http://www.fch-ju.eu/news/fuel-cells-and-hydrogen-2-joint-underta...

http://www.fch-ju.eu/news/fuel-cells-and-hydrogen-2-joint-undertaking

Fuel Cells and Hydrogen 2 Joint Undertaking

To accelerate market entry of Fuel Cells and Hydrogen technologies, the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen 2 Joint Undertaking (FCH 2 JU) goes ahead with 1,33 B€.

On the 6th May 2014, the Council of the EU formally agreed to continue the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Technology Initiative under the EU's new funding programme for research and innovation, Horizon 2020. Implemented by the FCH 2 JU, this second phase will continue to contribute to the objectives of the Joint Technology Initiative through the development of a strong, sustainable and global competitive Fuel Cells and Hydrogen sector in the Union with a ring-fenced budget of 665 M€, complemented by, at least, an equivalent level of investment by the Industrial and Research partners. The FCH 2 JU proposal is a part of the Innovation Investment Package worth a total of 22 billion euros, proposed by the European Commission to support research and innovation in key areas of the economy, boost economic growth and the creation of jobs and help face the most important societal challenges.

To consult the full press release, please click here

More information can be found here




Press Release
Brussels, 6 May 2014

To accelerate market entry of Fuel Cells and Hydrogen technologies, the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen 2 Joint Undertaking (FCH 2 JU) goes ahead with 1,33 B€.

During its meeting today, the Council of the EU formally agreed to continue the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Technology Initiative under the EU's new funding programme for research and innovation, Horizon 2020. Implemented by the FCH 2 JU, this second phase will continue to contribute to the objectives of the Joint Technology Initiative through the development of a strong, sustainable and global competitive Fuel Cells and Hydrogen sector in the Union with a ring-fenced budget of 665 M€, complemented by, at least, an equivalent level of investment by the Industrial and Research partners. The FCH 2 JU proposal is a part of the Innovation Investment Package worth a total of 22 billion euros, proposed by the European Commission to support research and innovation in key areas of the economy, boost economic growth and the creation of jobs and help face the most important societal challenges.

The FCH 2 JU operational activities will focus on: lowering costs and increasing lifetimes and efficiencies of Fuel Cells and Hydrogen production technologies; demonstrating large-scale renewable energy storage capability with hydrogen; and reducing the use of specific critical raw materials.

Bert De Colvenaer, Executive Director of the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking, underlines: "This second phase of the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking emphasizes the crucial importance Europe gives to this clean and sustainable energy technology, and its clear expectation to use this technology to become more self-reliant in energy provision by integrating hydrogen as storage medium of renewable energy sources.”

Welcoming the second phase of the Joint Undertaking, the Chairman of the Governing Board and of the Industry Grouping of the Joint Undertaking, Pierre-Etienne Franc, adds: “This second phase will show the commitment of the European Industry and Research community to bring the technology to technical and commercial maturity for both transport and energy applications, in close partnership with the European Commission”.


About the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU)

The Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) is a unique public private partnership supporting research, technological development and demonstration (RTD) activities in Fuel Cells and Hydrogen technologies in Europe. Its aim is to accelerate the market introduction of these technologies, realising their potential as an instrument in achieving a carbon-lean energy system.

Fuel cells - as an efficient conversion technology - and hydrogen - as a clean energy carrier - have great potential to help cut carbon dioxide emissions, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and contribute to European economic growth. The objective of the FCH JU is to bring these benefits to Europeans through a concentrated effort from all sectors.

The three members of the FCH JU are the European Union represented by the European Commission, fuel cell and hydrogen industries represented by the NEW Industry Grouping and the research community represented by the Research Grouping N.ERGHY.

For more information about the FCH JU please visit http://www.fch-ju.eu/ or contact Zeynep Musoglu, Communication Assistant, Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking, +32 2 221 81 28, [email protected]

European Commission press release at
http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_STATEMENT-14-149_en.htm


Cheers
SynQuasi