The year of the hydrogen car cometh

By Anna McLauchlin

Date: 23/09/04

HYDROGEN-powered cars could hit Europe's roads as early as 2008, as a result of the European Commission's "Lighthouse" projects, Commission officials have told European Voice.

In June, the EU executive asked Europe's carmakers, utility firms and oil companies to make proposals by the end of 2004 for investment in projects that would bridge the gap between the technology phase of hydrogen power and its introduction onto the market.

All Europe's major car companies support the idea and, helped by an initial €100 million Commission budget, projects could start as early as next year.

Under the scheme, companies might forge public-private partnerships with local or central governments and authorities to provide huge investment expected to span ten years.

The Commission and its partners would work towards creating "hydrogen communities" in Europe - cities or areas within the EU whose transport systems, communications, heat and light would all depend on hydrogen.

Under the project, €2.8 billion would be earmarked for investing in hydrogen power and communities.