Brussels — “Hydrogen is a key technology for achieving Europe’s climate and energy goals. Its potential benefits for the environment, consumers and European economy can power the transition of Europe’s energy sector towards a green future.” said Maroš Šefčovič, Vice-President of the European Commission for Energy Union.
Addressing the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) Stakeholder Forum of energy and climate experts from industry, research, EU institutions, NGOs, and local and regional authorities, the Vice President underlined the need to combine different technological solutions to reach Europe’s ambitious goals. “We know that no single technology can solve our energy and climate challenges.”
The FCH JU is a public-private partnership which boosts European industry and SME collaboration, driving research, development, deployment and market introduction of fuel cells and hydrogen technologies and its annual Stakeholder Forum is a key moment of renewed collaboration and commitment by partners.
Bart Biebuyck, FCH JU Executive Director, said: “Europe is now ready to accelerate the deployment of hydrogen and fuel cells technology and build on its strong leadership position in this field. Our industry-lead partnership is delivering innovative solutions, while creating 1000s of hydrogen-related jobs.
Valerie Bouillon-Delporte, Chair of the FCH JU Board, added: “As hydrogen becomes increasingly important in the energy transition, the European industry is committed to investing in green hydrogen technologies and keeping its worldwide leadership.”
The FCH JU Stakeholder Forum’s 400 participants gathered in Brussels today are taking stock of the latest achievements of the sector while addressing the challenges of building the hydrogen infrastructure across the EU. Using hydrogen for renewables integration and sector coupling, and the economic potential of hydrogen in the global context are among the main topics discussed. Stakeholders agree that the partnership is delivering and must continue its work, building on the successes of the past ten years.
About the FCH JU
The Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) is a public-private partnership supporting research, technological development and demonstration activities in fuel cell and hydrogen energy technologies in Europe. Its aim is to accelerate the market introduction of these technologies, realising their potential as an instrument in achieving a carbon-clean energy system. The FCH JU was established in 2008 as a public-private partnership between the European Commission, European industry and research organisations, and receives funding under the EU Horizon 2020 Framework programme.
The FCH JU’s achievements are due, in part, to its multi-stakeholder structure. Industry-led research has pioneered new developments in FCH technology. Market uptake from public authorities, major companies and citizens alike has boosted confidence in these clean technologies, establishing hydrogen as a cornerstone of Europe’s energy transition. – For more information on FCH JU: https://www.fch.europa.eu/page/who-we-are – For more information on FCH JU Stakeholder Forum: https://www.fch.europa.eu/page/stakeholder-forum-2018 – For more information on European Research and Innovation: https://ec.europa.eu/info/research-and-innovation_en
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