Dear Friends,

With great pleasure, I write to you at the end of an intense year, which has seen us engaged on many fronts and with great efforts to advance the hydrogen sector through the scientific excellence that distinguishes our Association and each member! Certainly, between successes and difficulties. This is life!

I am writing to you after a particularly intense month, with the Hydrogen Week event in Brussels, where it was with great pleasure that I met many of you. I want to share some messages that come back to me from all these experiences.

First of all, I want to share the belief that our role in the development of the hydrogen sector is fundamental. I am not saying this only as an indication of priorities on research funds, but I am also saying it from the point of view that we have as third parties between the institutions and the world of business and entrepreneurship. More and more, our point of view is something that qualifies the development of policies and priorities. I am increasingly asked to give an opinion on what is useful or necessary to do to work on the barriers related to the development of the hydrogen sector. And many of these require actions, even urgent ones, of research and development, even at the lowest TRLs.

The Hydrogen Week was a very successful event. We had the opportunity to have great visibility and to participate as HER in various discussion tables and in a joint boot with the European Commission, Hydrogen Europe, and the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, to open and close the week together, although there is still something that can be improved.

Inside the newsletter, you will find all the events, the numbers, and the emotions experienced during this week in Brussels.

In addition to looking back, we are certainly in a part of the year in which we begin to look forward, to what to take in hand along 2025. About this, we certainly have many initiatives simmering in the pot, which will see a decisive role of our members, and above all will begin to build the foundations for the near future of hydrogen research in Europe. In Europe, but not only.

As Hydrogen Europe Research, I think we can talk and give some suggestions in the international context as well, as we are already doing in the collaborations with IPHE and with UNIDO, but I hope they can grow soon also in other areas. One of my wishes is that we return to talk about research and projects, together, in dedicated moments and events. We are working on this and we will reserve some surprises for you in 2025. These are occasions not only to talk about science but also to highlight the excellence that our members represent and the projects they are carrying out.

Having said this, I take this opportunity to send you, your family and your loved ones all the best wishes for the Holidays and the New Year 2025!

HYDROGEN EUROPE RESEARCH NEWS AND ACTIVITIES

Hydrogen Europe Research participation in the European Hydrogen Week

The European Hydrogen Week, held from 18 to 20 November 2024 in Brussels, was a remarkable event that brought together over 9000 participants from across the hydrogen ecosystem. Over four days, it showcased the latest advancements, innovations, and collaborative efforts shaping the hydrogen economy.

Meanwhile, over 200 distinguished speakers, including policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers, addressed the sector's most pressing challenges and opportunities. These discussions unfolded across 25 panel sessions at the High-Level Policy Conference, the B2B Forum, and the Innovation Forum.

Hydrogen Europe Research played an active role throughout the week.

As exhibitors in Hall 11, we welcomed hundreds of visitors each day. Our booth served as a focal point for discussions on the innovative projects shaping the future of hydrogen technologies and their role in driving sustainability and innovation.

13 of our members hosted their own booths within the Members Pavilion, presenting their cutting-edge research and exciting projects in the hydrogen field.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all participating members for their outstanding contributions:

• CETIM
• Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK)
• German Aerospace Center (DLR)
• Sintef
• Technical University of Madrid (UPM)
• European Research Institute for Gas and Energy Innovation (ERIG)
• HyCentA
• CRM GROUP
• CEA - Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives
• Westfälische Hochschule
• Eurecat
• INIG-PIB - Oil and Gas Institute - National Research Institute
• CERIC-ERIC

On November 18, we held our General Assembly in a hybrid format, both online and in person. The General Assembly was participated by 136 members organisations across Europe and beyond. The event was an opportunity for Hydrogen Europe Research members to come together to review recent developments, set strategic priorities, and discuss pressing topics in the hydrogen sector. Members had the opportunity to share feedback, raise challenges, and propose new ideas for advancing the association's objectives.

During the General Assembly, we proudly unveiled two key publications that highlight the expertise and dedication of our members. These publications, developed in close collaboration with our community, mark significant milestones in our mission to advance hydrogen research and innovation.

Hydrogen Frontiers: The Future EU Landscape is an exciting initiative aimed at encouraging innovation within the hydrogen sector. The publication features stories of groundbreaking advancements and practical applications from Hydrogen Europe Research members, demonstrating how hydrogen is contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future. 

Advancing Hydrogen Technology: key research and innovation priorities outlines HER's strategic vision for advancing hydrogen research, emphasizing areas that need EU funding and partnership support, particularly through initiatives like the Clean Hydrogen Partnership. The paper features a strong focus on sustainability, broadening hydrogen production methods, cost-competitiveness and integrating hydrogen into industrial processes. Especially the metal and ceramics sectors were added, which is an important step as they are hard-to-abate sectors.

