Dear Friends,
Recently, I have attended several events where hydrogen is discussed and presented with many barriers still to be resolved. Hydrogen production costs in the EU are higher than abroad, even before adding the extra costs of transport. We lack essential infrastructure, such as transport grids and import hubs, as well as OPEX support, CAPEX reductions, and competitiveness with imported technologies from places like China. There is also a shortage of off-takers and an insufficient network of hydrogen refueling stations. Hydrogen should be produced only locally in industrial plants and not used for mobility applications - although, some think that even for the aeronautical sector, other sustainable fuels might be better suited.
It is within a circular loop that sometimes people do not understand the nature of hydrogen. Hydrogen is not a technology simply entering an existing market. While it would be ideal to have the entire hydrogen value chain - from production to logistics, storage, and end use - in place overnight, this nice photo cannot be printed. Hydrogen is a complex sector that requires significant development, with numerous challenges to overcome, as we have been doing for years. A lot of them have been solved thanks to the important contribution of research. Together, with research institutions, universities, industries, policymakers, standardization bodies, regulators, and institutions across Europe - at national, regional, and EU levels - we can continue working towards this goal. This is true even as some are presenting the falling tree without hearing the growing forest.
The new hydrogen program under FP10 should adopt a comprehensive strategic approach, emphasizing research to boost the competitiveness of European technologies by enhancing performance, reducing reliance on critical materials, and lowering CAPEX and OPEX intensity. This should be coupled with coordinated support for the initial phases of industrial deployment and commercialization, along with efforts to grow early markets and expand support for regional hydrogen valleys.
We will raise our voices at the upcoming Hydrogen Week, with several messages that I am sure we can drive as the research community. Hydrogen Europe Research will present and share two new publications, developed thanks to the support that our members gave in the last weeks and months: a book on how the research is contributing to overcoming some challenges, and a book on the research priorities in the form of a position paper. I hope you can have the chance to take a copy and have an interesting read. Of course, these will be available online as well.
I would like to extend a warm welcome to our newest member, and our first from across the ocean: the Université du Québec à Trois Rivières, represented by our colleague Bruno Pollet. Welcome to Hydrogen Europe Research! We look forward to even greater participation from members in countries associated with the Horizon Europe program!
Please, enjoy this monthly newsletter that will reserve you many more news, updates, and events!
Best wishes,
Luigi Crema
President, Hydrogen Europe Research
HYDROGEN EUROPE RESEARCH NEWS AND ACTIVITIES
Hydrogen Europe Research Welcomes First Member from Canada: Université du Québec à Trois Rivières joins the research network
Hydrogen Europe Research is proud to announce the acceptance of its first transatlantic member, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières. This milestone is a significant development, reflecting the growing international collaboration in the hydrogen sector.
As of July 2024, Canada became part of the Horizon Europe programme, enabling full membership in Hydrogen Europe Research and opening new opportunities for innovation and cooperation. Canada's acceptance demonstrates the expanding global ambition to develop hydrogen technologies as key enablers of a clean energy future. With its world-class research institutions, expertise in hydrogen, electrolysers and fuel cell technologies, and vast natural resources, Canada will contribute significantly to the research community’s vision of decarbonization.
Read the full press release here.
The abstract submission platform for EPHyC2025 is officially open!
Are you a PhD student conducting cutting-edge hydrogen research in Europe? Don't miss your chance to present at the next European PhD Hydrogen Conference (EPHyC 2025) and share your work with the hydrogen community!
Submit your abstract here by 22 November 2024 at 23:59 CET to be considered. Abstracts should be a maximum of 3 pages, and submissions must include two documents: your abstract (in English, following the guidelines descripted here) and a signed cover letter from your supervisor confirming your PhD status.
For more information on the conference, click here!
We look forward to receiving your abstract and welcoming you to Trieste!
Young Scientist Award 2024 – Winners selected!
We are thrilled to announce that the 2024 Young Scientist Award’s winners have been carefully selected by the Executive Board of Hydrogen Europe Research!
This prestigious annual competition celebrates outstanding 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 key pillars aligned with the Clean Hydrogen Partnership framework: hydrogen production/ hydrogen storage and distribution/ hydrogen usages/ cross-cutting activities (e.g., safety, regulations, education)
A young scientist was recognized in each of these pillars, with an additional award for the "Best Researcher of the Year," totalling five awards. The award ceremony will be held in person at Brussels Expo during the Hydrogen Week 2024, on 20 November.
We wish to thank all participants for their efforts and contributions. As this is an annual competition, there will be more opportunities to participate in the future. If you are under 35 years old of age, we encourage you to apply next year and showcase your achievements in hydrogen research!
Only one spot left at the Hydrogen Europe Research’s Members Pavilion - secure it before October 31 (end of the day)!
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! There is only one spot available - If you missed our previous communications, this is your last chance to secure it 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. Not to mention that being a co-exhibitor means getting 1 free full pass to the High-Level Policy Conference!
If you are a Hydrogen Europe Research member and you are interested in getting the last stand, do not hesitate to contact Simona at s.vitali@hydrogeneuroperesearch.eu before 31 October (end of the day)!
