The future of fuel cells and hydrogen technologies in Europe is on its way. The Council adopted, on the 30th May 2008, the regulation setting up the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking. This public-private joint technology initiative (JTI) will implement the EU target-oriented research and development to support the broad market introduction of these technologies.

Founding members are the European Community and a non-profit association of European industry interests composed of a major share of Europe's fuel cells and hydrogen companies of all sizes from micro to large multinationals. The Commission is expected to fund 470 Meuros from the Seventh Framework Programme for a period of six years which will be at least matched by industry contributions. The first calls for proposals are expected to be published after this summer. The official celebration of the launch will be at the JTI's first Stakeholders' General Assembly the 14th and 15th of October this year in Brussels.

Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH) objectives
The FCH Joint Undertaking shall contribute to the implementation of the Seventh Framework Programme and in particular the Specific Programme ‘Cooperation’ themes for ‘Energy’, ‘Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials and New Production Technologies’, ‘Environment (including Climate Change)’, and ‘Transport (including Aeronautics)’. It shall, in particular:

• Aim at placing Europe at the forefront of fuel cell and hydrogen technologies worldwide.
• Support Research, Technological development and Demonstration in the Member States.
• Support the implementation of the Research, Technological development and Demonstration priorities of the Joint Technology Initiative on Fuel Cells and Hydrogen.
• Aim to encourage increased public and private research investment in fuel cells and hydrogen technologies in the
• Member States and Associated countries.

Scenario analysis, undertaken in the EU-funded project "HyWAYS" indicates that hydrogen, if introduced with suitable policy measures, could reduce the total oil consumption by the road transport sector by 40% between now and 2050. Furthermore, by 2050, CO2 savings from road transport of up to 50% compared to peak levels are possible. Comparing overall spending for hydrogen production, supply and vehicles with the savings to be gained from replacing conventional fuel and conventional vehicles over time, the break-even point could be most likely reached between 2025 and 2035. Nevertheless European Industry needs additional stimulation to invest in the technology of hydrogen and fuel cells.

The Fuel Cells and Hydrogen JTI is the culmination of a 6-year effort involving the main stakeholders in the sector. It started in October 2002 with the establishment of the High Level Group for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies. They developed a common and collective "vision" on the contribution that these technologies could make to the realisation of sustainable energy systems in the future. The industry-led European Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology Platform launched in June 2003 followed this path and developed the main strategic documents for Europe and assisted the Commission in the preparation of the JTI.