The World Fuel Cell Council invited its members to a dinner debate in Brussels with the European Energy Forum on the 19th of April

The event was well attended both in number and quality of attendees. Amongst those present were fifteen MEP’s and more than a dozen politicians from the European Parliament and the European Commission. The debate was chaired by Giles Chichester, an MEP from the United Kingdom and the speaker for the evening was Professor Werner Tillmetz of the Solar Hydrogen Centre in Ulm, Germany. More than seventy industry professionals were also present from a very broad spectrum of industries and geographical locations.

The event was a clear success on a number of levels in particular by highlighting some key issues that need to be addressed to progress hydrogen and fuel cell industries towards commercialisation in the manner we desire. It was a success not only due to the unusually large numbers in attendance but also their very active participation in debate.

In spite of the fact that we received a huge amount of support for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells and some very positive comments and questions were raised; in certain and often surprising areas the event did highlight a considerable gap in awareness and understanding from some sectors of industry. This again brought to our attention that the challenges and hurdles we must collectively overcome in addressing this gap must also include a focus on resolving the critical issues of misinformation, and thereby misunderstanding.

It is of paramount importance that the industry now unites in addressing a consistent and wide-reaching communications and public awareness strategy. The World Fuel Cell Council e.V. will continue to help drive this initiative forward.