For the first time, the FCH JU took part in the Intentional Transport Forum (ITF) Summit, from 18 to 20 May 2016, in Leipzig.

Identified as the transport pillar of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the ITF is an intergovernmental organisation with 57 member countries which acts as a think-tank on transport policy issues. Since 2008, the Summit brings together ministers from around the world to share policy perspectives with CEOs, heads of international organisations, leaders from the civil society and academia, as well as media.

This year’s edition focused on Green and Inclusive Transport and explored the importance of low-carbon transport as an essential element in the transition to a green growth economy as well as the changes needed to make transport more inclusive and to provide universal access  to jobs, public services, and other opportunities.

The FCH JU seized this opportunity to present its main activities and recent developments in the area of transport,  participating jointly with its main transport demonstration projects: HyFIVE, H2ME and CHIC.

On Wednesday 18  May, the FCH JU Chairman, Pierre-Etienne Franc participated in the Ministers Roundtable “The path beyond Paris: Paving a low-carbon future for transport”.

French Ambassador Germany, Mr Philippe Etienne,  with FCH JU Chairman Pierre-Etienne Franc

The purpose was to enable ministers to exchange with leaders of industry and international organisations on the role of the transport sector within  the global efforts to reduce carbon emissions by exploring several key issues.

Ministers' Roundtable attendees - find all names here

On the Thursday 19 May, the FCH JU joined the launch session on the “ITF Global Decarbonising Transport Project”. More than 40 partners and supporting organisations joined this kick-off at global summit of transport ministers. This is a major global initiative towards carbon-free transport.

Throughout the event, the FCH JU together with its transport projects’ teams were present from a stand to raise awareness on the technology readiness and also disseminate latest information on demo projects.

ITF Secretary General José Viegas visiting the FCH JU stand

In addition, three manufacturers (BMW, Daimler and Honda) exhibited their Fuel Cell cars from FCH JU project HyFIVE and allowed for delegates to test drive the vehicles. This allowed for many delegates, amongst which the Deputy Prime Minister of Saxon, Mr Dulig, to experiment Fuel cell Electric vehicles’ benefits and witness the technology readiness.

You can watch the interview from the ITF 2016 with Mr. Pierre- Etienne Franc (FCH JU Governing Board Chair) here and with Mr. Carlos Navas (FCH JU Project Manager) here.