(Invited) Overview on the European FCH Joint Undertaking Projects & Activities in PEM Fuel Cells and Electrolysis

Abstract

The Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) was set up in 2008 to accelerate the development of fuel cells and hydrogen technologies in Europe towards commercialization from 2020 onwards. To reach this target the FCH JU brings together resources under a cohesive public-private partnership to ensure commercial focus, to match RTD activities to industry's needs and expectations and to scale-up and intensify links between the Industry Community and the Research Community. Research projects on PEM technology have had a central role within the program with significant funding allocated in order to advance the technology of both PEM fuel cells but also PEM electrolysers. Regarding fuel cells, the primary focus has been the reduction of the Pt content within catalysts as well as on the improvement of power density. Additionally, significant funding has been dedicated on the improvement of durability as well as on the reduction of cost, particularly through improved manufacturing, while the next wave of research projects aims at the development of PGM free catalysts. Similarly, for PEM electrolysis continuous support has been provided in order to scale up electrolysers from kW to MW, to improve performance and to reduce costs. This has contributed to the establishment of EU leadership on PEM electrolysis. The next steps are to focus on further improving performance by increasing the current density and operating pressure.