The fuel cells and hydrogen joint undertaking (FCH JU) in Europe

Abstract

This paper describes the setting up and first call results of the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) established by the European Union (Council regulation No 521/2008 of 30 May 2008 setting up the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking, Official Journal of the European Union, 2008;L153:1-20). Funding for low carbon energy research on hydrogen and fuel cells in Europe has been gradually increasing since 1990 but has gained significant visibility with the establishment of the Joint Undertaking which is an innovative industry-led scheme, covering the full innovation cycle, from research to market entry. Significant projects led by industry are now running and hydrogen energy has great practical potential in five application areas; transport and refuelling infrastructure; hydrogen production and storage; stationary power production and combined heat and power; early markets; and cross-cutting areas such as codes and standards, regulation, life-cycle assessment, training. © The Author 2012. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.