The General Assembly of the European Hydrogen Association (EHA) has appointed Ian Williamson as its new President. Ian, who has led Air Products' Hydrogen and Bio Energy Systems business for seven years and was a founding member of the EU Joint Technology Initiative, succeeds Lars Sjunnesson who has led the organisation since 2005.

Promoting hydrogen for over a decade, the EHA has become a key point of reference for EU, national and local decision makers. The Association currently represents the main European companies that are active in the development of hydrogen infrastucture and 19 national hydrogen and fuel cell organisations from across Europe - including the UK Hydrogen Association of which Ian is Vice Chair. In addition, the EHA also hosts the secretariat of HyRaMP, which is the European Regions and Municipalities Partnership for hydrogen and fuel cells. HyRaMP represents more than 30 active regions in the area of hydrogen application deployment..

In his new role, Ian will oversee the EHA's continued promotion of hydrogen as an important energy carrier in a low carbon economy. Utilising its unique membership structure, he will ensure the Association continues to leverage its close-up insight into national and local developments. This enables the EHA to communicate important hydrogen and fuel cell industry issues regarding industrial and regulatory needs to key decision makers at EU level.

"It's crucial that the EU, national and regional governments demonstrate a commitment - backed-up by financial and non-financial incentives - to support the hydrogen and fuel cell industry," commented Ian. "Recent developments such as the EU Competitiveness Council's conclusions on the EU Clean and Energy Efficient Vehicles Strategy, clearly show we're making progress. I'm certain that, with the knowledge and expertise of EHA's members, this momentum will continue build."