Europe pledges €1bn for fuel-cell research

The European Union aims to cut the carbon footprint of its member states by transforming hydrogen fuel cells into a mainstream energy producer.

A billion euros (£780 million) is being pumped into a research project that will bring together the expertise of hydrogen cell researchers across Europe, both from the public and private sector.

Called ‘The Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking’, the project seeks to co-ordinate all European research into hydrogen fuel cells.

Sixty private companies and a similar number of universities are being brought together in the scheme, that it is hoped will see hydrogen cell technologies enter the commercial market within two to five years.

Mass-market roll out of hydrogen cell technology is expected by 2020.

Hydrogen fuel cells are clean energy, the only by-product of their use being water.

They could be used to power a wide variety of products, including mobile phones, laptops, cars, buses, ships and aeroplanes.

Furthermore, hydrogen fuel cells could provide heat and power for domestic and industrial use.

EU Commissioner for Science and Research, Janez Potocnik, said the results-oriented nature of the project means that EU citizens will be able to see tangible outcomes from the research.

He added that bringing together 60 private companies puts Europe ‘ahead of the game’ in new energy research.