Dear Friends,

As summer ends, we are now entering into the hottest part of the year, with a single and long run until the Christmas break. This period is packed with exhibitions, fairs, conferences, and events, culminating in the highlight — the European Hydrogen Week.

This year, we have several key developments that will bring special attention to the Hydrogen Week.

First, the Draghi report on European Competitiveness, which indicates the need for unconventional support for research and innovation in Europe, with hydrogen being one of the most frequently mentioned sectors. You can download the Draghi report here.

Second, the formation of the new Commission, with a new team of Commissioners following Ursula von der Leyen’s reappointment as President. This new Commission will be in charge of deciding, together with the Parliament, on the new Framework Programme, the MFF budget, and the eventual new Clean Hydrogen Partnership.

Third, the report of the European Court of Auditors (ECA), which criticizes the complexity and length of implementation of European hydrogen legislation, particularly referring to the RED II delegated act and other EU policies creating barriers more than opportunities for developing an EU hydrogen sector and market. The report can be downloaded here.

Are we, as Hydrogen Europe Research, ready to embrace an increased ambition for research and innovation for the future EU program? Are we prepared to support the increase of European competitiveness in the hydrogen sector, sustaining industrialization and the market creation with novel and more competitive technologies? I firmly believe we are. Our members possess exceptional expertise, and we are ready to meet new challenges. Hydrogen Europe Research will continue to play a crucial role in promoting the benefits of public-private partnerships in Europe, having supported the growth of the hydrogen sector for years.

The Hydrogen Week this year is going to be even more attractive than the past two editions. We will have a session dedicated to research and innovation inside the Hydrogen Forum, part of the Innovation Hub initiatives, organized by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership. This will run alongside the well-established High-Level Policy Conference and the B2B Forum, both of which will offer their own surprises. Plus, with the Young Scientist Awards, I hope to see many young researchers in the running for recognition.

Meanwhile, I invite you to look at the newsletter where where you will find more and more content about your projects, events, and initiatives. I believe this section of the newsletter is incredibly valuable, and I look forward to seeing even more contributions in the future.

HYDROGEN EUROPE RESEARCH NEWS AND ACTIVITIES

Young Scientist Award 2024 – apply now!

We are thrilled to announce the 2024 Young Scientist Award, hosted by Hydrogen Europe Research! This prestigious annual competition honors promising young researchers (35 years old or younger) from our member organizations who have made significant contributions to hydrogen-related projects.

The competition focuses on four pillars aligned with the Clean Hydrogen Partnership framework:

• Hydrogen Production
• Hydrogen Storage and Distribution
• Hydrogen Usages
• Cross-Cutting Activities (safety, regulations, education, etc.)

One young scientist will be recognised within each pillar, and an additional one will be elected the "Best Researcher of the Year," resulting in a total of five awards.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be 35 years old or younger
• Must be affiliated with a Hydrogen Europe Research member organization
• Demonstrate individual involvement in at least one hydrogen-related project
• Participation in FCH JU projects is a plus

The award ceremony will take place in person in Brussels, at Brussels Expo, during the Hydrogen Week 2024 (18-22 November).

Click here to learn how to participate! Don't miss this chance to showcase your innovative work and be recognized among the best in the hydrogen and fuel cell sector!

Save the date for EPHyC 2025!

We are thrilled to announce that next year, in collaboration with Hydrogen Europe Research, Università degli Studi di Trieste, and the NAHV - North Adriatic Hydrogen Valley partners, we are hosting the second edition of the European PhD Hydrogen Conference, in short EPHyC2025!

Following the fantastic success of last year’s event, we are bringing EPHyC back in 2025! Join us in beautiful Trieste, Italy, from April 9 to 11, 2025!

This vibrant conference will provide a platform for Eu-based PhD researchers to present their cutting-edge research on hydrogen, share insights, and engage in stimulating discussions with fellow experts from across Europe.

What can you expect from the next EPHyC edition?

➡️Inspiring thematic PhD sessions;

➡️Ample networking opportunities;

➡️An extensive social program;

➡️An industry day featuring fascinating hydrogen-related companies;

➡️… and much more!

And the best part? The conference is -again- completely free of charge!

So, mark your calendars and watch this space for updates on the submission platform and abstract requirements! We can’t wait to see many of you in Trieste next year!

Follow the event on LinkedIn to see the 2024 highlights!

Hydrogen Europe Research’s Members Pavilion at the European Hydrogen Week 2024 – secure your spot now!

We are excited to announce that we will exhibit again in Brussels at the European Hydrogen Week on 18-22 November 2024!

