Dear Friends,

This spring is marked by an intense and vibrant calendar of hydrogen activities across Europe, reflecting both the momentum and the complexity of the sector. From the Hydrogen Valley Week currently taking place in Antwerp to the preparation of the European Hydrogen Week and the Research and Innovation Days in Brussels later this year, we are witnessing a growing convergence of stakeholders committed to turning innovation into deployment.

Events such as the Hydrogen Valley Days are particularly important. They provide a tangible demonstration of how research, industry, and policy come together to translate concepts into real projects on the ground. Hydrogen Europe Research is actively engaged in these discussions, ensuring that the voice of the research community is fully embedded in the evolution of these initiatives. At the same time, we are preparing our strong participation in the European Hydrogen Week, which remains the flagship moment to showcase the collective progress of the European hydrogen ecosystem.

Beyond events, a central priority for Hydrogen Europe Research is to contribute to shaping the strategic research and innovation priorities that will define the future of the hydrogen sector in Europe. Through our work within the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, our contribution to the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda, and our continuous engagement with initiatives such as the Clean Hydrogen Mission and the IEA Technology Collaboration Programme on Fuel Cells, we are helping to build a coherent and forward-looking research landscape.

In this context, we are launching a dedicated effort to ensure broader dissemination and global visibility of these priorities through a Special Issue of the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. This initiative will bring together contributions from our members and from key international platforms, offering a comprehensive and global perspective on the scientific, technological, and systemic challenges ahead. It is a key step to strengthen the link between research excellence and policy implementation, and to position Europe at the forefront of hydrogen innovation worldwide.

At the same time, we continue to highlight the people behind this transition. Through our Women in Hydrogen campaign, we are proud to celebrate a new profile from Fondazione Bruno Kessler, working at the intersection of sustainability and hydrogen. Showcasing these talents is essential to reflect the diversity, expertise, and commitment that drive our community forward.

Skills development also remains a cornerstone of our activities. With the ongoing work of our Skills Working Group and the preparation of a dedicated white paper, we aim to contribute to a more structured and recognised framework for hydrogen-related competences across Europe. This effort is closely linked to the broader preparation of the future research and innovation priorities, including the reflection on the next Joint Undertaking and the cross-cutting collaboration with the SET Plan Implementation Working Group on Hydrogen. These activities run in parallel with the preparation of the upcoming Annual Work Plan 2027 of the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, ensuring continuity and coherence across instruments.

Finally, our community continues to grow. We warmly welcome our new members, whose expertise and engagement further strengthen our collective capacity to advance hydrogen research and innovation in Europe.

As always, Hydrogen Europe Research remains committed to bridging research, industry, and policy, supporting the transition from ideas to implementation, and from innovation to impact. And to act as a single voice of the European needs in research and innovation, to get proper support for a real European competitiveness value!

Enjoy the reading!

HYDROGEN EUROPE RESEARCH NEWS AND ACTIVITIES

Hydrogen Europe Research secures new EU-funded project: ACTHYVE

1 April 2026 marked the official launch of the ACTHYVE project, which aims to map, structure, and strengthen the European Technology Infrastructure landscape across the hydrogen value chain, targeting key applications in energy, transportation, and chemicals.

ACTHYVE will identify current and future Technology Infrastructure needs and foster knowledge sharing between research entities and industrial players to leverage strengths and enhance a fully functioning industrial ecosystem.

Building on the work previously initiated within its Research and Technology Infrastructure Working Group, Hydrogen Europe Research will lead the updating and improvement of its Technology Infrastructure Mapping throughout the project’s duration.

ACTHYVE further expands our already strong portfolio of EU-funded projects. Our activities now include the European Hydrogen Observatory, Green Skills for Hydrogen, Hyperion, SET4H2, and ACTHYVE, highlighting our continued engagement in advancing hydrogen innovation and skills across Europe

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.

This is how it works:

• Under fire exposure, hydrogen is safely released through distributed microchannels;
• This prevents tank rupture, blast waves, and fireballs, ultimately enabling inherently safer hydrogen storage systems.

