Green light for FCH 2 JU

To accelerate the market entry of fuel cells and hydrogen technologies, the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen 2 Joint Undertaking (FCH 2 JU) is to go ahead with a €1.33bn investment.

The Council of the European Union has formally agreed to continue the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Technology Initiative under Horizon 2020. Implemented by the FCH 2 JU, the second phase will continue to contribute to the objectives of the JTI through the development of a strong, sustainable and global competitive fuel cells and hydrogen sector in the EU with a ring-fenced budget of €665m, complemented by, at least, an equivalent level of investment by industrial and research partners.

Welcoming the second phase, chairman of the governing board and of the industry grouping of the JU, Pierre-Etienne Franc, said: “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.”

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 FCH JU, added: “This second phase of the Joint Undertaking emphasises 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.”

The FCH 2 JU proposal is part of the Innovation Investment Package worth €22bn, 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 tackle the societal challenges.