The Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Joint Technology Initiative will be implemented by the Joint Undertaking “Fuel Cells and Hydrogen” (FCH), which is built on the work of the European Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology Platform (H2).

The founding members of this public-private partnership are the European Union, represented by the European Commission and the industry grouping “New Energy World”, representing European companies of all sizes dealing with Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Technology.

A consortium of research organisations („New European Research Grouping on Fuel Cells and Hydrogen European”) joined the FCH initiative as a member on July 14, 2008. The budget of the Joint Undertaking amounts to 1 billion EUR, of which 470 million EUR come from the EU’s Seventh Framework Programme and another 530 million EUR from private companies and research organisations.

The main objectives of the initiative are the acceleration of the development of fuel cell and hydrogen technologies in Europe and the preparation of their market launch in the period from 2010 to 2020.

Organisation

The Joint Undertaking FCH was established by a regulation of the European Council under article 171 of the EC Treaty (now article 187 of the Treaty on the functioning of the European Union (TFEU)), dated March 30, 2008 for the period until December 31, 2017. The seat of the FCH is based in Brussels.

The Joint Undertaking is subordinate to a Governing Board, consisting of twelve members. The Executive Director is responsible for the day-to-day operations and business of the Joint Undertaking. He is supported by a programme office in Brussels. A scientific committee, consisting of high-ranking experts, as well as a group of representatives of the EU Member States give advice to the Governing Board. Furthermore, there is an annual General Assembly which ensures the exchange of information about running and future activities.

The first General Assembly met in Brussels to officially launch the Joint Technology Initiative on October 13-15, 2008.

Participation

The entire budget will be granted by call for proposals. Eligible institutions are:

• Legal entities from the EU member states or from associated countries in FP7
• Joint Research Centres
• International Organisations
• Third Country participation is possible upon approval of the Governing Board

Open calls

The current calls within the Joint Technology Initiative will be open until May 24, 2012.

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