Dear Friends,

As we move further into 2026, one message becomes increasingly clear: hydrogen is no longer only a technological ambition for Europe, but it is becoming a strategic pillar for our industrial future, our energy resilience, and our competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Across Europe and beyond, the hydrogen sector continues to grow in scale, maturity, and international relevance. Yet this growth also brings new responsibilities. Building a hydrogen market is not enough on its own. Europe must also preserve and strengthen its technological leadership, industrial capabilities, and research excellence across the full hydrogen value chain.

And this is precisely where research and innovation remain essential.

This edition of our newsletter reflects this evolution very clearly. It highlights not only the dynamism of our community but also the increasing interconnectedness between research, infrastructures, skills, international cooperation, demonstration projects, and industrial deployment.

One important milestone is the launch of our new Hydrogen Europe Research website and intranet, designed to strengthen collaboration, accessibility, and knowledge sharing across our growing community. This is more than a communication tool: it is part of our broader effort to reinforce the European hydrogen research ecosystem and facilitate stronger coordination among members.

Another significant signal of this growing international dimension is the arrival of the University of Canterbury as our first member from New Zealand. This follows the integration of our first Canadian member in 2024 and reflects the increasing global recognition of Europe’s hydrogen research ecosystem. Hydrogen challenges are global challenges, and international cooperation is becoming increasingly important to accelerate innovation, connect expertise, and strengthen scientific excellence across regions.

This international and strategic dimension will also be strongly reflected in our upcoming Hydrogen Europe Research General Assembly, which will take place on 17 June in Dublin, Ireland, only a few days before Ireland assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union on 1 July.

The timing is particularly meaningful. At a moment when Europe is increasingly discussing competitiveness, industrial resilience, strategic autonomy, and clean technologies, hydrogen research and innovation are becoming central elements of the broader European agenda.

As part of this important moment for our association, we will continue one of Hydrogen Europe Research’s longstanding traditions: organising an informal dinner dialogue with national stakeholders from government, industry, research organisations, and infrastructure actors. These exchanges have always represented valuable opportunities to connect European perspectives with national priorities in an open and constructive setting.

This year, we are particularly honoured that the Irish Minister of State for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Timmy Dooley, will join the discussion together with representatives from the Irish government, research organisations, industry, infrastructure operators, and the wider hydrogen ecosystem. The dinner will provide an opportunity to discuss the role of hydrogen research and innovation in supporting Europe’s industrial transformation, strengthening cooperation between Ireland and the European hydrogen community, and addressing the challenges linked to scale-up, infrastructure, competitiveness, and skills.

At the same time, our core mission remains firmly rooted in supporting Europe’s research and innovation capacity. The upcoming EPHyC 2026 conference in Trondheim, with its exceptional participation from young researchers across Europe, demonstrates the vitality of the next generation of hydrogen scientists and engineers. Their contribution will be decisive for transforming today’s research into tomorrow’s industrial solutions.

This continuity between research, skills, and industrial application is also visible in our ongoing work through the Low TRL Research Working Group. The extended research papers and thematic spotlights showcased in this newsletter remind us that many sectors, such as glass and ceramics, highlighted this month, still face major scientific and technological barriers before hydrogen can scale competitively. Pilot projects and demonstrations are progressing, but continued support for research remains indispensable if Europe wants to bridge the gap between early innovation and industrial deployment.

In a context of intensifying global competition, this point becomes even more strategic. Other regions of the world are investing massively in hydrogen manufacturing, infrastructure, and industrial ecosystems. Europe cannot afford fragmentation or discontinuity. Long-term investment in research, skills, infrastructures, and demonstration activities remains fundamental to maintaining European technological sovereignty and industrial leadership.

This is why the role of the Clean Hydrogen Partnership continues to be so important. Through the active contribution of our members, Hydrogen Europe Research helps identify and shape European research and innovation priorities, ensuring that scientific excellence remains connected to industrial needs, societal challenges, and policy evolution.

Our working groups on policy, skills, low-TRL research, and R&T infrastructures are concrete examples of how this collective intelligence translates into strategic guidance for Europe’s hydrogen future. Their work is only possible thanks to the continuous engagement, expertise, and commitment of our members, whose contribution remains invaluable for the entire ecosystem.

Finally, I would also like to warmly welcome all our new members joining Hydrogen Europe Research in this edition. Their diversity, spanning universities, research groups, experimental infrastructures, and advanced technology centres across Europe and beyond, reflects the richness and growing strength of our community.

