Dear Friends,

We are at the end of 2025, the last instalment of our newsletter. It has been an intense year for the hydrogen sector, even challenging on several fronts. I could list the many activities undertaken today, but I prefer to share with you the welcome speech I gave at the Hydrogen Research and Innovations Days of the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, held on November 24 & 25 in Brussels. In it, I wanted to touch on strategic and critical issues, from my perspective, underlying decisions that will be made in the coming months, related to support for the hydrogen sector in Europe, its growth and future positioning, and the role of Research and Development.

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“Hydrogen Research and Innovation Days, Welcome speech – Luigi Crema, President Hydrogen Europe Research (10.00 – 10.45, 24 November 2025)

Ladies and Gentlemen, colleagues and friends,

It is a great pleasure to be here with you at the Hydrogen Research and Innovation Days here in Brussels. Today and tomorrow, we gather not simply to share results or showcase technologies, but to reaffirm something deeper: research is the backbone of Europe’s hydrogen future. If we want a competitive, resilient, and sovereign hydrogen ecosystem, it must begin - and continue - with research.

We all agree that Europe will build a hydrogen market. Steps are being taken, policies are advancing, and major investments are now underway across Member States. Yet, I want to stress a crucial point: having a hydrogen market does not automatically mean being competitive. Competitiveness is different from existence. A market can import technology. A continent can consume innovation made elsewhere. But leadership - European leadership - is something we must design, build, and fund strategically.

Competitiveness does not happen by chance. It is the result of continuity in research, a clear industrial vision, and the ability to turn scientific excellence into scalable technologies. If we stop investing in research - especially in fundamental and early-stage research - we risk building an energy system whose foundations were made outside Europe. We cannot afford that. In hydrogen, time is not neutral: it either works for us, or against us.

For this reason, our position is clear:

• Europe must maintain and strengthen long-term support for research,
• The full hydrogen value chain must be covered - from materials to systems, from production to end-use,
• And the Clean Hydrogen Partnership 2.0 must remain central to this mission.

Let me be clear: the Clean Hydrogen Partnership is not just a funding instrument. It is Europe’s coordination engine. It has created trust, alignment, collaboration, and impact across hundreds of projects, universities, research centres, SMEs, industries, and public authorities. This is strategic capital - not only scientific capital - and it would be a serious mistake to lose it.

Europe must preserve and reinforce this Joint Undertaking, not as an act of tradition, but as a strategic action in the global race for hydrogen leadership. Today, the global competition is intense: the U.S. has the IRA, Japan and Korea have technology roadmaps grounded in domestic production, and China is scaling up manufacturing with impressive speed. Europe’s answer must be ambition, and ambition requires research.

Hydrogen Europe Research works every day to connect excellence with industrial strategy. Our role is to create bridges:

• between fundamental science and mature technologies,
• between European universities and industrial champions,
• between political priorities and practical solutions.

And I believe we can be proud of what we have already achieved. Across the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, over 350 projects have already created knowledge, patents, pilot plants, and new skills. We have proven that Europe is a powerhouse of scientific talent. But talent without continuity can become frustration. That is why we must protect and extend our research programmes in the next European framework programme and within Clean Hydrogen Partnership 2.0.

Let me share a key message:
Research is not only a cost - it is the condition for sovereignty.
In critical energy technologies - like hydrogen - sovereignty depends on knowledge, standards, pilot lines, and skills. If we lose our research base, we will lose control of our future markets. This is why research is not optional. It is strategic.

Furthermore, we need to ensure that research efforts remain open, collaborative, and pan-European. A fragmented approach will weaken us. National initiatives without interoperability, without alignment, will generate silos instead of synergies. We must work as a European team - a continental ecosystem - where knowledge flows, and innovation becomes scalable.

Looking ahead, there are three main priorities that I believe must guide our next steps:

1. Long-term research continuity: we need stable, multiannual funding for hydrogen research - from fundamental to applied - particularly on materials, catalysts, storage solutions, system integration, and safety.

2. Technology sovereignty and skills: we need coordinated actions on skills, training, and standards. The hydrogen economy will not emerge only from engineers, but also technicians, operators, manufacturers, and local stakeholders. Scaling up is also a social task.

3.  Clean Hydrogen Partnership 2.0: it must remain at the core of Europe’s architecture for hydrogen. Not only because it works but because it is Europe’s most effective instrument to transform research excellence into industrial relevance. It enables dialogue, alignment, and results.

Let me close with a conviction:
Europe does not lack talent. We do not lack ideas. We lack time.
If we act now - decisively - Europe can lead the global hydrogen landscape. But this leadership must be grounded in research, innovation, and a common vision.

I will conclude with this sentence, which I believe captures our responsibility:

“Europe may build a hydrogen market - but without sustained investment in research, we will not build European hydrogen leadership. Competitiveness does not happen by chance: it is produced by strategy, knowledge, and continuity in research.”

