Online-Newsletter "Wasserstoff + Brennstoffzelle"
Statement:
European Commissioner
for Science & Research Janez Potocnik
Hydrogen + Fuel Cells: Europe flaunts its Flags
- Global demonstration of this Future Energy
Europe will be flaunting 14 of their flags at the Group Exhibit Hydrogen + Fuel Cells at HANNOVER FAIR 2006 (April 24-28), accounting for nearly half of the 32 flags flying in Hall 13, Stand F78. Besides a considerable number of German companies, the Italian Group Stand with 8 companies as well as several French companies have registered to exhibit. Additionally there are exhibitors from Belgium, The Netherlands, Great Britain, Denmark, Norway, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Greece and Bulgaria. Arno A. Evers, organizer of this event since 1995, sees this display of strong European presence as an important part in the global movement of commercializing hydrogen and fuel cells technology. From Israel to Canada, from China to the South Pacific country of Samoa, Arno A. Evers stays true to his motto: “Go to where the Market is!” EU-Commissioner Janez Potocnik explains further in a statement about the approaching fair:
The future will be characterised by economic opportunity, clean, sustainable development and clean, affordable energy. In fact we have no option but to build that future – and I am convinced that hydrogen and fuel cell technologies will have an important role to play. However, it is clear that to bring them to the point of commercial readiness still requires an important and strategic, research,
development and demonstration programme.
When applied “intelligently” hydrogen and fuel cells have outstanding environmental and economic potential. I choose the word “intelligently” carefully – for we must take care that, in introducing hydrogen and fuel cells, we are not driven by business imperatives that do not fit with our long term policy goals. The long term strategy must address our post Kyoto objectives for reducing greenhouse gases and also
enhancing energy security – but it must also create opportunities for economic growth and profitable business. We are working hard to build the public-private-partnerships that will be needed to satisfy these aims and create “win-win”
opportunities.
It is crucial is that we use this unique opportunity to work together to make the Technology Platform a success, to build the basis for Public-Private-Partnership, and at the right moment go forward to implement a Joint Technology Initiative. If we have the commitment from the industrial stakeholders, and the support of the Member States, then the Technology Initiative can lay down the foundations for developing and proving technology in integrated research and demonstration actions.
Success in building a Hydrogen Joint Technology Initiative will surely stimulate new industry value chains, leverage additional funds, and open up new possibilities for structured finance facilities. The latter could, for example, involve the European Investment Bank. It is time for industry to step up its commitment. The research
community needs to create knowledge. The Union needs to foster a favourable political environment and when Commerce sees all these elements in place, the real money will flow. I pledge my support and count on you all to help make it
happen.
Source: Online-Newsletter "Wasserstoff + Brennstoffzelle"
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