The European Union has given its approval to a Fuel Cells and Hydrogen (FCH) Initiative that aims to develop the use of fuel cells across the EU.

The fifth Joint Technology Initiative (JTI) was supported by a vote on May 20th.

A total of 590 out of 619 MEPs voted in favour of the initiative and members can expect fuel cell technologies to be more widely used in transport as well as portable and fixed power supplies.

Details of the plan include the commercial take-off for hand-held devices and portable power generators by 2010 along with domestic and commercial combined heat and power by 2015.

Technologies could be implemented into the transport industries by 2020.

Janez Potocnik, Science and Research Commissioner, said that the initiative will help to bring fuel cell technologies to a wider market, Cordis news reports.

"Europe is facing major challenges to secure its energy supply, while combating climate change, preserving the environment, and maintaining a competitive economy," he added.



Source:

MEPs give go-ahead to Fuel Cells and Hydrogen JTI, 23/05/08
http://cordis.europa.eu/fetch?CALLER=EN_NEWS&ACTION=D&SESSION=&RCN=29469