Thank you for being here. Thank you for your work, your scientific commitment, and your determination. Let us make these two days in Brussels not only a conversation, but a step forward towards a European hydrogen future that is competitive, innovative, and resilient.

Welcome to the Hydrogen Research and Innovation Days 2025.
Let’s move forward together.”

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I believe it is important for everyone to continue to provide reasons for supporting the sector and, at the same time, address the need for close collaboration between the public and private sectors to maintain European competitiveness.

With this in mind, I wish you all, your families, and loved ones a very Happy and Peaceful Holiday Season.

HYDROGEN EUROPE RESEARCH NEWS AND ACTIVITIES

Thank you for joining our General Assembly in Brussels!

A very big thank you goes to all the Hydrogen Europe Research members who joined our General Assembly on 26 November! The event was attended online and in person by more than 145 institutions from across Europe. We particularly appreciated those who were in the room with us in Brussels, who had to deal with the strike and the travel difficulties it caused.

We look forward to seeing our members again for the next General Assembly in Dublin in June 2026!

Publication of the Extended Edition of “Advancing Hydrogen Technologies”

Last year, the Low TRL Research Working Group published a comprehensive overview of emerging research topics across the hydrogen value chain. While the initial publication offered a broad strategic perspective, its scope limited the level of detail for each topic.

The extended edition, launched during the Research & Innovation Days of the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, addresses this limitation by providing in-depth analyses of selected areas.

Download the full version here.

You can find the individual papers listed below:

• Alternative hydrogen production processes
• Compatibility of polymer-based materials for the hydrogen transport infrastructure
• Innovative materials for low-pressure hydrogen storage
• Explosion-free in any fire self-venting (TPRD-less) composite tanks: fundamentals and manufacturing guidance
• The Role of Low-Carbon Hydrogen in Decarbonizing Glass and Ceramic Manufacturing in Europe
• Challenges in Manufacturing Structurally Stable Ceramic Membranes
• From Detection to Substitution: Scientific Challenges of PFAS in Hydrogen Technologies
• Non-Conventional and Advanced Sustainable Manufacturing Technologies for Fuel and Electrolytic Cells
• Development of IGF Code for hydrogen: Providing comprehensive scientifically based safety recommendations for maritime applications
• Research and Technology Infrastructures

As our President Luigi Crema said, “With this extended edition, we not only provide an overview of hydrogen technologies, but we also outline the future research routes needed to ensure that Europe remains at the forefront. Our goal is clear: to maintain strong support for research, strengthen coordination between institutions, Member States and industry, and preserve European leadership in this strategic sector. This document is a call to act with vision and responsibility – to turn scientific excellence into industrial competitiveness, possibly ring fenced by a future Clean Hydrogen Partnership 2.0.”

Together, these papers form a coherent technical roadmap for the future of hydrogen research and innovation in Europe.

Young Scientist Award 2025 Ceremony: discover the winners!

On November 24 in Brussels, we had the pleasure to honour five outstanding early-career scientists (part of Hydrogen Europe Research membership) who are shaping the future of hydrogen research in the context of our Young Scientist Award. This competition has become the reference prize for researchers under 35 working on hydrogen technologies, and this year we received 42 applications from 34 universities and research centres across 15 countries!

A special highlight came from the Commissioner responsible for startups, research and innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva, who shared the following message for the occasion:

“Warm congratulations to the five young scientists receiving the 2025 Young Scientist Award for their outstanding hydrogen research projects. Your talent and innovative spirit make Europe proud and highlight the extraordinary potential of the next generation of researchers. Your work is advancing clean hydrogen technologies and strengthening Europe’s leadership in one of the most promising energy solutions of our time. To all young researchers: your success reminds us how essential it is to attract, support, and retain top talent here in Europe — so that our continent remains the home of world-leading scientific excellence.”

The 2025 winners are:

• Hydrogen production: Filipp Temerov (University of Oulu, Finland)
• Hydrogen storage and distribution: Marco Maggini (UNITUS – University of Tuscia, Italy)
• Hydrogen usages: Marcos López Juárez (Universitat Politècnica de València, Spain)
• Cross-cutting activities: Federica Tamburini (University of Bologna, Italy)
• Best Researcher of the Year: Xinyi Wei (EPFL, Switzerland)

These young scientists represent the excellence, creativity, and vision that Europe needs to advance clean hydrogen technologies. Their work strengthens European innovation and supports the mission of the Clean Hydrogen Partnership in a very concrete way.

Congratulations once again to all winners and a big thank you to all the young researchers who applied this year: we look forward to seeing even more talent in the next Young Scientist Award in 2026!

Watch the award ceremony here (starting from 3:55)!

