Brussels
A new High Level Group advising on Hydrogen and Fuel Cells (HLG) was launched today in Brussels by European Commission President Romano Prodi, Commission Vice President, Loyola de Palacio, responsible for Energy and Transport, and Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin. The Group comprises top level representatives from major EU automotive and energy companies, public utilities, research institutes, transport companies and policy makers. They will asses the potential benefits of using hydrogen and fuel cells in EU transport, energy production and many other areas, and help pave the way for more focused EU action in this field. Initial results are expected by mid-2003: a "foresight report" will include a hydrogen and fuel cell research agenda and deployment and commercialisation actions, taking into account issues such as innovation, marketing, distribution and infrastructure, safety, public/private partnerships and investments in the hydrogen sector.
EU Commission President Romano Prodi said: "This is an important choice for Europe. Hydrogen technology will not only reduce our energy dependency and gas emissions; in the long run it will also change considerably our socio-economic model and create new opportunities for developing countries".
A new High Level Group advising on Hydrogen and Fuel Cells (HLG) was launched today in Brussels by European Commission President Romano Prodi, Commission Vice President, Loyola de Palacio, responsible for Energy and Transport, and Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin. The Group comprises top level representatives from major EU automotive and energy companies, public utilities, research institutes, transport companies and policy makers. They will asses the potential benefits of using hydrogen and fuel cells in EU transport, energy production and many other areas, and help pave the way for more focused EU action in this field. Initial results are expected by mid-2003: a "foresight report" will include a hydrogen and fuel cell research agenda and deployment and commercialisation actions, taking into account issues such as innovation, marketing, distribution and infrastructure, safety, public/private partnerships and investments in the hydrogen sector.
EU Commission President Romano Prodi said: "This is an important choice for Europe. Hydrogen technology will not only reduce our energy dependency and gas emissions; in the long run it will also change considerably our socio-economic model and create new opportunities for developing countries".