Hydrogen and fuel cell future research strategy revealed 

The European hydrogen and fuel cell technology platform is holding its second annual event on 17 and 18 March 2005. On this occasion, it is adopting two documents that together provide a vision for the medium- and long-term development of hydrogen and fuel cells for carrying and converting energy cleanly.

1. The strategic research agenda describes the research needs and provides: 

• a prioritised ten-year research, development and demonstration programme; 
• a well-founded mid-term strategy until 2030;
• a long-term strategic outlook until 2050. 

2. The deployment strategy report: 

• describes the first steps and key milestones for the market penetration of portable, stationary and transport application by 2020. 
• indicates that all potential measures have to be fully in line with three criteria: security of energy supply; reduction of green house gas emissions; strengthening the European economy. 

Currently, under the EU's 6th Framework Programme (FP6), hydrogen and fuel cell research is carried out under the 'Sustainable development, global change and ecosystems' -thematic priority, in the 'Sustainable energy systems' sub-priority. The total budget of this sub-priority is 890 million euros. 

Under the current debate on the EU's 7th Framework Programme (FP7), the Parliament is proposing "all existing and future non-CO2-emitting energy sources" as a new key thematic priority.