2nd meeting of the Hyperion project – Gdańsk, Poland, 5/6 November 2024
The second meeting of the HYPERION project will take place on 5 and 6 November in the Marshal's Office of the Pomeranian Voivodeship.
The first day will be dedicated to internal discussions and meetings with external experts. After an opening address by Stanislaw Szultka - Director of the Economic Development Department of the Marshal's Office of the Pomorskie Voivodeship - the first day will be dedicated to the legal and financial aspects of hydrogen management. Both topics will be addressed by experts invited by the hosting partner. The day will end with a study visit to the Rockfin company and a guided tour of its hydrogen plant.
The second day will start with a project meeting including steering group meetings, reports and presentations on Interreg Europe good practices. After lunch, participants will move to the Gdańsk Port Authority for a study visit led by Jaroslaw Polak, a development specialist from the Port Authority's Development Department.
As advisory partner, Hydrogen Europe Research will attend the meeting and will give a presentation on hydrogen valleys on day 1.
CLEAN HYDROGEN PARTNERSHIP UPDATES
The finalisation of the next Annual Work Plan 2025 is getting closer, as Hydrogen Europe, Hydrogen Europe Research members and the European Commission are working on the last few details of the research and innovation topics that will be included.
The 2025 Call for Proposals will be published at the beginning of next year!
Looking forward, activities surrounding the preparation of the Annual Work Plan 2026 are internally starting, the first step being the identification of priorities that could be considered as a compass for the research and innovation topics that will be developed in 2025. 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
WELCOME TO HYDROGEN EUROPE RESEARCH NEW MEMBERS!
We welcome new members interested in joining the European research and innovation ecosystem focused on hydrogen! If you are not part of the Hydrogen Europe Research membership, and you would like to have more information on how to join us, contact us at secretariat@hydrogeneuroperesearch.eu!
Click here to discover more about our membership criteria.
Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
A member of the Université du Québec network, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières was founded in 1969. With 27 departments and two schools (engineering and business), the university has some 15,000 students, nearly a quarter of whom are enrolled in graduate studies, and more than 3,300 of whom are international students.
The energy transition is a top priority for the University, which also boasts two centres of excellence that have carved out their niche in the hydrogen and bioenergy sectors: the Hydrogen Research Institute and the Innovations Institute in Ecomaterials, Ecoproducts and Ecoenergies based on biomass (I2E3).
IIT - Istitituto Italiano di Tecnologia (Italian Institute of Technology)
The Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT) is a foundation established jointly by the Italian Ministry of Education, Universities and Research and the Ministry of Economy and Finance to promote excellence in basic and applied research and to contribute to the economic development of Italy.
The primary goals of the IIT are the creation and dissemination of scientific knowledge as well as the strengthening of Italy's technological competitiveness. To achieve these two goals, the IIT will cooperate with both academic institutions and private organizations, fostering through these partnerships’ scientific development, technological advances and training in high technology.
MEMBERS' PROJECTS
Metrology to support standardisation of hydrogen fuel sampling for heavy duty hydrogen transport (MetHyTrucks)
Hydrogen can significantly contribute to reducing emissions from the transportation sector as it is particularly well suited as a fuel for long‑haul heavy‑duty (HD) vehicles. At least 60,000 hydrogen-powered trucks are expected to be in operation by 2030, which will require a large infrastructure of Hydrogen Refuelling stations (HRS) suitable for trucks. The uptake of hydrogen for heavy‑duty transport requires further standardisation for sampling at HRS to support Europe’s green energy future.
MetHyTrucks project, initiated in June 2023, will deliver the evidence needed for the standardisation of hydrogen fuel sampling for heavy‑duty applications. The project will run for 3 years and it is coordinated by The Research Institutes of Sweden (RISE).
The Work Package 1, led by The National Physical Laboratory in the UK (NPL), is investigating the impact of critical parameters on the representativeness of samples taken at an HD-HRS using different sampling strategies.
MetHyTrucks is developing sampling methods for gaseous species and particulates adapted to the relevant nozzle geometries used for HD hydrogen applications and to the parameters prevailing at these HRS. This work is done within the Work Package 2, led by SINTEF.
The Work Package 3, led by the National Metrology Institute of Netherlands (VSL), is dedicated the development of protocols and guidelines for the use and validation of sampling systems at HD-HRS. These protocols and guidelines will be disseminated to users in the field, standards developing organisations (SDO) and other key stakeholders.
EVENTS YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS!
Joint ETIP P2X Online Workshop: E-fuels from wind and PV - November 6, 2024, 10:30 am- 12:00 pm, online
ETIP PV and ETIP Wind are hosting a joint ETIP online event on Power-to-x (P2X), with a specific focus on the feasibility and future of e-fuels. The event will be held on 6 November, from 10:30-12 CET.
Speakers – from both research and industry – will share their perspectives on the feasibility and conditions of power-to-x, as well as its benefits, opportunities, and challenges.
The role of hydrogen will be a significant part of this discussion. Notably, Paulo Partidário (DGEG), from the SET4H2 project, will speak on hydrogen’s role in P2X and will present technologies to produce hydrogen derivatives.
You will find more information about the agenda for the event and how to register here.
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