Together, we are building much more than individual projects. We are building a European hydrogen research ecosystem capable of transforming knowledge into innovation, innovation into industrial capability, and industrial capability into long-term competitiveness and sustainability for Europe.

Thank you all for your continuous support, collaboration, and commitment.

HYDROGEN EUROPE RESEARCH NEWS AND ACTIVITIES

Discover our new website!

We are proud to introduce the new Hydrogen Europe Research website and intranet!

Our updated public website offers a clearer structure and improved navigation, making it easier to explore our activities, publications, news, and events. A sincere thank you to all members who contributed with photos and quotes to help shape this new space! Your input made a real difference.

Our new intranet is also live and will serve as a dedicated hub for members only. It provides access to key Clean Hydrogen Partnership and Working Groups documents, governance materials, and soon an updated mapping of infrastructures and activities.

We hope you will enjoy exploring the new platforms and discovering their new functionalities!

Hydrogen Europe Research welcomes its first member from New Zealand

Since 2023, New Zealand has been associated with Horizon Europe and can therefore participate in European Partnerships. This opens the door to deeper collaboration between Europe and research organisations in New Zealand working on hydrogen topics, allowing knowledge and expertise to flow more easily across countries.

International cooperation is essential to advance hydrogen research and innovation. The energy transition is a global challenge, and progress depends on strong collaboration across regions and research communities. Working together helps connect expertise, share knowledge, and strengthen research outcomes.

We look forward to working closely with our new colleagues from New Zealand and to continuing to expand our international community in support of a clean hydrogen future!

EPHyC 2026 is almost here!

We are looking forward to welcoming participants from across Europe to Trondheim for the European PhD Hydrogen Conference in just a few days!

Taking place from 1 to 3 June 2026 at Gløshaugen Campus in Trondheim, and organised by Hydrogen Europe Research, HYDROGENi, SINTEF, and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), EPHyC 2026 will bring together the next generation of hydrogen researchers for three days of scientific exchange, networking, and collaboration. A special Zero Day social and networking programme will also take place on 31 May.

This year’s edition received 167 abstract submissions, with 150 presentations and posters confirmed in the final programme, including 135 oral presentations and 15 poster presentations. The conference will feature contributions from PhD researchers covering a broad range of hydrogen topics, including production, transport and storage, end use, safety, policies and economics, and social, educational, and environmental aspects.

In 2026, EPHyC is organised in collaboration with the H2science conference, creating a unique opportunity to connect academia and industry across the hydrogen value chain. We are excited to welcome so many young researchers to Trondheim for what promises to be an inspiring and engaging event. Explore the final programme here!

Women in Hydrogen Campaign

In early June 2025, 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.  

In 2026, our Women in Hydrogen campaign took an important new step forward: we joined forces with Women in Green Hydrogen, making this campaign a shared initiative. By bringing our communities together, we aim to strengthen visibility, exchange, and inspiration, and to better reflect the diversity of roles and expertise shaping the future of hydrogen.

In May, we interviewed Anke Hagen, professor at the Technical University of Denmark in the Department of Energy Conversion and Storage. Anke studied chemistry at the University of Leipzig, where she obtained a Dr. rer. nat. (PhD) in heterogeneous catalysis in 1994. After around ten years working in this field, she moved into solid oxide fuel cells and electrolysis research in 2003. In 2018, she received a Dr. techn. degree from DTU, and in 2024 she was appointed Knight of the Order of the Dannebrog.

Throughout her career, her research has taken her to Germany, Japan, the United States, and Denmark, shaping her strong belief in collaboration across disciplines, educational backgrounds, and cultures.

Anke is actively involved in several national and international initiatives, including Hydrogen Europe Research, the Danish Center for Energy Storage, and the International Energy Agency. Over the past 23 years, she has led and contributed to many national and European research projects in the field of hydrogen and energy technologies. Among the projects she coordinated are ECo, Aegir, NewSOC, and NOAH2.

She has published 182 scientific publications, including 123 peer-reviewed articles. Alongside her teaching activities at DTU, she is also engaged in public outreach through science festivals and educational events, such as National Science Festivals and People’s University.

Discover more about Anke’s background and work in the full interview here!

Spotlight on our Extended Research Paper: one topic at a time

In November 2025, we published an extended version of our Research Paper, developed by the members of the Low TRL Research Working Group. While the initial publication offered a broad strategic perspective, its scope limited the level of detail for each topic. The extended edition addresses this by providing in-depth analyses of selected areas. Ten topics have been expanded into standalone position papers, offering detailed insights into the state of the art and the remaining scientific and technical challenges. These papers are included as an appendix to the publication.

