EU action for an effective hydrogen economy
The European Commission (EC) endorsed the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology Platform (HFP) in September 2003 and it was initiated by the General Assembly in January 2004. The ‘Development and implementation of the European Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology Platform Secretariat’ (Hycell-TPS) project was designed to create and implement a coordination and governance body, the technology platform secretariat (TPS), to successfully build on the diversity of experience and issues involved in establishing a European-wide hydrogen policy initiative. In cooperation with the Advisory Council and the EC, the project team provided complete administrative and organisational support to all stake-holders. In addition, the established TPS acted as the information and communications centre for the HFP, collecting, analysing and disseminating data regarding HFP achievements to stakeholders within and outside the HFP as well as to the general public. Activities included planning of events and development of communication tools to assist stakeholders in outreach efforts to European, national and regional decision makers. The final project reporting period demonstrated the successful establishment of efficient and effective managerial support to all HFP stakeholders including upgrading of the master activity plan. The team enhanced the HFP website to include a number of new features related to document management of group events and group communication and planning. Finally, they organised two major events with total participation of 850 representatives from research centres, universities, industry, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the EC. Hycell-TPS has successfully established a functioning secretariat for the coordination and governance of the European hydrogen and fuel cell technology initiative. Efficient central coordination and administration has the potential to dramatically increase the efficiency and speed with which the EU adopts and implements new hydrogen energy technologies with significant benefits for the European economy and the planet.