Study on Value Chain and Manufacturing Competitiveness Analysis for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Technologies

Fuel cells and hydrogen (FCH) could bring significant environmental benefits across the energy system if deployed widely: low carbon and highly efficient energy conversions with zero air quality emissions. The socio-economic benefits to Europe could also be substantial, through employment in development, manufacturing, installation and service sectors, and through technology export. Major corporations are stressing the economic and environmental value of FCH technologies, and the importance of including them in both transport and stationary energy systems globally, while national governments and independent agencies are supporting their role in the energy systems transition.

Recognising the potential economic and industrial benefits from a strong FCH supply chain in Europe, and the opportunities for initiatives to support new energy supply chains, the FCH 2 JU commissioned a study to evaluate for the first time the value added that the fuel cell and hydrogen sector can bring to Europe by 2030.

Multiple indicators suggest that the FCH sector is starting to grow, and poised to grow fast. In fact, this growth must be relatively rapid to create both the size of industry and the mature supply chains required for it to be self-sustaining. The supply chain is currently global and likely to remain so, and Europe occupies a strong position within it. The study has concluded and provided evidences showing that the FCH sector offers Europe a chance to benefit economically and environmentally from an emerging industry and strengthen its position in clean technologies generally.

The Value Chain study complements the Hydrogen Roadmap for Europe, published under FCH 2 JU. This lays out a pathway for the large-scale deployment of hydrogen and fuel cells to 2050 in order to achieve a 2-degree climate scenario.