Introduction
The Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) is a unique public private partnership supporting research, technological development and demonstration (RTD) activities in fuel cell and hydrogen energy technologies in Europe. Its aim is to accelerate the market introduction of these technologies, realising their potential as an instrument in achieving a carbon-lean energy system.
Fuel cells, as an efficient conversion technology, and hydrogen, as a clean energy carrier, have a great potential to help fight carbon dioxide emissions, to reduce dependence on hydrocarbons and to contribute to economic growth. Established by a Regulation of the Council of Ministers ( 
106 KB ) in May 2008, the objective of the FCH JU is to bring these benefits to Europeans through a concentrated effort from all sectors.
The three members of the FCH JU are the European Commission, fuel cell and hydrogen industries represented by the NEW Industry Grouping and the research community represented by Research Grouping N.ERGHY.
The Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Technology Initiative (FCH JTI) is the initiative proposing this public-private partnership for RTD in fuel cell and hydrogen technologies.
The Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) is the legal entity, in which the partners come together to implement RTD activities.
Through the FCH JU, the three members pool resources and jointly plan activities in order to overcome barriers to the commercial deployment of fuel cell and hydrogen technologies. RTD activities are supported by way of annual competitive calls for proposals, organised according to the strategic priorities set out in annual and multi-annual Implementation Plans.
The planning and implementation of the activities of the FCH JU is a sum of the input of a number of stakeholders represented through the governing and advisory bodies of the FCH JU. The highest decision-making body is the Governing Board with representatives of all the three members.