Based on the success of the past editions, this year the expo floor is expanded into two halls for a total of over 8000 sqm, ready to welcome more than 8000 attendees.

Like last year, Hydrogen Europe Research members are welcome to participate in our members Pavilion!

Due to high demand, all our initial 12 spots were quickly taken. In response to this interest, we are happy to add two more stands to our Pavilion! If you missed our previous communications, this is your chance to secure a spot and be part of this exciting opportunity!  

Joining our pavilion offers an unparalleled opportunity to showcase your projects to a diverse and engaged audience. With a platform designed to amplify innovation, our pavilion provides a dynamic environment where your ideas can shine, and your research activities take centre stage.

If you are a Hydrogen Europe Research member and you are interested in having a stand, do not hesitate to contact Simona at s.vitali@hydrogeneuroperesearch.eu!

Secure your spot before it is too late!

We are hiring a Project Manager!

Hydrogen Europe Research is looking for a dynamic Project Manager to oversee and manage research projects related to hydrogen technologies.

Reporting to the President of the Association, the candidate will play a key role in managing projects, advocating for hydrogen policies, and working closely with our external partners.

Discover more about the vacancy here, and apply now by sending your CV (max 2 pages) and cover letter to secretariat@hydrogeneuroperesearch.eu!

HER - HE - Euramet Joint Webinar – 19 September 2024

Hydrogen Europe Research, Hydrogen Europe and Euramet organised a joint webinar for their members to present how the three associations collaborate as well as their activities in their respective Partnerships

Representatives of HE, HER and Euramet highlighted the importance of measurements and further research on metrology, focusing on the hydrogen supply chain.

HE, HER and Euramet members will now have the opportunity to provide research ideas on the themes presented. These ideas will be collected, reviewed and grouped, and considered for potential inclusion in future Calls of the respective Partnerships.

CLEAN HYDROGEN PARTNERSHIP UPDATES

More information in the breakdown per topics can be found here.

In parallel, Hydrogen Europe Research and Hydrogen Europe members were busy consolidating Annual Work Plan 2025 topics during the summer. Following an iterative collaboration with the European Commission and Programme Office of the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, these topics will be finalised by the end of the year ahead of the publication of the 2025 Call for Proposals in January.

Looking forward, activities surrounding the preparation of Annual Work Plan 2026 will start in Q4 of this year. 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!

MEMBERS NEWS

MEMBERS' INITIATIVES

Integrating H2 Electrolysis Waste Heat into DH Systems: Survey of Challenges and Drivers

Hydrogen is poised to become a cornerstone of our future climate-neutral energy system, predominantly produced through electrolysis.

However, around one-third of the electricity used in this process is lost as waste heat. With substantial global electrolysis production capacities on the horizon, we face a critical question: what happens to the waste heat generated during hydrogen production by electrolyser?

The HY2HEAT project, funded by the International Energy Agency (IEA) DHC and led by Energieinstitut an der Johannes Kepler Universität Linz (EI-JKU), is dedicated to harnessing electrolysis waste heat for district heating networks. To gain comprehensive insights into the drivers and challenges of this integration, we kindly request your participation in a brief survey.

We seek valuable input from stakeholders, including district heating operators, electrolyzer operators and producers, researchers, and others.

The data collected will be instrumental in shaping policy briefs and will serve as a vital reference for policymakers.

Please access the survey here!

Learn more about the HY2HEAT project here!

MEMBERS' PROJECTS

OPTHYCS

The OPTHYCS project aims to develop a new optical fibre sensor technology that will lead to an increase in the safety level of hydrogen (H₂) applications, as well as minimize potential H₂ releases to limit the climate impact of H₂ uptake.

The project is structured around three key technology pillars:

1. Hydrogen Sensors Based on Optical Fiber: The objective is to obtain a New H₂  FBG sensor with a coating sensitive to the detection of H₂  in air at low and high ppms for different gaseous mixtures, environmental conditions, and measurement repeatability.
2. Data Acquisition and Interrogator Systems: The goal is to obtain a fast processing, highly sensitive, multi-sensor, long range, H₂ leak detection FBG Interrogator.
3. Software Solutions: The scope is enhancing existing data processing tools to adapt them for H₂ leak detection, integrating advanced software for accurate leak location and flowrate analysis.

By integrating these technologies, OPTHYCS aims to significantly advance H₂ leakage detection and safety, contributing to the reliable and green implementation of hydrogen technologies.

The OPTHYCS consortium is composed of seven partners from three European Countries. Aragon Hydrogen Foundation (FHa) and Tecnalia are also members of Hydrogen Europe Research.

