Fuel cells and Hydrogen JU receives new boost
A body representing Europe’s hydrogen and fuel cell industry has welcomed the European Commission’s proposal to renew and strengthen the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen (FCH) Joint Undertaking, one of five proposed research and innovation partnerships under Horizon 2020.
The NEW-IG (New Energy World Industry Grouping), welcomed the move which will see a boost for the share of FCH technologies in a sustainable, low-carbon energy and transport system. The programme will also aim to enhance energy security in Europe and help the continent compete on the world stage.
Speaking about the move, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science, said: “Thanks to the current FCH partnership, you can take a ride on hydrogen-powered pollution-free buses in five cities across Europe. Yet 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.”
Adding his thoughts, Pierre-Etienne Franc, chairman of the board of NEW-IG, said: “We believe that a robust European programme for FCH is the right tool to co-ordinate 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.”
NEW-IG is the European industrial association representing a major grouping of Europe’s hydrogen and fuel cell industry.
