Brussels, 18/03/2005 (Agence Europe) - At its second general assembly on 17 and 18 March, the European Hydrogen Technology and Combustible Batteries Platform outlined its plans to develop the use of hydrogen and combustible batteries in the medium and long term for the clean transport and conversion of energy. The use of hydrogen, like combustible batteries, is now generally recognised as a flexible source of energy that respects the environment. It cuts greenhouse gas emissions, improves air quality at local level and boosts security of energy supply. As an energy source, hydrogen is particularly important for transport. With the support of the European Commission, the Hydrogen Platform includes all key players in the field of hydrogen from research institutes to public authorities, via NGOs.
The platform adopted two documents which together outline medium and long-term plans for the sector. The first, entitled 'Strategic Research Plan', outlines a ten-year programme of R&D and demonstration to produce internationally recognised technology and ensure Europe has a leading role at global level. The document also recommends budgets for the main research sectors (production, storage and distribution of hydrogen, etc.) with the aim of cutting the cost of combustible battery systems by a factor of between 10 and 100, improving performance and the sustainability of current combustible battery systems by a factor of 2, and cutting the cost of producing hydrogen by a factor of 3 or more. This will enable hydrogen to compete with conventional systems. The second document, 'Deployment Strategy', describes the first stages and decisive steps in market penetration of portable and fixed applications for transport by 2020. The document also highlights the need for substantial private/public partnerships (which the platform aims to encourage) to move from the current research and prototype demonstration stage to introduction on the market.
For more information about the European Hydrogen Technology and Combustible Batteries Platform, see: https: //http://www.hfpeurope.org/