The use of hydrogen as a major future secondary energy carrier is an essential element for global sustainable development, because it serves a wide range of stationary, mobile and portable energy purposes – especially in combination with fuel cells. Intensive efforts are being made worldwide at developing components of energy carrier, fuel supply and energy conversion systems. They are supported by governments, industrial companies and research institutions all over the world.

Based on experience and progress up to the year 2010, the 18WHEC2010 is being planned to highlight proposals concerning

• Identifying the potential technical barriers
• Solving the technology problems
• Developing innovative devices to supply and to use hydrogen
• Initiating the transition towards the Hydrogen Energy Economy
• Defining the political and social framework
• Defining niche markets
• Analysing the socio-economic aspects
• Motivating all stakeholders
• Coordinating worldwide activitie

The objective of the 18th World Hydrogen Energy Conference is to promote hydrogen technologies and to identify scientific and strategic issues in the field of hydrogen and fuel cells giving answers based on the most advanced state of the art in science and engineering. Decision makers in politics, industry, research, and finance will be addressed in dedicated strategic sessions of the conference programme. Contributions from international expert speakers will focus on the role and path of hydrogen in the energy economy. Moreover, the cutting-edge research and development on hydrogen and fuel cell technologies will be presented.

At a training and information event on hydrogen and fuel cells college students, university students and teachers will be provided with first-hand information. Advanced technologies, qualifications, up-coming professions, and educational opportunities will be presented. The IPHE Global School Student Competition will be the highlight of this part of the conference programme.