Présentation d'une stratégie européenne en matière d'hydrogène et de piles à combustible[en] 

Hydrogen meets two essential needs of European policy: reduced energy dependence and reduced greenhouse gases.

The EU recognised the potential of hydrogen and fuel cells a long time before a high level group was asked, in October 2002, to define the basis for an integrated vision of the EU's strategy on hydrogen and fuel cells and their role on sustainable energy policy. In its final report 'Hydrogen and fuel cells: A vision of our future', the group recommended the establishment of a 'Hydrogen and fuel cell technology platform' (HFP), to define and carry out concrete research and development actions in the area. 

The platform was launched in January 2004, bringing together major stakeholders (ie industry, scientific community, public authorities, users, civil society) in the area. The platform helps to develop awareness of fuel cell and hydrogen market opportunities and energy scenarios, and promotes European and international co-operation. It also facilitates and accelerates the development and deployment of cost-competitive, world class European hydrogen and fuel cell based energy systems and component technologies for applications in transport, stationary and portable power. 

The Commission is a partner , together with 14 other countries, in the 'International partnership for the hydrogen economy' , initiated by the United States.

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.