CANDHy

Most projects assessing safe hydrogen compatibility with natural gas distribution grids have performed experiments to study the leakage ratio, emission potential and explosion severity of vintage components. However, long-term material integrity assessment replicating distribution grid operating conditions in testing platforms is still necessary.

This will allow to obtain trustful and reproducible results about hydrogen tolerance of materials that have not been considered in previous research but that are an essential part in low-pressure gas grids.

The main objective of CANDHy project addresses the hydrogen distribution through the natural gas grid, both as blends into natural gas and repurposing existing networks for 100% hydrogen delivery.

During the project the following five main material grades, both new and vintage, will be fully documented: cast iron, copper, brass, lead and aluminium.

The results will be publicly available for all stakeholders in a continuously updated database.

The CANDHy project is being carried out by eight partners from four European Countries and two of them, Aragon Hydrogen Foundation (FHa) and Tecnalia, are also part of Hydrogen Europe Research. They represent non-profit research association, technological centres, transmission and distribution gas system operators, universities and services companies.

MEMBERS' VACANCIES

Post-Doc opportunity at CEA-Liten

They seek a motivated Post-Doc for an 18-month position to contribute to their groundbreaking work in hydrogen production technologies by electrolysis.

Interested in the position? Discover more here!

Leitat is looking for an EU Innovation Business Development Manager in hydrogen

Are you interested in being part of a technological center of excellence where you can contribute and add technological value to companies and institutions, focusing on research, development, and industrial innovation?

They welcome applications from candidates with an industry-, circular economy-, or material-related background. This person will work closely with researchers and area managers on the definition of the center's strategy and promote Leitat’s capacities to foster collaboration among different entities to carry out R&D&I activities. This person will have an active role in consortium and proposal building, mainly for Horizon Europe. The position requires a high learning level as well as cross-fertilization of ideas and experience among multidisciplinary professionals.

Apply now and be part of Leitat's mission to create a sustainable and impactful future! You will find more information about the vacancy here.

MEMBERS' EVENTS

International Stakeholders’ Seminar (ISS) of ELVHYS project, 30 September – 1 October 2024, Bologna, Italy & online

Speakers from ELVHYS consortium will present the up-to-date intermediate findings of ELVHYS project. Presentations by invited international speakers will enrich the seminar program, providing a throughout overview of the state of the art and worldwide research on safety of liquid hydrogen transfer and operations:

• LH2 transfer systems and technologies
• Assessment of performance of LH₂ transfer technologies
• Assessment of hazards from loss of containment of LH₂
• Safety aspects and risk assessment for LH₂ transferring operations
• Risk management and regulatory issues for the hydrogen infrastructure

This event will be a unique occasion to engage with international experts and practitioners to gather their feedback on the project outcomes and future research developments. The field of expertise will also be extended to experts working on other cryogenic liquids (e.g. LNG, LO2, LN2) technologies to enrich the exchange of experience and ideas on prevention and mitigation strategies and engineering solutions.

Discover how to participate here!

Webinar: Innovations in scaling up non-PGM catalysts for energy conversion - 1 October 2024, online, 2 pm CEST

Join the first multi-speaker webinar organized by the Anemel project, in collaboration with the Jožef Stefan Institute in Slovenia! This event will delve into the latest innovations in scaling up catalysts for clean energy conversion, with a special focus on catalysts that do not rely on platinum-group metals (PGMs).

Join here on Tuesday, 1 October at 2:00 pm CEST (Brussels) for an engaging session featuring experts from start-ups, industry, and academia, who will share their insights on the technology transfer process!

Hydrogen for the future of the Alps: Initiatives contributing to the development of hydrogen ecosystems - 16 October 2024, Trento, Italy

In view of the current energy crisis, it is now more important than ever to strengthen the development of renewable energies in the Alps. Hydrogen has many advantages to become a key player in the energy transition: easily produced with renewable electricity, it can be used for many purposes, such as mobility, industry or exploitation in tourist areas. But what are the difficulties to create hydrogen ecosystems? What is the situation in Trentino and in the other Alpine territories? What are the challenges to be faced to create hydrogen value chains?

Fondazione Bruno Kessler and the Autonomous Province of Trento jointly organise the event within the AMETHyST project. The conference wishes to gather representatives of public authorities, research entities and industrial sectors of the entire alpine space.
The event has a dual purpose: (i) to foster the dialogue on challenges and potential of hydrogen in these territories divided by the Alps, an important mountain chain that also unifies them due to common lifestyles, objectives and future challenges; (ii) to outline the initiatives that are contributing to the development of hydrogen ecosystems.

There are limited spots for the event. Register now here!

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