May 2010 offered many proofs of product and policy that will put the use of hydrogen more visibly on Europe’s map. The Drive and Ride event on the eve of the World Hydrogen Energy Conference on May 16, organised by Energie im Wandel, the German National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell programme NOW’s promotional campaign, saw German families hop into various fuel cells SUV’s and hit the Autobahn. On the policy level the EU Competitiveness Council in its conclusion on May 25 on the Clean and Eenrgy Efficient Vehicles Strategy (COM2010/189) recognized that “hydrogen vehicles remain a valid ultra-low-carbon mobility option in the mediumterm perspective, as affordability of the car and of the fuel is achieved; also noted that hydrogen vehicles and electric vehicles are mutually complementary”. The Spanish presidency inaugurated four more European Industrial Initiatives (EII’s) under the EU Strategic Energy Technology Plan on Wind, Solar, Smart grids and CCS that will need direct links with the first of these initiatives, the Joint Undertaking on fuel cells and hydrogen that will publish its third call for proposals this June.
All of this inspired the EHA to send a request to EU vice president Antoio Tajani to for a seat in the Cars 21 High Level Group that will steer the Clean and Energy Efficient Vehicles strategy into action.
This year’s 10th EHA Annual General Assembly and EHA National Association Action Meeting on June 22, 2010 in the Palais des Academies, Rue Ducale 1 in Brussels, promises therefore to be the kick-start of a new era of engagement of our national association members in working with industry to convince national and local authorities to step up their support for hydrogen infrastructure development. Registration for the EHA National Association Action Meeting starting at 1400 on June 22 is open at info@h2euro.org.