Hydrogen and fuel cells have been identified, in the Commission's proposal for FP7, as an area for a Joint Technology Initiative (JTI).
"I very much hope that in the near future we will have all the ingredients in place to go ahead with a decision on hydrogen 'JTI'," said the Commissioner for Science and Research, Janez Potočnik, Speaking at the World Hydrogen Energy Conference (WHEC) on 13 June 2006.
The European Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology Platform was launched in 2004 and presented its strategic research agenda in March 2005 (see EurActiv 17 March 2005). The Platform aims at accelerating the development and deployment of these technologies in Europe. It helps to structure socio-economic and technical research on hydrogen and fuel cells at European level, and stimulates increased public and private investment in R&D. It also helps to develop awareness of fuel cell and hydrogen market opportunities and energy scenarios and fosters future co-operation.
"I believe that an industry-led Joint Technology Initiative can provide the European level platform necessary to make real progress. But we shall need a convincing Implementation Plan backed by the unambiguous commitment of all stakeholders including the member states and the collective will to establish a credible and viable public-private partnership," said Commissioner Potočnik.
The Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology Platform is currently preparing its implementation plan, a kind of a proposal for becoming a JTI. "This will be a key document. It will set out targets and priorities for integrated research and demonstration actions needed to take the hydrogen and fuel cells to market readiness in five to ten years," said Potočnik.
In March 2006, the Commission published a Green paper on 'A European Strategy for Sustainable, Competitive and Secure Energy', which opened the debate on a future common European energy policy. The public consultation will close on 24 September 2006.