However, we are not there yet: key challenges remain, from material behaviour under fire and sealing reliability to scalability and real-world validation. If you are working on hydrogen safety, storage, or regulation (or simply interested in where the next wave of innovation is coming from), you can read the paper here.

This series will continue, with additional papers to be highlighted in the coming months!

Final Call for Papers: Special Issue in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

Initiated by Hydrogen Europe Research, this Special Issue builds on our 2025 strategic position papers and aims to strengthen the global dialogue on hydrogen research priorities.

Hydrogen is increasingly recognised as a key pillar of decarbonisation, supporting energy storage, clean transport and industrial transformation. At the same time, important research and investment gaps remain across the value chain. We therefore invite contributions to the Special Issue “Global Perspectives on Hydrogen Technologies: Innovations, Challenges, and Pathways to a Hydrogen Economy”, edited by HER President, Luigi Crema.

Submissions are encouraged on:

• State-of-the-art reviews on strategic hydrogen technologies;
• Identification of scientific and technical challenges;
• Perspectives that can help shape future research and innovation agendas;
• Global viewpoints from different regions and markets.

We particularly welcome contributions from Europe, the Americas, Asia Pacific, Africa and the Middle East, reflecting the international scope of the Special Issue.

Extended submission deadline: 31 May 2026

Further information on the Special Issue is available 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 April, WIGH featured Yasaman Nosrat Tajoddin, a researcher in the HyRES (Hydrogen Technologies and Resilient Energy Systems) unit within the Centre for Sustainable Energy at Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK) in Trento. Since August 2024, she has been working on EU-funded hydrogen projects, including the North Adriatic Hydrogen Valley (NAHV), pre-Normative Research on Hydrogen Releases Assessment (NHyRA), and later on Hydrogen Industrial Inland Valley (HI2).

Her research focuses on life cycle sustainability assessment, certification of renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs), and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions modeling across hydrogen value chains. She works at the intersection of policy, sustainability, hydrogen technologies and energy systems.

Yasaman holds a Master’s degree in Energy Engineering from the University of Padua in Italy and a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Ferdowsi University of Mashhad in Iran. Her expertise includes energy system modeling, optimization, and sustainability assessment, with a focus on supporting the transition toward reliable and low-carbon hydrogen systems.

Read about her experience and expertise here!

Take a look at our 2024 Annual Report!

In accordance with Belgian legal requirements, we publish an annual report every year to provide a transparent and detailed overview of our governance, financial health, and strategic milestones. The 2024 edition provides an overview of our activities, achievements, and priorities, covering areas such as events, projects, and important initiatives across the hydrogen research community in Europe.

If you would like to learn more about our work and how we continue to evolve alongside our members, you can read our report 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.

Join our Skills Working Group!

Hydrogen Europe Research is launching new activities within the Skills Working Group, and we warmly invite members to take part! The group is beginning the drafting of a white paper focused on the recognition of qualifications and on how to support the standardisation of hydrogen-related skills across Europe.

This initiative aims to contribute to a more coherent European approach to education and training in the hydrogen sector, helping to address skills gaps and support the development of a qualified workforce. Members interested in contributing to the paper and sharing their expertise are encouraged to join the Skills Working Group! For more information, contact Dominik at d.richter@hydrogeneuroperesearch.eu.

CLEAN HYDROGEN PARTNERSHIP UPDATES

The drafting of research topics that will be included in the forthcoming Annual Work Plan (AWP) 2027 is in full swing. 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

The Clean Hydrogen Partnership is organising the third edition of the Hydrogen Valley Days from 4 to 8 May, which will take place in Antwerp, Belgium. This week-long series of events will bring together European and international stakeholders to showcase how Hydrogen Valleys turn innovation into deployment.

The official programme will begin on Tuesday, 5 May, with the European Clean Hydrogen Alliance Forum organised by the European Commission. On Wednesday, 6 May, a public high-level policy event jointly organised by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership and the European Commission will take place. An invitation-only workshop, co-organised by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership and Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation (NEDO), dedicated to Hydrogen Mobility, will be held on Thursday, 7 May. In addition, several internal meetings will take place throughout the week, alongside stakeholder engagement activities. The programme will conclude with site visits scheduled for Friday, 8 May.

