The Proposal for a Council Regulation on the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking creates the basis for a renewed public-private partnership aimed at expanding the use of clean and efficient technologies in transport, industry and energy. It aims to step up activities and move the sector forward with a budget of €1.4bn until 2020, equally shared by the European private sector and European Union.

The strategic objectives of the renewed Programme are to:

• Boost the share of FCH technologies in a sustainable, low-carbon energy and transport system
• Enhance energy security in Europe (as opposed to dependence on other regions) at affordable prices for end-consumers
• Ensure a world-leading, competitive European FCH industry with research excellence leading to industry innovation, growth and jobs.

Màire Geoghegan-Quinn, European commissioner for research, innovation and science, added: ‘Thanks to the current Fuel Cells and Hydrogen partnership, you can take a ride on hydrogen-powered pollution-free buses in five cities across Europe. But much research and development is still needed to make this application of FCH technology widespread and those for clean energy production and storage commercially attractive. The EU and industry will continue to work together under this new initiative to help reduce the carbon footprint of our energy and transport sectors.’

The move has been greeted by NEW-IG (New Energy World Industry Grouping), a leading European industrial association representing a major part of Europe’s hydrogen and fuel cell industry. 

Pierre-Etienne Franc, chairman of the board of NEW-IG, said: ‘We believe that a robust European programme for Fuel Cells and Hydrogen is the right tool to coordinate objectives, pool resources and advance the technology for the benefit of the European economy. This renewed political and financial support is a sign that Europe will strive to establish this technology as a key enabler for its future energy and transport roadmap. Joint priority setting and a long term perspective are key to enabling private investment in such complex, societal challenges.’