Since the beginning of the year, we have been spotlighting one paper on LinkedIn per month, highlighting key insights and recommendations.

Key takeaways:

• Pilot projects show promising results, including successful use in furnaces and kilns while maintaining product quality.
• Early industrial-scale applications are already emerging across Europe.

However, we are not there yet. Key challenges remain, from high costs and limited hydrogen supply to process adaptation, product quality assurance, and safety considerations.

For those working on industrial decarbonisation, hydrogen technologies, or EU climate strategy, this topic-based position paper provides a clear and practical overview of both progress and remaining gaps. Read it here.

Join our Members Pavilion at the European Hydrogen Week 2026!

We are thrilled to share that we will be exhibiting again at European Hydrogen Week in Brussels from 26 to 30 October 2026! Once more, Hydrogen Europe Research members are invited to join us in our Members Pavilion.

Being part of our Pavilion is a unique chance to showcase your projects to a diverse and engaged audience. It is designed to highlight innovation, offering a dynamic space where your ideas can shine, and your research activities take centre stage.

For the first time in 2026, the exhibition area of Brussels Expo will have an exclusive setup, with dedicated zones focusing on thematic areas and priorities of the hydrogen sector. To be close to the European hydrogen research community and surround us with like-minded organisations working towards scientific progress and demonstration, we moved from Hall 11 to Hall 7, right in front of the stage of the Clean Hydrogen Partnership’s Innovation Hub.

There are still a couple of spots left in our Pavilion: if you are a Hydrogen Europe Research member and you want to book your booth (or you have questions), please contact Simona at s.vitali@hydrogeneuroperesearch.eu.

Showcase your hydrogen training programmes in the European Hydrogen Observatory

The next update of the European Hydrogen Observatory is just around the corner, and we invite all Hydrogen Europe Research members to use this opportunity to highlight your training and education offers in the hydrogen sector.

What is the European Hydrogen Observatory?
It is the go-to platform for accurate, up-to-date data on hydrogen in Europe - a central hub for policymakers, industry stakeholders, researchers, and the public. By contributing your programmes, you will become part of a European-wide repository dedicated to education and upskilling in hydrogen and fuel cells.

 What kind of programmes can you include?
✔️ Bachelor and Master programmes
✔️ Professional training courses
✔️ Summer and Winter schools
✔️ Vocational Education and Training (VET) programmes

To submit or update your programmes, use this link.

If you are updating an existing programme, please tick “update existing programme” instead of creating a new entry.

Deadline: 29 May - do not miss the chance to feature your hydrogen programme!

CLEAN HYDROGEN PARTNERSHIP UPDATES

The first step of the drafting of research topics that will be included in the forthcoming Annual Work Plan (AWP) 2027 has just ended. The 1^st drafts of proposed topics elaborated by Hydrogen Europe Research and Hydrogen Europe members were shared with the European Commission and Programme Office of the Clean Hydrogen Partnership. The process will resume internally towards the start of July, following the next Governing Board meeting. If you are a Hydrogen Europe Research member and are interested in participating in the elaboration of the next AWP, do not hesitate to get in touch with our Innovation Manager, Louis Mazurkiewicz - l.mazurkiewicz@hydrogeneuroperesearch.eu.

Following the second Call for Applications for Project Development Assistance (PDA) for Hydrogen Valleys, the Clean Hydrogen Partnership has published a new report presenting the results and key outcomes of the first Project Development Assistance programme for Hydrogen Valleys. The PDA programme provided tailored support to 15 Hydrogen Valleys from eight EU Member States and three countries associated to Horizon Europe, helping project promoters advance their concepts and strengthen their readiness for further development and investment.

More information can be found here and the report is accessible here. In addition, the PDA can be accessed here.

MEMBERS' NEWS

Welcome to our new members

University of Canterbury

UC is driving key advancements in clean energy across several strategic hydrogen research pillars: natural hydrogen, electrolyser development, hydrogen storage, denitrification of waste, combustion, green steel production, and ammonia production.

To accelerate these technologies, the university participates in major international and regional research initiatives, including a New Zealand-German Platform for Green Hydrogen Integration, HighHy, Pūhiko Nukutū.

Università Politecnica delle Marche

The group develops and applies modelling and optimisation tools for integrated energy systems, including electricity, heating, cooling, and hydrogen, to minimise both system costs and environmental impacts.

