Power management company Eaton have announced that it has become the latest member of Hydrogen Europe, the leading European association working to make fuel cell and hydrogen (FCH) technologies an everyday reality, as part of curbing carbon emissions.

With more than 200 companies, 80 research organisations and 25 national associations as members, Hydrogen Europe encompasses the entire value chain of the European Hydrogen and fuel cell ecosystem. As well as promoting best practices, helping to formulate effective public policy, and representing the interests of its members, the association also plays a pivotal role in FCH innovation through a unique public-private research partnership with the European Commission, The Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCHJU).

With funding from industry, research organisations, and the EU’s Horizon 2020 program, the FCHJU had a total budget of €1.33 billion for its research, development, and demonstration activities during the past seven years. Additionally, as part of the EU’s upcoming research and innovation program, Horizon Europe, FCHJU projects aim to improve the performance of FCH products while reducing their cost, and to demonstrate the technology’s readiness for use in transportation. Ultimately, the FCHJU intends to accelerate market adoption of these technologies, fulfilling their potential for decarbonisation of the energy system.

As a Hydrogen Europe member from January 2021, Eaton will actively participate in the association’s General Assembly, help to shape the priorities for technical committees, join working groups, and benefit from the association’s expertise and best practices. Eaton is building on its two-decade track record of advanced R&D in vehicle fuel cell controls and is now focusing on efficient and affordable solutions to enable the hydrogen economy.

“We’re delighted to join Hydrogen Europe,” comments Jörgen von Bodenhausen, senior manager, Government Programs, Eaton. “As a member, we can now exchange knowledge and best practices with a vast network of industry and academic experts, as well as policy makers—collaborating on innovation that will enable switching to green hydrogen, decarbonisation, and a more sustainable future.”

As Europe seeks to combat climate change and greenhouse gas emissions, variable and intermittent renewable generation will make up a greater proportion of its energy mix—increasing grid volatility. FCH technologies will play a major role in meeting this challenge, adding flexibility to the system by storing green power for later consumption. Recent studies by Bloomberg New Energy Finance suggest greater flexibility is essential to accelerate the transition to clean power—enabling the efficient integration of 80% or more renewable energy by 2040.

“Membership of Hydrogen Europe brings a fantastic chance to be on the cutting-edge of new developments,” adds Mihai Dorobantu, director, Technology Planning and Government Affairs, Vehicle Group, Eaton. “Switching to green hydrogen will play a vital role in the European energy transition. As a member, we can generate greater, more immediate opportunities for ourselves and our customers that will enhance our competitiveness in the FCH space across various Eaton businesses, accelerating the adoption of crucial zero-emission technologies.”

As an innovator in power management solutions, Eaton is dedicated to creating new technologies and services that improve quality of life and the environment for everyone. By leveraging local ecosystems of expertise, such as Hydrogen Europe, Eaton can magnify the impact of its multi-billion dollar investment in R&D—enabling more open innovation worldwide.

Eaton’s mission is to improve the quality of life and the environment through the use of power management technologies and services. We provide sustainable solutions that help our customers effectively manage electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical power – more safely, more efficiently, and more reliably. Eaton’s 2019 revenues were $21.4 billion, and we sell products to customers in more than 175 countries. We have approximately 92,000 employees. For more information, visit Eaton.com.