A new 'common voice' for the UK's hydrogen and fuel cell industry has been created by the merger of Fuel Cells UK and the UK Hydrogen Association Merge to form the UK Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Association (UK HFCA). Launched this week, the new industry body will provide a common voice for the sector, advocating a positive social, political and economic environment for the development of hydrogen energy and fuel cells in the UK.
With a membership consisting of the leading fuel cell and hydrogen companies in the UK as well as a range of stakeholders, from energy utilities to component developers, fuel suppliers and others involved both directly and indirectly in the industry, the UK HFCA is expected to have greater influence over key public and private stakeholders to support hydrogen energy and fuel cell research.
The association will act on behalf of its members to deliver the necessary support to help hydrogen and fuel cells become a key component of a low carbon economy reducing greenhouse gases, enhancing energy security and delivering 'green collar' jobs. And it aims to provide an authoritative point of contact and a clear, informed and current view on research, development and demonstration priorities for Government, other funding agencies and key influencers.
Prior to the merger, Fuel Cells UK utilised its collective industry voice at national and international level, working alongside the Treasury to successfully identify appropriate support mechanisms for fuel cells and lobbying Government on the introduction of feed in tariffs for low carbon technologies. The UK Hydrogen Association, prior to the merger, collaborated internationally and made significant progress towards defining routes for low carbon hydrogen delivered at competitive costs, doing much to demonstrate that this can be achieved safely, and diversifying energy options for consumers.
"The UK Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Association has the breadth of capability to shape the climate agenda today and drive hydrogen deployment and fuel cell commercialisation towards the low carbon economy of tomorrow," said Dennis Hayter, newly appointed Chair of the UK HFCA. "We now have a common voice with which to ensure the industry receives all the support necessary to realise the tremendous potential it offers in meeting low carbon objectives in the UK."
