France-Scotland alliance to boost hydrogen deployment

France Hydrogène and the Scottish Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Association (SHFCA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration and cooperation between the two organizations and accelerate the deployment of hydrogen for the transition to net zero.

According to the SHFCA, the partnership will leverage the strengths and expertise of both associations with a new and forward-looking Auld Alliance across a combined membership of over 650 organizations.

Key objectives of the MoU include:

• Collaborative projects: helping develop effective links between France Hydrogène and SHFCA on behalf of organizations’ members;
• Knowledge sharing: supporting the growth and beneficial impacts of the sector, and developing and sharing best practices in the safe use and deployment of hydrogen;
• Advocacy and representation: improving engagement with other organizations in complementary geographic locations to support the development of alliances;
• Capacity building: supporting skills development, training, education and wider STEM outreach activities; and
• Resource sharing: coordinating news articles, communications, and events where appropriate and in common interest.

Scottish Government Energy Minister Gillian Martin said: “This strategic partnership between the Scottish Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Association and France Hydrogène will help to accelerate hydrogen development in both countries. It is a relationship that will support skills development, foster business growth and drive crucial research and development activities to accelerate the technology’s roll-out in this crucial decade for our energy transition.”

President of France Hydrogène Philippe Boucly noted: “We are glad to strengthen our relationship with the Scottish Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Association (SHFCA) on key topics for the ramp-up of the European hydrogen economy. We are looking forward to further cooperating with Scotland to foster cooperation between our associations and our members to combat climate change, strengthen European energy security and economic development.”

Chief Executive of SHFCA Nigel Holmes added: “I am delighted that we have established this new and forward-looking Auld Alliance with France Hydrogene to help accelerate the deployment of hydrogen and fuel cells. This will help establish a thriving hydrogen economy across Europe using the expertise from our combined membership of over 650 organisations in our fast-growing sector.”

To note, France Hydrogène has more than 450 members and brings together the stakeholders of the French hydrogen sector across the entire value chain.

With over 220 members, SHFCA said it has a broad membership base, reflecting the awareness of its core technologies and how hydrogen and fuel cell technologies can enable renewables to deliver their full economic and environmental potential in key energy market areas.

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