Dear Friends,

Coming back from several events, it was highly exciting to be present at so many initiatives and events related to hydrogen. It was certainly an honor to participate in the Clean Hydrogen Partnership mission in Japan, where a Workshop on Combustion Technologies was held, in Kobe, between the European delegation and the Japanese one, led by NEDO. And a wonderful event was the second edition of EPHYC, in Trieste, in a fantastic setting between sea and land, with the presence of many PhD students from more than 20 European countries. An important part of our future was there.

All this, in a very agitated period of discussions reactive to the hydrogen sector in Europe, between the development of the current market and the support for the future of the sector.

Rumors related to the next framework program, FP10, without a guaranteed and defined budget, have led to numerous recent reactions among representatives of the European Parliament, national institutions, associations, and the European Commission itself. Among these, we welcome the Warsaw declaration, drawn up by the EU Research Ministers, on the sidelines of the Informal Competitiveness Council. Strengthened by a second report of the European Parliament adopted on 11 March, which calls for FP10 to be maintained as a separate program.

We certainly join the voice of Hydrogen Europe Research to this chorus, strongly and decisively, asking for a guaranteed budget for research and development in FP10 at the values ​​indicated by the various recent reports on European competitiveness, by Draghi, Letta, and Heitor. A strengthened budget that prioritizes technologies in which Europe still has strong bases of expertise, intellectual property, knowledge in universities and research centers, infrastructures and laboratories, companies from start-ups to large global companies, and a need, specifically for hydrogen, to help the energy transition and decarbonization.

Hydrogen Europe Research will contribute, in future events and with upcoming initiatives, to strengthen this message and to transfer it to the representatives of the various European and national institutions. We request that the budget of the next framework program not be left unexpressed, but be guaranteed at higher values, strengthening the initiatives that bring structural collaboration and partnerships between the public and private sectors. Maybe with new rules, maybe with new synergies or collaboration perimeters, breaking the silo approach between initiatives close to each other, which together have a common and homogeneous objective, avoiding duplications, fragmentations and redundancies.

We ask the European Commission for a stand-alone, strengthened FP10 program, which provides support to European research priorities from the lowest TRLs, which strengthens and does not reduce public-private partnerships, in particular Joint Undertakings. The Clean Hydrogen partnership over the years has amply demonstrated the many added values ​​of creating a system between institutions, research and industry, and there is even more need for this system approach today, in the hydrogen sector, which is preparing to become a relevant market sector at a global level, but with a broad structural development in particular in the European context.

HYDROGEN EUROPE RESEARCH NEWS AND ACTIVITIES

EPHyC2025: A Remarkable Success in Trieste!

Hosted by Hydrogen Europe Research, the University of Trieste, and the North Adriatic Hydrogen Valley partners, the event brought together a vibrant community of 160 PhD researchers, representing diverse institutions and countries across Europe.

The conference featured a comprehensive program, including PhD presentations, keynote speeches, industry sessions, a site visit, and networking events. Participants had the opportunity to present their research, engage in discussions, and explore interdisciplinary collaborations.

This edition not only reinforced EPHyC as a key platform for collaboration and innovation but also provided valuable opportunities for researchers to exchange ideas and forge connections that will shape the future of Europe’s hydrogen ecosystem.

Stay tuned for updates on the next edition: it will take place in Trondheim, Norway, in June 2026, hosted by the research centre HYDROGENi!

We are hiring!

What You Will Do:

• Assist with administrative tasks related to governance and liaise with Belgian administrations.
• Manage financial processes, including invoices and expenses.
• Support the organisation of key events such as General Assemblies and conferences.
• Oversee office needs and coordinate payroll processes.

Key Details:

• Role: Part-time (40-60%)
• Location: Brussels
• Start Date: As soon as possible

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, send your CV and cover letter to secretariat@hydrogeneuroperesearch.eu!

Join us in advancing the future of clean energy!

