Brussels, 08/09/2003 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission is to adopt a communication on Wednesday, presented jointly by Commissioners Loyola de Palacio (Energy) and Philippe Busquin (Research), aiming to promote the development of hydrogen within the EU, in order to contribute to Community strategies for the security of energy supply, and for the reduction of climate change. This communication is based on the conclusion of the High Level Group report on hydrogen, presented in June and which proposed the setting up of a "European partnership" (EUROPE of 17 June, p.10).
This "European partnership", which brings together all actors involved (industry, science, government), aims to implement a strategy for the production of hydrogen and fuel cells within the EU, and to co-ordinate initiatives taken in the field at national and European level. The communication proposes heading this partnership with a "strategic council" (made up of representatives from the relevant sectors), a secretariat (funded jointly by the Community and interested parties), and a team bringing together the various Commission services concerned (research, energy and transport, environment). These three bodies would be responsible for implementing the various aspects identified by the Group to promote the development of hydrogen and fuel cells, especially: - a time-table laying down the objectives, priorities and deadlines; - proposals for flagship demonstration and deployment projects; - a political framework encompassing transport, energy and the environment; - the definition of a "road map" with objectives for research, investments, and marketing; - a European-scale education and training programme.