Who we are
A Government-to-Government Partnership dedicated to hydrogen
The International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy (IPHE), established in 2003, is an international Government-to-Government partnership whose objective is to facilitate and accelerate the transition to clean and efficient energy and mobility systems using fuel cells and hydrogen (FCH) technologies. Each of the IPHE partner countries has committed to accelerate the development of FCH technologies to enhance the security and efficiency of their energy systems, to help address environmental objectives, and to grow the economy.
Our Story and purpose
The formation of IPHE was facilitated by the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of Transportation in 2003 to foster international cooperation on hydrogen and fuel cell R&D, common codes and standards, and information sharing on infrastructure development. Originally organized as "The International Partnership for the Hydrogen Economy," the organization changed its official title to "The International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy" in December 2009 (still abbreviated as IPHE). The Chair of IPHE is elected by IPHE members and typically serves a 2 year term, with the potential for renewal. Chairs have included: Canada, Germany, Japan, France, the U.S., and The Netherlands. Chairmanship is currently with Brazil, together with the Netherlands, Japan, and the USA as co-chairs.
Our purpose is to serve as a mechanism to organize and implement effective, efficient, and focused international research, development, demonstration and commercial utilization activities related to hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. It also provides a forum for advancing policies, and common codes and standards that can accelerate the cost-effective transition to a global hydrogen economy to enhance energy security and environmental protection.
Executives
Secretariat
IPHE has a dedicated Secretariat since 2014, employing 3 individuals and 1 fellow.
The Secretariat can be contacted at secretariat@iphe.net
Steering Committee
The IPHE Steering Committee provides strategic guidance for the partnership’s work. It oversees the overall framework, policies, and activities, ensures progress on joint projects, and helps shape future priorities in research, development, and deployment of hydrogen technologies. The Committee also supports efforts on international standards and safety. The Steering Committee has the authority to form appropriate Task Forces, Work Groups, and any other subgroups it determines are needed to assist its work. It meets usually twice a year, with decisions made by consensus among its members, and each IPHE member may make up to two appointments to the Steering Committee.
IPHE Members
IPHE membership is currently made of 26 countries and the European Commission. Together, they represent more than 80% of global GDP, and most of the hydrogen production and consumption.
Click on any IPHE country members to access their dedicated webpage.