Dear Friends,

October is also coming to an end in a flash, and in a flash, we will also end this 2025. Before drawing overall conclusions, and focusing on what we've seen and shared over the past month, several aspects are relevant.

We've been talking for some time about the difficulties the hydrogen sector is facing, things we all know and we all see. But at the same time, I fear that many of us are looking at what is happening through distorted lenses, with an out-of-focus perspective, especially in understanding and visualizing the whole picture. It's this distorted view that makes us stagger. It risks causing us to crash. Why do I say this? Because from a global perspective, we're watching the hydrogen sector grow, we're watching many projects reach maturity, and we're watching investments proceed. And that's precisely the point. China is currently the world's leading hydrogen sector investor, almost doubling Europe. The United States is also ahead. And project investments certainly involve a development - if not research - dimension. Of course, Europe is still a leader in some indicators, especially in the number of projects, initiatives, and funds allocated to research, development, and innovation. But as has been said many times, even at the risk of becoming repetitive, the competitive edge is marginal. It is the large projects, the large investments that will ultimately drive the growth of champions. And China just recently announced the direction of its next five-year program. This does not mention the development of battery-powered mobility, but the development of hydrogen mobility as a goal. But how? Is China, a leader in the battery-electric segment, abandoning it to pursue another path - a pioneer, I might say?

The document, published in full by the Chinese news agency Xinhua, explicitly states that "it is necessary to develop far-sighted plans for the industries of the future," including hydrogen.

"We must explore diversified technological paths, typical application scenarios, viable business models, and market regulatory rules, and work to promote new drivers of economic growth such as quantum technology, bio-production, hydrogen energy and nuclear fusion, brain-computer interfaces, embodied artificial intelligence (AI), and 6G mobile communications," the Central Committee members wrote in their recommendations.

In a word, I would say that "the Chinese have done their sums." And with foresight, they are aiming for new technologies, diversification, risk reduction, and leading positioning in future markets.

We discussed this and more during the recent Hydrogen Week, pointing out and emphasizing some key issues necessary to remain competitive: timeframes for action, policy coherence, support for the simultaneous growth of industrial capacity and markets in Europe, current and future competitiveness guaranteed by support for research and development, and attention to skills development. These are all issues on which we are losing ground, primarily due to the slow pace of progress rather than the decline in our capabilities and skills. We need speed, a long-term vision, and guaranteed paths and tools to navigate them. Come on, we're ready to go, we're ready for a new partnership that takes into account a broader framework of intervention, a broader relationship between the EU, Member States, and the various stakeholders. We can still do it, marginally!

On the sidelines, and with great joy and satisfaction, I want to bring you back and invite you to read the October entry in our Women in Hydrogen campaign. This month, we met with Mirela Atanasiu, Head of Unit Operations at the Clean Hydrogen Partnership. One of the few people, perhaps the only one in Europe, who embodies great expertise and vision for the hydrogen sector, an understanding of its rules and mechanisms, and a vision of the sector's growth, challenges, and barriers. She has guided many success stories over the years, even before the launch of the first Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking program. I found the reading not only enjoyable but also evocative, tracing a passionate journey, a determination and tenacity that we all must take a piece of, so as to never give up or stop in our desire to create lasting value in the hydrogen sector in Europe.

Happy reading!

HYDROGEN EUROPE RESEARCH NEWS AND ACTIVITIES

Empowering women in hydrogen research: a new partnership between HER and Women in Green Hydrogen

We are thrilled to announce a new partnership between Hydrogen Europe Research and Women in Green Hydrogen (WiGH)!

This collaboration brings together two communities with a shared vision: a hydrogen sector that is not only innovative and sustainable, but also inclusive and diverse. Together, we aim to promote gender equality by creating more visibility for women in hydrogen research, strengthening networks and encouraging new voices to take the stage.

Through this partnership, HER and WiGH will join forces on a range of initiatives, from joint communication campaigns to capacity-building activities designed to empower women across all career stages. We are proud to work alongside WiGH to create stronger connections across the hydrogen community and highlight the many ways women are shaping the future of this field.

Keep an eye on our next updates as we unite efforts to launch our first joint actions in 2026!

