European Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking Issues €89.1M Call for Proposals for 2010

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Activities further along the technological maturity curve
will also be introduced in this application area with a topic on construction and validation of proof-of-concept fuel cell systems and another one on field demonstration of stationary fuel cell systems. Finally, pre-normative research on power grid integration and management of stationary fuel cell systems for development of RCS is proposed.

Emphasis of the application area Early Markets (€11.5M) is put on demonstration of readiness of fuel cell systems applied to materials handling vehicles, with the final aim to stimulate market pull for these applications. Another topic relates to the demonstration of application
readiness of fuel cell generators for power supply to off-grid stations, another promising early market.

Research and technological development topics focus on micro fuel cells and
portable applications of up to 5kW, demonstrating proof-of concept for a fully integrated system; developing improved, cost-efficient components for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells; and new portable and micro FC solutions. PNR is proposed to be done on cost-effective safety solutions for the indoor use of fuel cell systems.

Cross-Cutting Issues (€2.0M) focus on two topics: First, the development of a comprehensive technology monitoring and assessment (TMA) framework to be used by the FCH JU for assessing progress towards achieving both FCH JU objectives and vis-à-vis major external developments. Second, development of financing models for reusable or recyclable components of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.

The deadline to submit project proposals for the 2010 call is 13 October 2010. The Call for Proposals 2009 closed on 15 October 2009. Following an independent evaluation, successful projects have been in negotiations for grant agreements since April 2010.

FCH JU Background. The European Strategic Energy Technology (SET) Plan has identified fuel cells and hydrogen among the technologies needed for Europe to achieve the targets for 2020—20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions; 20% share of renewable energy sources in the energy mix; and 20%
reduction in primary energy use—as well as to achieve the long-term vision for 20501 towards
decarbonization.

A key element of the SET Plan’s implementation strategy is to combine resources with the private sector, allowing industry to take the lead in identifying technology gaps that need to be addressed. The cooperation
is structured through public-private partnerships, the European Industrial Initiatives. Among the first such initiatives, the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) was established by a Council Regulation of 30 May 2008 as a long-term public–private-partnership under the Seventh
Framework Programme (FP7) of the European Community.

The FCH JU pools public and private resources, with activities co-financed by the Commission and the industry and research community partners. The founding members: the Union, represented by the European Commission; and the European Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Joint Technology Initiative
Industry Grouping (IG), share the running costs of the JU, with an
additional contribution from the third member, the New European Research Grouping on Fuel Cells and Hydrogen, N.ERGHY (RG).

The planning of the agenda for research, technological development and demonstration (RTD) is led by the industry to ensure that it is focused at the objective of commercialization. The FCH JU’s first call for proposals, with indicative Community funding of €28.1 million, was finalized
in December 2009 with the conclusion of contracts with 16 project consortia. The second call, with an indicative Community funding of €71.3 million, entered into the negotiation stage in April 2010.

Resources

• Joint Technology Initiatives (Annex IV-SP1) Calls: FCH-JU-2010-1