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FuelCellEurope |
EU regulations can affect considerably the fuel cell industry’s activities because of specific technical requirements, the scope of the law, security and environmental norms, etc. and this can accelerate, slow down or even impeach market penetration. One of FuelCellEurope's mission is to represent industry's interests towards the EU institutions and during the decision making process. In this regards, FuelCellEurope has constantly developed an agenda and a vision to ensure that the EU policy framework allow and promote the market penetration of fuel cells technologies as efficient and clean devices. |
The priorities
The initial vision of FuelCellEurope was conducted in line with the reference documents developed by the European Technology Platform for Fuel Cells and Hydrogen (HFP) and notably the Strategic Overview (June 2005), calling for a strong industry driven investment framework , supported by public investment to leverage funding in fuel cells.
With the creation of the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaken (FCH JU), commonly named "JTI" in 2008 and the adoption of the EU Climate and Energy package in December 2008, the policy and investment framework have been modified.
To this end, FuelCellEurope has redefined its agenda for 2009-2013: activities are tailored to our members needs and request; activities are adapted to the new policy and funding framework in place.
The priorities for FuelCellEurope and its members, in terms of policy and regulation framework at the EU level are the following:
⇒ Call for a greater proportion of fuel cells technologies in EU energy and environment regulations. This is particularly crucial when referring to the development of Renewable Energy technologies and their access to the grid. It is also important to integrate fuel cells with Combined Heat and Power (CHP) policies.
⇒ Enhance tax and subsidies mechanisms for fuel cells technologies, to spur investment and procurement.
⇒ Leverage EU funding opportunities for fuel cells technologies and applications, by closely following the FP7 and JTI calls and enhance the opportunities lying aside of funding for RTD&D activities.( such as IEE programmes)
The Monitoring
In the design of policies, The Commission act as the key player, as it is the main organisation, putting forward the initial legislative proposals.The Council of the European Union, currently presided by Sweden and the European Parliament also endorse an crucial role, as they amend and vote EU regulations. Finally, the European Council (Head of States and Prime Ministers’ Summit) twice a year gives strategic orientations to shape future policies.
FuelCellEurope continuously monitor and report important legislative developments.
⇒ For instance, FuelCellEurope took actively part in the decision process of the Cogeneration directive 2004/8/EC on the promotion of cogeneration based on a useful heat demand in the internal energy market.
⇒ FuelCellEurope also followed carefully the decision process and then the adoption in December 2008 of the Climate and Energy Package, aiming to ensure that the EU will achieve its climate targets by 2020: a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, a 20% improvement in energy efficiency, and a 20% share for renewable in the EU energy mix. Importantly, the Climate and Energy Package includes a 10% “green fuel” target by 2020. The EU will have to satisfy 10% of its transport fuel needs from renewable sources, including biofuels, hydrogen and green electricity. biodiversity.
New political priorities for Energy are currently being defined by the EU institutions, following the election of a new European Parliament in June 2009 and the changes occuring at the European Commission.
Major developments in EU Energy and Environment policies will be reported through this page, as the cases arise.
Policy news are also constantly reported in our Policy news section. We also invite you to visit FuelCellEurope Position Papers section and read our publication or those of key stakeholders.