Women in Hydrogen Campaign

In early June, we proudly launched our “Women in Hydrogen” campaign to highlight the voices, experiences, and leadership of women driving innovation in the hydrogen sector. Every month, we will showcase the stories of extraordinary women from our membership who are shaping the future of hydrogen. 

On October 1, we were excited to feature Mirela Atanasiu, Head of Unit for Operations and Communications at the Clean Hydrogen Partnership. Originally from Romania, Mirela began her journey as a chemical engineer, always driven by curiosity and the desire to understand how things work. Moving to Brussels as a seconded national expert opened the door to a truly international environment, where she could exchange ideas and tackle Europe’s energy challenges together with colleagues from across the continent and beyond.

Today, she is excited to see how the work of the Clean Hydrogen Partnership empowers researchers and industry alike, helping innovative ideas turn into real-life solutions – from pilot projects to large-scale Hydrogen Valleys.

In her leadership experience, Mirela has seen firsthand how teams truly benefit from diversity: women often bring unique perspectives and excel at managing complex, multitasking environments – skills that are invaluable in the hydrogen field.

Read Mirela's full interview here!

***

On October 27, we featured Merit Bodner from Graz University of Technology, a brilliant example of how a career path does not always have to follow a straight line.

After earning her PhD at Graz University of Technology, Merit ventured into industry before returning to academia, driven by curiosity and a passion for deeper research.

For Merit, the complexity of the hydrogen field calls for diversity in terms of gender, background, and experience. The challenges are varied, she says, so our solutions must be too. Her message to young women in research and STEM is simple yet powerful: trust your abilities, learn from every step, and use your skills to open new doors. The path may be demanding, but growth makes every challenge worthwhile.

Watch Merit’s full interview here!

HYPERION Stakeholder Survey Results

Hydrogen has the power to reshape our energy systems, from industry to mobility and power generation. Realising its full potential, however, depends on coordinated action and collaboration at the regional level.

The survey was conducted across several European regions, reflecting a diverse geographical scope. It took place in Tuscany in Italy, Dobrogea in Romania, Pomerania in Poland, East Flanders in Belgium, Castilla y León in Spain, Ostrobothnia in Finland, Rogaland in Norway, and Ringkøbing in Denmark.

100 stakeholders shared their insights on hydrogen-related developments in their regions. Respondents represented a wide range of sectors, with strong participation from local public authorities and industry, including both large companies and SMEs. The highest number of responses came from Spain, Romania, and Italy, offering particularly rich insights from those regions.

The findings offer a clear picture of where Europe’s hydrogen ecosystem stands from a regional perspective - uncovering gaps in knowledge, barriers to progress, and opportunities for collaboration.

A big thank you to all regional partners and stakeholders who made this survey possible!

From knowledge gaps to opportunities: discover here what Europe’s regions reveal about hydrogen!

Young Scientist Award 2025 Ceremony: join us on November 24!

A total of 42 researchers from 34 institutions across 15 countries are in the run for the Hydrogen Europe Research Young Scientist Award 2025, with Italy, Spain and Germany leading in participation.

Since 2018, this award has recognised outstanding under-35 researchers in hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, celebrating excellence and encouraging emerging talent.

The five winners - one in each of the Clean Hydrogen Partnership’s four pillars (production, storage and distribution, usages, and cross-cutting activities) plus the Best Researcher of the Year - will be announced on 24 November during the EU Hydrogen Research and Innovation Days 2025 in Brussels. Each laureate will receive €1000 and a trophy, presented by HER President Luigi Crema. Hydrogen Europe Research will also cover the winner’s travel and accommodation for the EU Hydrogen Research and Innovation Days, offering media the chance to meet and interview them.

The ceremony will take place jointly with the Clean Hydrogen Partnership Awards 2025, celebrating excellence and collaboration across the hydrogen value chain.

Discover more about past winners here!

Hydrogen Europe Research participation in the Clean Hydrogen Partnership Innovation Forum

On the first day of the Innovation Forum 2025, organised by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership on 2-3 October, our President Luigi Crema spoke about the past achievements, the current momentum, and the future challenges of hydrogen in Europe in a panel discussion titled “Make Europe a Hydrogen Champion (Again) – What’s Next?”.