On November 20, we were excited to announce the winners of the Young Scientist Award 2024. This prestigious annual competition celebrates the passion and innovation of early-career researchers (below 35 years of age) whose work is paving the way for advancements in hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. By spotlighting groundbreaking contributions, the Young Scientist Award seeks to inspire broader participation in Clean Hydrogen Partnership projects and nurture the leaders of tomorrow.

The 2024 competition highlighted exceptional research across four pillars, with awards given in each category, alongside a special recognition for the Best Researcher of the Year.

Meet the Winners of the Young Scientist Award 2024:

• Hydrogen Production: Jorge Torrero Cámara (German Aerospace Center - DLR)
• Hydrogen Storage and Distribution: Giuseppe Sdanghi (Université de Lorraine)
• Hydrogen Usages: Arianna Baldinelli (Università di Pisa)
• Cross-Cutting Activities: Stefano Barberis (Università degli Studi di Genova)
• Best Researcher of the Year: Paolo Marocco (Politecnico di Torino)

Our warmest congratulations to the winners! We also want to express our gratitude to the many talented young researchers who participated in this year's competition. Stay tuned for news about next year’s Young Scientist Award!

European PHD Hydrogen Conference: 165 abstracts submitted for the second edition!!

The European PhD Hydrogen Conference is back for its second edition, and the response has been extraordinary! With 165 abstracts submitted, this event reaffirms its status as a vital forum for PhD candidates in the hydrogen sector.

Building on the success of the inaugural edition, this year’s conference in Trieste will once again bring together a diverse range of talented individuals eager to share their innovative hydrogen research. We are thrilled to see such an enthusiastic response and look forward to unveiling the program, which promises inspiring presentations and opportunities for collaboration.

The scientific committee will review the abstracts until January 25, 2025. Selected participants will be notified and will be able to make the official registration to the conference at the end of February 2025.

Stakeholder video interview from the Hyperion project

Following the second Hyperion meeting in Gdańsk (Poland) on November 5-6, we are pleased to share an interview with Żaneta Kłostowska, a passionate hydrogen expert from TÜV SÜD, a company specialising in testing, certification, audits, and consultancy services for various sectors.

CLEAN HYDROGEN PARTNERSHIP UPDATES

In addition, the Info Day of the 2025 Call will take place on January 22. Read more here and stay tuned for detailed agenda and registration information.

Looking ahead, activities surrounding the preparation of Annual Work Plan 2026 have started internally. Hydrogen Europe and Hydrogen Europe Research members will have the opportunity to provide their inputs on the priorities they believe should be focused upon for the next Annual Work Plan 2026. Following different steps in the approval process, these priorities will act as a compass for the research and innovation topics that will be developed.

Should you be a Hydrogen Europe Research member interested in participating, do not hesitate to get in touch to be kept informed of all the upcoming communications!

In other news, the 2024 Clean Hydrogen Partnerships awards were celebrated during the Hydrogen Week. To discover the awarded projects, please follow this link.

MEMBERS NEWS

Participate in the Aragon Hydrogen Foundation Awards!

This new category aims to reward the most market-oriented works.

Everyone performing research in Europe is welcome to participate — the call is open until December 29, 2024!

More information can be found here!

Call for Abstracts GCELS-THERESA PhD Network Conference, 4 April 2025, Groningen, The Netherlands

The first Groningen Centre of Energy Law and Sustainability GCELS-THERESA PhD Network Conference, "Training the Future Generations: Hydrogen and the Law," will take place in Groningen on April 4, 2025.

The conference invites PhD candidates from all stages of their research, focusing on the legal aspects of hydrogen deployment within and beyond the EU. Topics may also include electricity and gas regulatory perspectives related to hydrogen. Hosted by the Groningen Centre for Energy Law and Sustainability (GCELS) and chaired by PhD students from the MSCA Doctoral Network ‘THERESA,’ the conference will feature keynote speakers and panellists discussing advancements and challenges in transitioning to renewable fuels, with a special focus on the EU’s hydrogen regulatory framework. A dedicated session for early career PhDs will provide an opportunity to discuss their research plans.

Abstracts should be sent to theresadneu@gmail.com by January 15, 2024. For more information on the call for proposals, please click here.

For more information on both GCELS, and THERESA, herewith are the links to their web pages:

• Groningen Centre of Energy Law and Sustainability (GCELS)
• THERESA

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