The Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking whose total budget amounts to nearly  €1bn to be invested by 2013, published its fourth annual call for proposals May 3. In the context of European objectives towards a low carbon economy, an increased energy security, reduced  oil dependence and the delivery of improved power management, the contribution of these green technologies is essential to address current challenges while sustaining EU competitiveness and job creation.

The deadline for application is 18 August 2011. Evaluation of proposals will be carried out in September 2011 and projects selected for contract negotiations should be announced already by the end of December 2011.

The Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking was established on 14 October 2008 as the first illustrative example of a public-private partnership instrument under the European Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET-Plan), technology pillar of the EU’s energy and climate policy. Autonomous since 15 November 2010, the FCH JU aims to speed up the development of fuel cell and hydrogen technologies in Europe to enable their commercialisation between 2010 and 2020. Current membership includes the European Commission and 54 companies, from multinationals to SMEs represented by the Industry Grouping (NEW-IG), as well as over 55 universities and research institutes, represented by the Research Grouping (N.ERGHY) engaging more than 2000 researchers in the field of fuel cells and hydrogen.

For more information

The FCH JU will hold a Public Information Session on 12 May 2011 from 14:30 to 17:30 in Tour Madou, 1 Place Madou, Brussels, which will cover the different topics of the call, the process, the rules for submission of proposals as well as other useful information. To get more information and for registration (compulsory for security access purposes) please contact fchju@fch.europa.eu.

A brokerage event will also be co-organized by the Industry and Research Groupings of the Joint Undertaking on 19 May 2011, in Berlin. This event aims to offer to participants the opportunity to discuss concrete project ideas, find and meet with potential partners within their respective application areas, build or join a consortium, as well as enlarge their network. To get more information and register for the event, please contact the Industry grouping (secretariat@fchindustry-jti.eu) or the Research Grouping (secretariat@nerghy.eu).

To view the Press Release see downloads section of this post.

For more information on the FCH JU call see: FCH JU 4th Call