He underlined how, over the last 17 years, the Clean Hydrogen Partnership has played a key role in shaping the European hydrogen sector, backing more than 400 projects and helping technologies move from early research to industrial deployment and scale-up. That is why, at Hydrogen Europe Research, we see the next step as a new Joint Undertaking, designed to meet today’s realities and tomorrow’s ambitions.

To prepare for this, among other things, our members of the Low TRL Research Working Group are drafting several papers on the future priorities of research, because the progress of tomorrow depends on the research we invest in today. These new papers will complement our position paper published in November 2024, which can be found here.

CLEAN HYDROGEN PARTNERSHIP UPDATES

By the end of the year, the Governing Board of the Clean Hydrogen Partnership will approve the full Annual Work Plan ahead of the publication of the Call for Proposals expected for mid-January 2026.

Looking ahead, activities surrounding Annual Work Plan (AWP) 2027 will kick-off next month, in November. Should you be interested in participating to the elaboration of the next AWP, do not hesitate to get in touch with our Innovation Manager – Louis Mazurkiewicz, l.mazurkiewicz@hydrogeneuroperesearch.eu.

The EU Research & Innovation Days of the Clean Hydrogen Partnership will take place in Brussels on Monday 24 and Tuesday 25 November. The event will be held in person at the Sofitel Europe Hotel, with a maximum capacity of 250 people – spots are going fast! The HER General Assembly will follow the event, on Wednesday 26 November.

The EU Research & Innovation Days build on the legacy of the historical Programme Review Days, serving as a platform to showcase successful Clean Hydrogen Partnership projects, address challenges and explore future directions in hydrogen research. The 2025 edition will highlight progress across the Clean Hydrogen Partnership programme, providing a high-visibility stage to assess results, exchange insights, and identify future priorities for the sector. High-level representatives from the European Commission, industry, and research organisations will share their insights on the latest advances in Europe and beyond.

In addition, HER will celebrate inspiring and successful young scientists with our annual Young Scientists Award taking place at the end of the first day of the event – just before the traditional networking drinks!

The agenda can be found here and registration can be done here.

Following the second edition of the Hydrogen Valley Days which took place on the 24 and 25 June in Brussels, the Clean Hydrogen Partnership launched a Project Development Assistance (PDA) programme offering tailored expert support services in commercial, technical, regulatory and governance dimensions to advance Hydrogen Valleys projects towards the Final Investment Decision (FID). The call for applications attracted 36 applications for PDA support from 18 EU and Horizon Europe countries.

Following the evaluation of the proposals received, 15 PDA beneficiaries representing Hydrogen Valleys from across 11 countries (8 EU Member States and 3 Horizon Europe associated countries) were selected. More information on the Hydrogen Valleys Facility, as well as the list of selected Hydrogen Valleys, can be found here.

MEMBERS' NEWS

Join the European hydrogen research and innovation community!

Hydrogen Europe Research brings together leading scientists and organisations driving the hydrogen transition across Europe. Becoming a member gives you the chance to connect with peers, access exclusive resources, and contribute to shaping the future of hydrogen technologies.

As a member, you can take part in the activities of the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, contributing to the development of strategic priorities and supporting the implementation of research and innovation programmes. In collaboration with the public and private members of the Clean Hydrogen Partnership (the European Commission and Hydrogen Europe), Hydrogen Europe Research’s members participate in the identification of annual and multi-annual research and innovation priorities and the elaboration of research topics included in yearly Annual Work Plans.

In addition, members can actively participate in our working groups, collaborating with other researchers to advance the hydrogen sector through focused initiatives and projects:

• Policy Working Group: it engages with European policy developments to ensure that the scientific community's voice is heard in shaping the hydrogen economy.
• Skills Working Group: it addresses the growing demand for skilled professionals in the hydrogen industry by identifying training needs and promoting educational initiatives.
• Low TRL Research Working Group: it focuses on early-stage research to explore and develop innovative hydrogen technologies, aiming to bridge the gap between fundamental research and practical applications. 
• R&T Infrastructures Working Group: it supports the integration of hydrogen technologies into various sectors by fostering collaboration among research institutions, industries, and governments.

