In view of the thematic European Council of 4 February on Energy and Innovation, EHA in a joint effort with the Joint Task force for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells, wrote a letter on January 31st to the European Council members underlining the significant and broad role fuel cell and hydrogen technology play in the EU’s shift towards an efficient low carbon economy.

The letter also reviews the connection of fuel cell and hydrogen to the four large scale initiative announced in the EU Energy 2020 Communication- Smart Grids, Energy Storage, Large scale biofuel production, and Smart Cities.

The task force includes organisations:  Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking, Industry Grouping for Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Technology (NEW-IG), Fuel Cell Europe, The European Regions and Municipalites Partnership for hydrogen and fuel cells, (HyER (formerly HyRaMP)) and The European Hydrogen Association (EHA).

The special European Council will bring EU leaders to Brussels to discuss energy issues, notably the 2011-2020 energy action plan . The agenda will also address energy and innovation. This follows the policy debate, by energy ministers at their 3 December Council, on the new energy strategy for Europe in preparation of this special European Council. The Hungarian Presidency expects the meeting to provide political orientation for the harmonisation of national technical regulation, the building of key infrastructure and the financing of necessary investments.

To view joint letter see downloads.