Research activities include the design and optimisation of hydrogen-based energy systems, integration of renewable energy with hydrogen production, storage, and utilisation, and the development and analysis of fuel cell applications in local energy systems and energy communities. These activities are supported by participation in European and national research projects focused on hydrogen, fuel cells, and renewable energy integration.

Sesta Lab

The laboratory is uniquely equipped to perform full-scale and near-industrial-scale tests under realistic operating conditions, including advanced applications involving hydrogen and hydrogen carriers such as ammonia and methanol.

Already in the early 2000s, Sesta Lab was among the first facilities in Europe to conduct hydrogen combustion tests on gas turbine combustion systems, contributing to the early development and validation of low-emission technologies for power generation.

National Centre for Nuclear Research

It combines a rich tradition with modern infrastructure and significant scientific achievements in the fields of physics, nuclear and plasma technologies, and astrophysics. The institute conducts basic and applied research related to nuclear energy, subatomic physics and related fields. Its projects are interdisciplinary in nature: they cover physics, materials engineering, automation, electronics and space technologies, environmental engineering, mining and energy, as well as pharmaceutical sciences.

NCBJ collaborates with leading scientific centres around the world, implementing international projects and developing solutions important for science and the economy. This makes the institute one of the key centres for research on nuclear technologies and advanced research methods in Poland.

Members' Initiatives

Second Edition of the Best Thesis Awards (MSc & PhD)

Are you working on groundbreaking research in hydrogen technologies, systems, or applications?

The European Fuel Cells & Hydrogen – Piero Lunghi Conference 2026 (EFCH₂) is pleased to launch the Second Edition of the Best Thesis Awards (MSc & PhD), recognizing outstanding academic excellence in hydrogen-related research across Europe.

Who can apply?
Researchers who completed an MSc or PhD thesis between January 2025 and June 2026 in fields relevant to hydrogen technologies, including energy systems, engineering, environmental sciences, and related disciplines.

Deadline for submissions: 30 June 2026

Winners will receive a €1000 prize & Travel costs covered to Capri, Italy.

Apply and learn more here! 

EVENTS YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS!

Cryogenic Fuel Systems Conference, 9 – 10 June 2026, Nottingham, UK

We are pleased to share the upcoming Cryogenic Fuel Systems Conference taking place on 9 to 10 June 2026 at the University of Nottingham’s Jubilee Campus!

Organised by the Institute for Aerospace Technology and supported by the Aerospace Technology Institute, the event will bring together researchers working on cryogenic technologies from across the United Kingdom. 

The programme will include technical sessions, invited talks, laboratory tours, and poster presentations. It will provide a valuable opportunity to exchange knowledge, present research, and connect with experts across the field.

Academics, researchers at all career stages, and PhD students are warmly encouraged to submit their abstracts and take part in the discussions! 

Discover more about the conference, how to submit an abstract, register, and explore the programme here.

International School of Electrocatalysis 2026 (ISECAT 2026), 10 – 12 June 2026, Brixen/Bressanone, Italy

Registrations are open for the International School of Electrocatalysis 2026 (ISECAT 2026)!

Taking place from 10 to 12 June 2026 in Brixen/Bressanone, Italy, ISECAT2026 will offer advanced training and interdisciplinary exchange on the fundamental principles, experimental techniques, and emerging technologies in electrocatalysis for sustainable energy conversion.

The school will bring together a board of experts to explore key electrochemical processes, including water electrolysis, fuel cells, and electrochemical reduction reactions, across different technological platforms (AEM and PEM), while also introducing state-of-the-art characterization methods such as synchrotron-based tools.

Participants will benefit from lectures delivered by leading experts from renowned national and international institutions, creating a valuable space for learning and networking. 

This is a great opportunity to deepen knowledge on catalytic materials, reaction mechanisms, and system design supporting the next generation of clean energy technologies! 

Find out more here.

5th International Summer School on Underground Hydrogen Storage, 15 – 19 June 2026, Bergen, Norway

Underground hydrogen storage is emerging as a key solution to balance energy supply and demand. Storing hydrogen in geological formations such as depleted reservoirs, saline aquifers, and salt caverns offers strong potential for long-term and large capacity storage.

A hybrid summer school hosted in the beautiful city of Bergen will explore the science, engineering, and broader aspects of underground hydrogen storage. Participants from academia and industry will gain practical insights, learn from real projects, and connect with experts in the field. Participants will explore:

• Case studies from pioneering hydrogen storage projects;
• Policy and regulatory developments;
• Techno-economic assessment and technology readiness;
• Subsurface processes, including geology, geochemistry, and microbiology;
• Natural hydrogen opportunities and synergies;
• Public engagement and communication strategies.

