The Technology Strategy Board is to invest up to £7.5m in collaborative research and development projects involving fuel cells and hydrogen energy systems. We aim to accelerate the commercialisation of these products by linking them with other technologies to form complete low-carbon solutions.

One of the challenges facing fuel-cell and hydrogen technologies is to move from development to providing practical low-carbon solutions in combination with other energy and transport products. The aim of this competition is to encourage UK businesses developing fuel cells and hydrogen systems to work with partners to overcome the system integration challenges, to design complete solutions that can be easily used by customers and to gain an insight into the use of whole systems in realistic scenarios. We also aim to build on existing investments, to strengthen UK capability by supporting the development of new strategic partnerships, and to provide evidence to government and industry on the case for further investment.

This is a two-stage open competition. Proposals must be collaborative and business-led and must clearly present the benefits to UK businesses. The competition opens on 9 January 2012 and the registration deadline is at noon on 15 February 2012. There is a briefing day on 18 January 2012. Successful projects will generally attract up to 50% public funding and we expect the total cost of each project to be £3m-5m.

To view the webinar recording of the 18th January briefing event please click here.