The full schedule can be found here.

In other news, the Clean Hydrogen Partnership has opened the second Call for Applications for Project Development Assistance (PDA) for Hydrogen Valleys. Up to 13 PDAs will be awarded to Hydrogen Valleys from EU Member States or countries associated with Horizon Europe. The PDA support represents a unique opportunity to advance Hydrogen Valleys in commercial, technical, regulatory and valley governance aspects towards the Final Investment Decision (FID). More information can be found here.

In addition, the Clean Hydrogen Partnership has launched a Call for tenders for the procurement of services to support European ports in deepening their analysis and developing strategic plans on the opportunities for using hydrogen and its derivatives. The services will facilitate links with renewable energy producers, local industries, shipping operators, and heavy-duty transport stakeholders, as well as foster international partnerships with other ports.

If you are interested in this contract, you should apply through the electronic submission system in the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. The deadline for the receipt of tenders is 27 May (16:00 CET).

MEMBERS' NEWS

Join the European hydrogen research and innovation community!

Hydrogen Europe Research brings together leading scientists and research 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 the 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. Discover our members' insights in our latest Research Position Paper!
• 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 Western Macedonia

UOWM has a strong territorial footprint in Western Macedonia, a region undergoing an energy transition from a lignite-based economy toward cleaner and more diversified energy systems. In this context, the University has progressively positioned hydrogen and fuel cell technologies both solely and also integrated in power systems as a strategic area combining advanced education, research, laboratory activity, industrial outreach and specialised training. Its role is particularly relevant for supporting regional decarbonisation, workforce reskilling and the emergence of a hydrogen-oriented innovation ecosystem in Greece.

Libera Università di Bolzano

Its trilingualism in teaching and research, its high level of internationalisation as well as an ideal study environment guaranteed by its excellent facilities are some of the reasons why UNIBZ regularly reaches top positions in national and international rankings. Their hydrogen-related activities cover optimization of the coupling of hydrogen technologies with renewable energy sources through testing of PEM electrolysers and fuel cells; storage through metal hydrates; hydrogen production from biomasses; combustion optimization for industrial and hard-to-abate sectors.

EVENTS ATTENDED BY HYDROGEN EUROPE RESEARCH

HYPERION 5th project meeting, 15 – 16 April 2026, Valladolid, Spain

On 15 and 16 April, the HYPERION project partners gathered in Valladolid for the fifth official project meeting, kindly hosted by the Directorate-General for Industry of the Regional Government of Castilla y León. Over two days, partners and key industry stakeholders explored the role of hydrogen across industrial value chains.

Day one focused on Spain’s national strategy and the development of the regional Hydrogen Valley, followed by a technical visit to H2Greem in Hontoria. Participants had the opportunity to take a close look at the technological excellence of a leading company in the design of proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysers.

Day two combined interactive working sessions with insightful presentations, including contributions from the Universidad de Burgos and Reolum. In the afternoon, the partnership visited the CIDAUT Centre, a leading research institution working on clean hydrogen production and applications in transport and construction. 

The meeting concluded with Steering Committee discussions on project progress, pilot actions, communication activities, and reporting.

Here is a video summarising the two days spent in Valladolid by the HYPERION project.

EVENTS YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS!

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 10–13 May 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.

10th Balkans Energy Summit, 19 – 20 May 2026, Athens, Greece

Building on ten years of bringing together senior energy leaders, the 10th Balkans Energy Summit returns to Athens, Greece. This milestone edition will serve as a key platform shaping the next phase of Southeast Europe’s energy system.

Hosted by IN VR and its Net Zero Circle community, the Summit will gather ministers, regulators, chief executives, investors, transmission system operators, utilities, and infrastructure developers. The event takes place at a crucial moment for Europe’s energy security, system resilience, and transition financing.

As Europe reshapes its energy architecture, the Balkans play a strategic role. The region sits at the crossroads of gas corridors, liquefied natural gas access, power interconnections, renewable deployment, and infrastructure investment. The Summit offers a high-level business and policy platform. It enables strategic dialogue, deal-making, and cross-border collaboration across oil and gas, power, renewables, grids, storage, and finance.

Discover more here. 

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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