Submit an abstract now to participate in the European PhD Hydrogen Conference 2026!

We are very happy to share that preparations for the European PhD Hydrogen Conference 2026 are already underway!

In 2026, the conference will be hosted in Trondheim, Norway, and organised by PhD researchers from HYDROGENi, SINTEF and Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). It is a great example of how collaboration across institutions can create a strong and supportive space for early-career researchers!

The deadline to submit an abstract is 9 January 2025. We look forward to meeting you in Trondheim!

Join the HER Members Pavilion at the European Hydrogen Week 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 center stage.

Our 2026 Pavilion will be located in a very strategic position in Hall 11, very close to the High-Level Policy Conference and the organisers' booth. We can accommodate up to 11 members in 108 sqm.

If you are a Hydrogen Europe Research member and you want to have your booth or you have questions, please contact our Communications Manager, Simona Vitali, at s.vitali@hydrogeneuroperesearch.eu!

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 December 11, we were excited to feature Mariya E. Ivanova, a dynamic leader driving innovation in hydrogen technologies!

Mariya leads Technology Development at the Center of Excellence for Hydrogen Technologies – H2Start, Trakia University, where she oversees cutting-edge research infrastructure, technology roadmaps, and innovation projects across the hydrogen value chain. 

Her expertise in protonic ceramics and electrochemical devices supports advances in hydrogen production, purification, storage, and utilization, positioning H2Start as a pan-European hub for sustainable energy innovation.

In addition, Mariya serves on the Scientific Council of the Bulgarian Hydrogen, Fuel Cell, and Energy Storage Association and as an Expert for Hydrogen Programs at the European Commission, helping shape national and European hydrogen strategies and advancing hydrogen technologies. Passionate about voice equality and ethical leadership in science, she is a committed ally against mobbing, discrimination, misogyny, and power abuse, while pioneering the next generation of clean hydrogen solutions.

Take a look at the full interview here to find out more about Mariya’s career path, leadership philosophy, and commitment to hydrogen!

Support the H2 Gender Survey!

We are proud to give visibility to the H2 Gender Survey, developed by Women in Green Hydrogen & UNIDO! Every answer counts and sharing it helps reach more people!

Take the survey now (it takes 20 minutes)! 

The deadline is 31 January 2026! Thank you for supporting this work and for sharing it within your network!

CLEAN HYDROGEN PARTNERSHIP UPDATES

Internally, activities surrounding Annual Work Plan (AWP) 2027 have started. 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 took place in Brussels on Monday 24 and Tuesday 25 November. The event builds 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 highlighted progress across the Clean Hydrogen Partnership programme, providing a forum to assess results, exchange insights, and identify future priorities for the sector. During the EU Research & Innovation Days, HER celebrated inspiring and successful young scientists with our annual Young Scientists Award, taking place at the end of the first day of the event.

A summary of the event can be found here.

The HER General Assembly followed the event, on Wednesday 26 November. The General Assembly was the occasion to provide HER members with the latest updates regarding the association and share the next internal milestones ahead regarding our Clean Hydrogen Partnership activities.

Towards the end of November, the Clean Hydrogen Partnership published its 2025 Programme Review Report. Developed in collaboration with the Joint Research Centre (JRC), the report highlights the depth and breadth of Europe’s hydrogen efforts - from renewable hydrogen production and storage to distribution, transport, heat and power applications, Hydrogen Valleys, supply chain development, and fundamental research

The report 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

University of Calabria

Its work covers hydrogen production through electrolysis and renewable integration, as well as advanced studies on distribution, storage and refuelling solutions. The university also develops hydrogen end-use technologies, including fuel cells, combined heat and power systems and the integration of hydrogen into microgrids and pilot plants.

Alongside its research activities, the university contributes to skills development through dedicated training and academic programmes. Its course “Sistemi Innovativi H₂ per la Transizione Energetica” is part of the Master’s Degree in Energy Engineering and supports the growth of future hydrogen experts.

University of Udine

Within UniUD, the Polytechnic Department of Engineering and Architecture (DPIA) concentrates most of the University’s activities on hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, through a set of research groups that cover the full hydrogen value chain from materials and chemistry to systems, plants and subsurface storage.

Members' News

HyCentA is hiring: be part of Austria’s leading hydrogen research team

Join Austria’s leading hydrogen research team! HyCentA is looking for a Research Associate and Project Manager in Alkaline and Anion Exchange Membrane Electrolysis.

Be part of cutting-edge research on electrolysis, fuel cells, and hydrogen storage technologies, contribute to international projects, and collaborate with industry partners. A full-time (or part-time) position is available, with flexible working hours and career development opportunities. To promote gender equality, we particularly encourage women to apply!

If you are passionate about shaping a sustainable hydrogen society and have several years’ experience in hydrogen technology and/or electrolysis processes (particularly in alkaline and anion exchange membrane electrolysis), please submit your application, including your CV, cover letter and certificates to jobs@hycenta.at.

