Members

The three members of the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking are

• the European Commission
  
• the NEW Industry Grouping representing the fuel cell and hydrogen industries
  
• the N.ERGHY Research Grouping representing the research community
  

Joint planning

The members jointly plan the topics for R&D projects supported by the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking in annual calls for proposals. In order to guarantee the industrial relevance of the R&D agenda, the Industry Grouping takes the lead in the design of the strategy. 

The programme strategy is outlined in the Multi Annual Implementation Plan that is translated into more detailed Annual Implementation Plans each year. These in turn are the basis for the calls for proposals.

The planning process is outlined in the flow chart below. The initial drafting is done by Application Area Working Groups of the Industry and the Research Groupings that are open to all members. The third member, European Commission, is closely involved throughout the process through the relevant policy units. Once the final version is produced by the Working Groups, the Annual Implementation Plan is adopted by the Governing Board before the publication of the call for proposals.

Financing

Better coordination of investments of different sectors is a key reason for the establishment of the Joint Undertaking. Accordingly, the members have agreed to a shared, pre-defined budget for the duration of the programme.

The total budget of the Joint Undertaking is €940 million. Of the total, the operational budget going directly into R&D projects represents €900 million, while € 40 million is budgeted for the running costs of the Programme Office.

The division of the total programme budget is presented below. The operational costs invested directly in R&D projects are divided between the European Commission and the NEW Industry Grouping, both contributing €450 million. The industry part consists of 'in-kind' contributions, the participating companies' investments in projects. The running costs of €40 million consist of cash contributions of all three partners, in parts corresponding to their seats in the Governing Board.