which is to play a vital role in accelerating the development and implementation of low-carbon technologies.

The chairman of the governing board of the joint undertaking, Gijs van Breda Vriesman, said, "The Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Technology Initiative is the best possible vehicle to accelerate the development of technologies and bring the commercialisation of hydrogen and fuel cells forward. The JTI provides us with the unique opportunity to implement our plans on a large European scale."

"To prepare the market for these strategic technologies it is necessary to ensure the cooperation of all stakeholders: it is not only needed for the relevant industrial sectors to develop the supply chain but it is also critical to ensure the cooperation between Research, Industry and Government, at regional, national and European level."

The first call for proposals with an indicative budget of €28.1 million was published on Oct. 8, 2008. It covers areas such as transportation and refueling infrastructures and the production, storage and distribution of hydrogen.

The Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking is a legal entity to be led by a governing board. Daily management and operations will be the responsibility of an executive director supported by a program office seated in Brussels. A scientific committee will advise the governing board. The EU member states will closely follow the activities via a states representatives group, with a stakeholders' general assembly to be held annually.

Background
On May 30, 2008, the European Council of Ministers adopted the regulation setting up the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Technology Initiative. It is the result of six years of effort, involving the main stakeholders in the sector and the EC, to prepare this new type of public-private partnership.

More information
For further information, see:

• MEMO/08/617 - The Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Technology Initiative
• Press release, IP/08/825 - Europe to be in a pole position for the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Race
• Press release, IP/08/299 - European research shows that hydrogen energy could reduce oil consumption in road transport by 40% by 2050
• MEMO/07/570 - JTI Frequently asked questions
• Press release, IP/07/1468 - Commission promotes take-up of Hydrogen cars and the development of hydrogen technologies
• MEMO/07/405 - Clean and safe cars: The Commission promotes hydrogen vehicles
• MEMO/07/404 - The Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Technology Initiative
• Press release, IP/07/254- Efficient and high-performing hydrogen engines are a step closer, thanks to EU research funding
• MEMO/07/191 - Joint Technology Initiatives, a new EU research initiative: Frequently asked questions

Source: European Commission.