New EU Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Quick Start Initiative

Publication date: 18 March 2004

European Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin presented today current and future key EU initiatives for a transition from a fossil fuel-based economy to a hydrogen-based one.

Some €100 million of EU funding, matched by an equivalent amount of private investment, is currently being awarded to research and demonstration projects for hydrogen and fuel cell after the first call for proposals of the 6th EU Research Framework Programme. This will be reinforced via further calls for R&D proposals worth a public and private investment of €300 million (EU funding €150 million). These projects represent the initial phase and form a basis for the large scale “Quick Start” initiative for hydrogen production and use. The Commission is thus helping to implement the ambitious vision of the European Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology Platform, which held its first general assembly on 20 January 2004, and is now developing coherent European research and deployment strategies.

For more information and the list of funded projects:
Commission Press Release IP/04/363

IP-04-363_EN.pdf (102 KB)

Related news item:
European Hydrogen Platform launched by Commission
(20 Jan. 2004)