Publications

The Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) commissioned this report to a con­sultancy to get a better understanding of the past and future evolution of the European Fuel Cell and Hydrogen (FC&H) sector, and the role that public support has in that evolution.

The results of this report are based on three data sources:

Survey results: A survey was sent out to 458 companies that are liaised to the FCH JU. 154 people responded. (see list in annex)

Desk research: A wide range of industry reports was consulted to supplement and cross check the results of the survey. However, given the still nascent state of the industry, the information gathered with this exercise was limited.

Interviews: Key stakeholders in the European FC&H sector were interviewed to get the qualitative story behind the results from the survey and the desk research. These stake­holders varied from fuel cell manufacturers to government officials, from energy compa­nies to automotive OEMs

To consult the full report (pdf)

The detailed slides of the survey are also available here.

A coalition of 40 industrial companies and government organizations, financially supported by the FCH JU, elaborated a technology neutral and fact-based comparative study on eight different powertrain technologies for urban buses in Europe from 2012 to 2030.

According to the results of the study, only fully electric powertrain buses (based on hydrogen, batteries or trolley system) have the potential to achieve zero local emissions by drastically reducing well-to-wheel emissions.

Following the positive comparative result for  fuel cell hydrogen  urban buses, the FCH JU will  launch a follow-up study that more specifically defines real uptake scenarios for market entry scheduled to starting before summer 2013.

To consult the full report (pdf)

 The Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) has the ambitious objective to place Europe at the forefront of the development, commercialization and deployment of fuel cells and hydrogen technologies, as of 2015. About €470 million, over a six year period, have been granted by the European Union to achieve this, and private funds are being attracted to support the same ambition, as part of the global European effort embedded in the multi-annual implementation plan MAIP (2008-2013).

A periodic evaluation of such a strategic program is relevant to address the question of whether the public-private partnership is on the path of reaching its objectives and to enable adjustments to its course if and where needed.

This first Programme Review from the FCH JU has the objective of assessing the portfolio of projects; 44 projects from the call 2008 and 2009 as well as   some 14 projects supported by the European Commission under the 7^th framework programme, which are linked to the Joint Undertaking portfolio and have been either the forerunners or the complement of a number of FCH JU projects.  These projects cover a mix of basic and applied research, and demonstration activities.

The review process is intended to take place on an annual basis and to contribute as far as possible to a pro-active and continuous management of the entire portfolio, future calls as well as to the next phase of the programme. 

To consult the full report ( 4.8 MB).

2 January 2012- Bruegel Blueprint Report

The euro-area crisis dominates the economic news. Yet, the world and Europe may face even more important challenges that will shape our lives and the lives of our children.

More people and more income will increase the global demand for energy. Choosing the right sources of this energy will be one of the determining factors of global temperature. The continued reliance on fossil-fuel energy sources is one of the main factors behind the risk of significant global temperature increases.

Economic growth in Europe will be affected by the costs of this transition from the current energy and transport system. A smooth transition towards a low-carbon energy and transport system could come at comparatively modest cost. Bruegel is contributing to this debate with this report, which is based on research that received funding from the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking.
 

To consult the policy brief (executive summary, 166 KB)

To consult the full report ( 4.8 MB).

 25 November 2011-

 Sustainable, secure and competitive energy supply and transport services are at the heart of the EU2020 strategy towards a low carbon and inclusive economy, geared towards a reduction of 80% of CO2 emissions by 2050. This objective has been endorsed by the European Institutions and Member States. It is widely recognised that a technological shift and the deployment of new clean technologies are critical for a successful transition to such a new sustainable economy. Furthermore, in addition to bringing a healthier environment and securing energy supply, innovation will provide huge opportunities for the European economy.  However, this paradigm shift will not be purely driven by the market. A strong and determined commitment of public institutions and the private sector together are necessary to support the European political ambition. The period 2014-2020 will be critical to ensure that the necessary investments are realized to support the EU2020 vision. In terms of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, significant investments are required for (a) transportation for scaling up the car fleet and building up of refuelling infrastructure needs, (b) hydrogen production technologies to integrate renewable intermittent power sources to the electrical grid (wind and solar), (c) stationary fuel cell applications, with large demonstration projects in several European cities and (d) identified early markets (material handling vehicles, back-up power systems) to allow for volume developments and decrease of system-costs.

This Report summarizes the sector’s financial ambition to reach Europe’s objectives in 2020.

Consult the report ( 1.6 MB)

8 November 2010

This report is prepared by thirty of the largest global car manufacturers, oil and gas companies, utilities, equipment manufacturers, NGOs, governmental and clean energy organisations, with the collaboration of the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking.

The analysis compares the economics, sustainability and performanceof the vehicles and infrastructures needed to reach the 80% decarbonisation goal set by the

European Union and is an unprecedented effort from industry and other stakeholders to analyse the role of the various new car-types in meeting this objective, on the basis of proprietary industrial data.

The publication ( 2.9 MB).

20 July 2011

The European Commission publishes the first interim evaluation of the FCH JU.

The Publication ( 686 KB).