Discover more about the vacancy here.

EVENTS ATTENDED BY HYDROGEN EUROPE RESEARCH

Research and Innovation Days of the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, 24-25 November 2025, Brussels, Belgium

Luigi Crema, President of Hydrogen Europe Research, opened and closed the Research and Innovation Days of the Clean Hydrogen Partnership on November 24 & 25.

During his speeches, he highlighted the crucial coordinating role of the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, describing it as Europe’s engine for alignment between the European Commission, industry, and the research community.

He emphasised that sustaining Europe’s leadership in hydrogen will require strategic and continuous investment in research and innovation through the existing Joint Undertaking.

 “Europe will build a hydrogen market”, he said, “but without sustained investment in research, we will not build European hydrogen leadership. Competitiveness does not happen by chance: it is produced by strategy, knowledge, and continuity in research.”

4^th meeting of HYPERION project, Ghent, Belgium, 5 and 6 November 2025

The 4th HYPERION Project Meeting was held in Ghent, Belgium, on 5 and 6 November 2025. The two days offered a balanced mix of presentations, study visits and working sessions, all centred on hydrogen and its contribution to a more sustainable future.

On the first day, the meeting opened with a presentation by TNO on strategies for developing and balancing hydrogen infrastructure in North-West Europe. This was followed by visits to ArcelorMittal and Zonneberg to explore industrial and renewable energy sites, and by a working session on matching good practices with policy improvement ideas.

On the second day, the meeting focused on spatial principles for mapping hydrogen potential. The discussion also highlighted links with emerging plans for industrial zones near water and the role of hydrogen in cleaner maritime transport, illustrated by Hydroville.

You can read a more detailed summary of the two-day meeting prepared by Hyperion's partner ASEV - Agenzia per lo Sviluppo Empolese Valdelsa here. Watch the video of the event here.

EVENTS YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS!

GAS Analysis Symposium & Exhibition, 27 – 29 January 2026, Hyvolution Paris trade show

The GAS Analysis Symposium & Exhibition, the benchmark event for gas analysis experts, returns from January 27 to 29, 2026 in Paris - Porte de Versailles, in conjunction with the Hyvolution Paris trade show.

GAS ANALYSIS 2026 builds on the success of previous editions with a 3-day programme featuring parallel sessions addressing today’s and tomorrow’s major global challenges in the field of gas analysis and its related topics. This new edition offers a great opportunity to explore the latest advances in gas analysis, both from a market and hashtag#research perspective.

The congress brings together around 300 participants to exchange on key topics such as:

• Advances in gas metrology
• Industrial innovation
• Hydrogen, alternatives and CCUS
• Emissions and air quality monitoring
• Chemometrics & digital tools in gas analysis

 …and many other key subjects!

We look forward to following the discussions and outcomes of this exciting event! Discover more here.

Nordic Hydrogen Week & Hydrogen Research Day, 10 - 12 February 2026, Oulu, Finland

The Nordic Hydrogen Week is coming up, and it will take place in Oulu, Finland, from 10 to 12 February 2026! This event brings together the entire hydrogen value chain. It is a chance to meet researchers, industry experts, policymakers and innovators. The programme includes conferences, site visits and many moments for networking.

The week will start with the Hydrogen Research Day, organised by our member University of Oulu as part of the H2FUTURE research programme. This year’s theme is Hydrogen resilience in the North and Arctic. The day will bring together expert speakers from different Northern regions to connect hydrogen vision, economy and research as part of a broader resilience plan for the North and the Arctic.

Further information on registration and the full programme is available on the event website.

To discover more about the Hydrogen Research Day and its past editions, click here.

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! 

Discover more about the conference here!

10^th International Hydrogen Technologies Congress (IHTEC-2026), 10–13 May 2026, Istanbul, Turkey

We are thrilled to share that the 10^th International Hydrogen Technologies Congress (IHTEC-2026) is taking place on May 10–13, 2026, at Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey!

Organized by Istinye University and the Hydrogen Technologies Association, IHTEC-2026 is a premier international forum uniting leading researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers to advance the hydrogen economy. The congress will showcase the latest breakthroughs in hydrogen production, storage, distribution, utilization, safety, and policy, offering a platform for vibrant discussions and groundbreaking collaborations.

Over four days, you will have the opportunity to attend high-impact keynote lectures, cutting-edge technical sessions, and interactive panels, while connecting with peers from across the globe. Beyond the academic and industrial exchange, immerse yourself in the rich history, cultural heritage, and dynamic energy of Istanbul - a city where continents meet and innovation thrives.

Mark your calendar for IHTEC-2026 and be part of shaping the future of hydrogen technologies! Discover more 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.

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