FuelCellEurope, VDMA cooperate to foster commercialization
B elgian-based FuelCellEurope, the European association of fuel cell developers and users, signed a memorandum of understanding with VDMA Fuel Cells, the group of manufacturers of systems and components for fuel cells within the German Engineering Federation (VDMA), during the recent Hannover Fair in Germany.
The memorandum encourages a closer relationship, and a common framework and understanding, between the members of FuelCellEurope and VDMA Fuel Cells. The aim is to foster cooperation between the organizations and contribute to accelerating the commercialization of fuel cell technologies in Germany and across Europe, through joint actions such as networking and lobbying for fuel cells.
The associations have committed to strengthening collaborative efforts; sharing information related to industrial, scientific, political and regulatory developments; and promoting policies that facilitate access for fuel cell technologies to markets.
'VDMA is a prominent player in the industrial sphere in Germany. In the last couple of years they have made determinant progress in Germany, where the fuel cell industry is now starting to find a credible space among sustainable energy options,' comments Jean-Marc Tixhon, chairman of FuelCellEurope. 'More than ever, cooperation is a core component to get our messages heard by the many decision-makers influencing our technologies and markets. This is an important step to coordinate efforts in Europe, and we intend to replicate such agreements with interested partners throughout Europe.' Michael Bode, chairman of VDMA Fuel Cells, adds: 'In a more and more European and global market, it is vital that the German fuel cell industry cooperates with FuelCellEurope as the European voice of the industry vis-ร -vis the European Parliament, the Commission and the Council.'
FuelCellEurope is the European association of fuel cell producers, and brings together member organizations from 10 European countries, as well as the US, Canada, China and Japan. Its mission is to accelerate European research and deployment of world-class fuel cell technologies for applications in transport, stationary and portable power.
VDMA Fuel Cells is a group of the German Engineering Federation, based in Frankfurt, and acts as the industry network for manufac-turers of fuel cell systems and components, with more than 50 main industry players.