Public-private partnership for hydrogen and fuel cells

The fuel cells and hydrogen 2 joint undertaking (FCH 2 JU) implements a public-private partnership (PPP) involving the European Commission, the fuel cell and hydrogen industry (represented by the NEW Industry Grouping) and the research community (represented by Research Grouping N.ERGHY). Its aim is to accelerate the development and deployment of fuel cell and hydrogen technologies.

ACT

Council Regulation (EU) No 559/2014 of 6 May 2014 establishing the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen 2 Joint Undertaking.

SUMMARY

The FCH 2 JU seeks to deploy the benefits of fuel cells, an efficient conversion technology (i.e. it converts a fuel source into power) and of hydrogen, a clean energy carrier, to help address the energy challenges faced in Europe. Potentially, fuel cells and hydrogen can offer a number of advantages such as:

Harnessing their use should help fight carbon emissions, reduce dependence on mainly imported hydrocarbons and contribute to growth and jobs.

After a successful first generation that saw some early applications brought to market, FCH 2 JU is looking to accelerate the commercial deployment of hydrogen-based energy and transport solutions across Europe. FCH 2 JU is established for a period up to 31 December 2024.

This phase will involve improving the performance and reducing the cost of products, as well as demonstrating on a wider scale the readiness of the technology for transport (cars, buses and refuelling infrastructure) and energy (hydrogen production and distribution, energy storage and stationary power generation).

Management

The FCH 2 JU is a legal entity established in line with Article 187v of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (which allows for PPPs at EU level in the field of industrial research).The JU sets its own strategic research agenda and funds projects selected following calls for proposals published on the FCH 2 JU’s website. The JU applies the Horizon 2020 rules for participation.

The JU is managed by an Executive Director who is supported by the staff of the Programme Office. The JU has a governing board comprising industry and European Commission representatives. It has overall responsibility for the operations of the JU and oversees the implementation of its activities. It is advised by a Scientific Committee on scientific priorities. There is also a states representatives group representing the countries involved and a stakeholder forum. Decisions are taken in accordance with the voting rules established by the JU.

Article 209 of the EU’s Financial Regulation (Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012) provides for new lighter rules customised for EU PPP bodies.

Budget

The EU’s (including EFTA’s) financial contribution to the FCH 2 JU to cover administrative costs and operational costs is up to EUR 665 million matched by a similar amount from participants. The JU also seeks to develop synergies with the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF).

RELATED ACTS

Regulation (EU) No 1291/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 establishing Horizon 2020 - the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-20) and repealing Decision No 1982/2006/EC (Official Journal L 347, 20.12.2013, pp. 104-173).

Last updated: 10.08.2014