If you are not yet a member and would like to learn more about joining us, please reach out to us at secretariat@hydrogeneuroperesearch.eu!

Discover our membership criteria here!

Welcome to our new members

Jožef Stefan Institute

Founded in 1949, the institute advances knowledge across physics, chemistry, materials science, nuclear engineering, robotics, and artificial intelligence, while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and strong links to industry. With more than 760 projects annually, 13 ERC grants, and over 1000 scientific papers published in 2024, JSI stands as a leading centre of European excellence.

Technical University of Munich

At TUM, more than 80 employees are engaged in the field of Power-to-X and hydrogen technologies. Across four schools and 18 chairs and institutes, professors conduct research together with their academic staff and doctoral students. The transfer from research to application is driven by strong collaboration with industry and business.

University of Cumbria

UoC is a growing institution with around 1000 staff members and a strong applied research profile aligned with regional and national priorities in sustainability, energy, and advanced manufacturing. Within the Institute of Engineering, Computing and Advanced Manufacturing (IoECAM), they are establishing the Group for Innovation in Hydrogen Research and Sustainability (iHRS).

Tampere University

It is recognised for its excellence in teaching and research and maintains collaborations with hundreds of universities and organisations around the world. The university community includes approximately 23,200 students and about 4,200 staff members representing more than 80 countries. Tampere University is actively involved in hydrogen research, focusing on fuel cells, electrolysis, and hydrogen production through electrochemical and photoelectrochemical processes. Additionally, researchers conduct materials to system-level studies to optimize hydrogen technologies for real-world applications.

Members' News

HyQuality Europe Third Webinar, 24 November 2025, from 14:00-15:30 CET, online

Join the third webinar of the HyQuality Europe project, organised by EIFER - European Institute for Energy Research!

Funded by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, HyQuality Europe aims to achieve outstanding results in hydrogen quality assurance across Europe, particularly in the context of hydrogen mobility. The goal is to increase the reliability of hydrogen refueling stations (HRS) and to build confidence among investors, operators, and consumers.

The webinar will take place on Monday, 24 November 2025, from 14:00-15:30 CET.

Register here!

PhD Opportunity in Maritime Hydrogen Technologies at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences

Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL) is offering a fully funded 3-year PhD position in Maritime Hydrogen Technologies, with a focus on Protonic Ceramic Fuel Cells (PCFCs). This opportunity is part of the national research centre FME HyValue – Hydrogen Value Chain Research and is offered in collaboration with the University of Bergen and NORCE.

Key Details:

• Start Date: 15 December 2025 (or by agreement)
• Location: Bergen, Norway
• Duration: 3 years
• Application Deadline: 3 November 2025

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge hydrogen research and advance the transition to sustainable maritime energy.

Learn more & apply here!

EVENTS ATTENDED BY HYDROGEN EUROPE RESEARCH

Hydrogen Europe Research recently contributed to two major international events highlighting the growing importance of skills in the hydrogen transition. These engagements underscored HER’s active role in connecting research, policy, and training initiatives across Europe and beyond.

Linking European and Regional Hydrogen Ecosystems

On October 28, the European Chemical Regions Network (ECRN), together with the Erasmus+ project “Professionals and Their Skills in Hydrogen” and the Mazovia Region, hosted a half-day event exploring how European hydrogen policies and partnerships translate into national and regional ecosystems in Belgium and Poland.

The event brought together policymakers, researchers, and regional leaders to exchange concrete experiences and new perspectives on Europe’s hydrogen transition with focus on the skills development. Discussions revealed how innovation, investment, and workforce development are advancing across the continent.

Hydrogen Europe Research presented both its internal work on hydrogen skills and its external engagement activities, including insights from the Green Skills for Hydrogen. The project aims to align training programmes and educational frameworks with the rapidly evolving needs of the hydrogen industry, ensuring Europe’s workforce is equipped for the energy transition.

Supporting Global Knowledge Sharing on Hydrogen Skills

HER also participated in the International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy (IPHE) webinar (29.10.), marking the launch of the report “Skills for the Hydrogen Economy: Guidance Document to Support the Development of Sustainable Hydrogen Workforces – Part 2: Training – International Case Studies.”