The programme also includes expert lectures, site visits to energy transition projects in Norway, poster sessions, interactive workshops, and social events in the scenic Bergen. This summer school is ideal for students, researchers, and professionals working on hydrogen and energy storage who want to deepen their knowledge and expand their network.

Find all information and register here.

European Fuel Cell Forum (EFCF) 2026, 30 June – 3 July 2026, Lucerne, Switzerland

EFCF – European Electrolyser & Fuel Cell Forum – was founded in Lucerne, Switzerland, in 1994 to promote hydrogen-based and innovative energy technologies, pool existing knowledge and network key players. Today, the EFCF’s range of topics has expanded to include membrane reactors in general as well as ammonia, CO₂, synthesis gas and other energy sources beyond hydrogen.

As a globally recognised platform, the EFCF organises annual technical and scientific conferences with exhibitions, tutorials, workshops and a wide range of accompanying events.

The 17th EUROPEAN SOFC & SOE FORUM 2026 addresses issues of science, engineering, materials, systems, applications, and markets for all types of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) & Solid Oxide Electrolysers (SOE), summarised as Solid Oxide Electrochemical Reactors. The use of alternative fuels and mitigating CO2 emissions through reduction and reuse are also addressed.

Exhibitors and suppliers from all over the world are invited to participate in this internationally acclaimed trade event. Whether you are looking for special insights, valuable business contacts or exclusive networking opportunities, EFCF 2026 is your platform for networking, collaboration and business.

This high-level international fuel cell & electrolyser event offers over 3 days from 30 June – 3 July 2026 in the famous and picturesque KKL Lucerne (Switzerland) a presentation of the state-of-the-art technology and is chaired by Dr. Subhasish Mukerjee, Chief Scientific Officer at Ceres Power and Prof. Stephen Skinner, Professor of Materials Chemistry at Imperial College London.

Find out more and register here.

Morocco Energy & Sustainability Week, 30 June – 1 July 2026, Marrakesh, Morocco

Morocco is accelerating the energy transition!

The Morocco Energy and Sustainability Week will bring together more than 300 energy leaders, developers, and investors in Marrakesh on 30 June and 1 July 2026.

The summit will cover green hydrogen, solar, wind, and hydropower, with more than 20 hours of networking, workshops, and strategic sessions. This two-day event positions Morocco as a leading destination for energy transition in Africa and creates new opportunities for collaboration and investment.

Join the conversation shaping the future of clean energy in Africa! Discover more here.

HYPOTHESIS XXI, 23 – 27 August 2026, Warsaw, Poland

We are pleased to announce that the 21^st International Symposium on Hydrogen Power – Theoretical and Engineering Solutions (HYPOTHESIS XXI), will take place on 23-27 August 2026 in Warsaw, Poland.

The event will be co-hosted by the National Centre for Nuclear Research, Institute of Power Engineering – National Research Institute, and Warsaw University of Technology. HYPOTHESIS is a well-established international forum bringing together researchers, engineers, industry experts, and policy-makers to discuss recent advances in hydrogen technologies and their role in the global energy transition.

At HYPOTHESIS XXI, you will meet your peers, industrial partners and key players in hydrogen.

Discover more here!

European Fuel Cells and Hydrogen, Piero Lunghi Conference 2026, 15 – 17 September 2026, Capri, Italy

The European Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Conference serves as a key meeting point for advancing hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in Europe!

The conference, taking place in Capri on 15–17 September 2026, will place strong emphasis on research-driven solutions, bridging fundamental science, applied engineering, and large-scale demonstration activities. By fostering dialogue among academia, research organisations, industry, and policymakers, EFCH2 2026 will contribute to shaping the next generation of hydrogen technologies and supporting their transition towards scalable and economically viable solutions for the clean energy transition.

The conference will provide updates on short-, medium-, and long-term research and development efforts, highlight emerging applications and market opportunities across sectors such as transport and energy storage, and discuss the role of policy frameworks and international cooperation in enabling deployment. It will also explore pathways to decarbonisation and the role of hydrogen in future energy systems, encouraging forward-thinking discussions on climate goals.

EFCH2 2026 welcomes all stakeholders with an interest in hydrogen, fuel cells, and clean energy, from academia, research, industry, policy, and the wider public sector.

For updates and comprehensive details, we encourage you to regularly visit the conference website here.

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