European Parliament gives go-ahead to Fuel Cell and Hydrogen JTI

HFP, 25MAY2008: The European Parliament has given its support to the EU's fifth Joint Technology Initiative (JTI) in a vote on May 20, 2008. A clear majority of 590 out of a total of 619 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) voting during a plenary session in Strasbourg were in favour of setting up the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen (FCH) Joint Technology Initiative.

Europe's Science and Research Commissioner Janez Potocnik sees hydrogen and fuel cells as playing a decisive role in the future of energy systems. When the European Commission released its proposal for the FCH JTI in autumn 2007, he said: 'Europe is facing major challenges to secure its energy supply, while combating climate change, preserving the environment, and maintaining a competitive economy. The Joint Technology Initiative for Fuel Cells and Hydrogen will be a major step in bringing about the research, development and deployment programme that Europe needs to bring [fuel cell and hydrogen] technologies to the market.'

Between 2008 and 2017, the FCH JTI will have a budget of EUR 1 billion. The investment will be shared by its two founding members, the European Commission and the European Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Joint Technology Initiative Industry Grouping, a non-profit organisation uniting the sector's key players.

For the link to the full FCH JTI proposal incl. Parliament's amendments, please check with the CORDIS article through