The report was drafted under Hydrogen Europe Research's lead and showcases examples of hydrogen training initiatives from around the world, providing valuable guidance for policymakers and various stakeholders. The event featured a panel discussion with leading experts in hydrogen skills development and training, which was moderated by Hydrogen Europe Research.

The discussion highlighted the diversity of training approaches globally and the importance of international collaboration to ensure a skilled workforce capable of supporting hydrogen deployment at scale.

The full report is available here.

EVENTS YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS!

Workshop: Fuel Cell Applications for Maritime Sector, 6 November 2025, Paris, France

The IEA Advanced Fuel Cells Technology Collaboration Programme (IEA AFC TCP), in close cooperation with other IEA Technology Collaboration Programmes (TCPs), the IEA itself, and key industry stakeholders, is organising a dedicated workshop on fuel cell applications in the maritime sector.

With global transport demands rising and emission regulations becoming stricter, the maritime industry is undergoing a significant technological transformation. This workshop will bring together experts from shipbuilding, port operations, academia, industry, and government to:

• Examine the evolving policy landscape, standards, and international regulations relevant to maritime fuel cell deployment;
• Present case studies and best practices of fuel cell technologies in shipping and port operations;
• Highlight emerging technology trends and demonstration experiences across the maritime sector;
• Discuss and define priorities for the launch of a dedicated AFC TCP Task on fuel cell applications in the maritime sector.

Join the discussion in Paris on 6 November 2025! Please register using this link. A maximum of 60 participants can attend the workshop - reserve your place today!

ZBT Hydrogen Energy Symposium 2025, 12 November 2025, Duisburg, Germany

Join the ZBT Hydrogen Energy Symposium, hosted by the ZBT Research School! This event, taking place on November 12, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM at Fraunhofer InHaus Center, Forsthausweg 1, 47057 Duisburg, brings together researchers, experts, and enthusiasts for a full day dedicated to exploring advancements in hydrogen energy.

The symposium will feature insightful talks and engaging poster presentations from various fields of hydrogen energy research. Key topics which will be tackled are:

• Functional Materials and Electrochemical Systems
• Hydrogen Storage, Transportation, Safety, and Regulations
• Fuel Cells and Electrolyzers
• Hydrogen Applications in Transportation, Industry, and Energy Systems

Take a look at some highlights from the 2024 Hydrogen Energy Symposium here!

Spaces may be limited, so secure your spot early to avoid missing out!

European Hydrogen Energy Conference (EHEC) 2026, 11-13 March 2026, Seville, Spain 

The European Hydrogen Energy Conference (EHEC), Europe's benchmark forum on hydrogen technologies, is back!

Taking place in Seville, 11-13 March 2026, and organised by the Asociación Española del Hidrógeno (AeH2), EHEC provides a prestigious platform for researchers, technologists, and innovators to showcase their work to a global audience.

With 250+ scientific and technical sessions and strong international participation, the conference is designed to foster cross-border dialogue and accelerate the hydrogen transition.

Do not miss the chance to be part of one of Europe’s leading hydrogen events!

Discover more here!

Hydrogen Days 2026, 11-13 March 2026, Prague, Czech Republic 

The 16th edition of the international conference Hydrogen Days 2026 will take place on 11-13 March 2026 in Prague!

Over the years, Hydrogen Days has become a recognised platform for bringing together experts from research, industry, and policy, creating a space for dialogue on the latest developments and the future of the hydrogen sector. This year’s motto, “Hydrogen at the Crossroads: Courage to Continue”, reflects the challenges and opportunities shaping the path forward for hydrogen technologies in Europe.

Participants can look forward to:

• the latest research results and innovation
• insights into the evolving hydrogen value chain – from materials research to market deployment
• updates on legislative and regulatory frameworks
• discussions on financing and lessons learned from real-world project implementation

Hydrogen Days 2026 offers a unique opportunity to exchange knowledge, foster new partnerships, and co-create the future of the hydrogen economy.

The organisers of Hydrogen Days 2026, Czech Hydrogen Technology Platform (HYTEP), invite the scientific community to submit abstracts now: showcase your research and contribute to the international dialogue on hydrogen! 

The abstract submission deadline is 14 November 2025. Check the requirements here!

Discover more about the conference here!

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