Hydrogen VET Teachers Forum 2025 at Spa-Francorchamps, 8-10 May 2025

The Hydrogen VET Forum 2025 will take place from 8 to 10 May 2025 at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, alongside the FIA WEC 6 Hours of Spa. This event, co-organised by Hydrogen Europe Research and key partners such as the Automobile Club de l'Ouest, Automotive Skills Alliance, Green Skills For Hydrogen, Hydrogen Europe and other key industry and education stakeholders, aims to provide VET educators with essential knowledge about hydrogen technologies, such as fuel cells, combustion engines, and safety protocols. Participants will engage with industry experts, experience live demonstrations, and learn how to integrate the latest advancements into their teaching.

The forum includes an online training phase in March and April 2025 to prepare participants for the in-person event at Spa-Francorchamps. Registrations close on 30 April, so do not miss this opportunity to enhance your expertise. Pre-register now to secure your spot and take your teaching to the next level!

CLEAN HYDROGEN PARTNERSHIP UPDATES

As the first step of the Annual Work Plan 2026 activities is nearing completion within Hydrogen Europe Research, mark your calendars for the second step which will restart towards the start of Summer. Should you be interested in participating to the elaboration of the next Annual Work Plan, do not hesitate to get in touch with our Innovation Manager, Louis Mazurkiewicz, l.mazurkiewicz@hydrogeneuroperesearch.eu!

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. 

Metrosert

It ensures that measurements in Estonia are consistent and internationally comparable, supporting the reliability of products and services across various sectors.

Metrosert's Applied Research Center (ARC) supports innovation and development in five key areas, including hydrogen technologies.

Technical University of Sofia

Renowned for its emphasis on research and development, TUS collaborates with numerous international institutions and participates in various research projects funded by the European Union and other organizations. The university hosts several research centers focusing on areas such as robotics, renewable energy, and information technologies.​

Institute of Shipping Economics and Logistics

ISL operates with a focus on practical, interdisciplinary solutions for the maritime and logistics sectors. Since its establishment, ISL has managed or participated in a large number of EU projects in several framework programmes, INTERREG, other international funding programmes like European Space Agency (esa), and German national as well as regional funding programmes.

WIVA P&G

Established as a "hydrogen flagship region," WIVA P&G aims to demonstrate the transition of the Austrian economy to a largely CO₂-neutral structure, with renewable hydrogen as a central component. The association coordinates various projects focusing on green energy, green industry, and green mobility.

MEMBERS NEWS

Launch of the 3rd Edition of the IEA Hydrogen TCP Awards of Excellence

The Theme for the 2025 Awards is “Hydrogen Innovations and Technologies for Hard-to-Decarbonize Sectors and Sustainable Fuels”. This theme highlights groundbreaking projects that drive the clean energy transition forward.

If you know of projects making a significant impact, now is the time to shine a spotlight on their contributions! Applications are open until May 10.

Learn more and submit your proposal here!  

H2Excellence Thesis Competition 2025

The winner will receive a €1000 award, travel support to attend the award ceremony, and a certificate of attendance. The ceremony will be held on September 19, 2025, in Capri, Italy, during the European Fuel Cell Conference (EFC).

To be eligible, your thesis must have been defended between January 2024 and June 2025. The submission deadline is June 30, 2025. All applications will be evaluated based on scientific quality, presentation quality, and the impact of the study.

More information and the application form can be found here!

EVENTS ATTENDED BY HYDROGEN EUROPE RESEARCH

Workshop on Hydrogen Combustion Technologies, 26 March 2025, Kobe, Japan

The Clean Hydrogen Partnership and the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation (NEDO) hosted a productive workshop in Kobe, Japan, on March 26, focusing on the future of hydrogen and ammonia combustion technologies. It brought together leading industry experts, researchers and policymakers to explore innovative pathways for clean hydrogen and ammonia combustion, reinforcing the importance of cross-border collaboration in meeting global climate and energy security goals.

Luigi Crema, President of Hydrogen Europe Research, took part in the meeting and stressed its significance by pointing to the crucial role hydrogen technologies play in tackling climate and environmental issues. He highlighted that this collaboration with Japan not only reinforces economic ties but also marks a strategic move to boost international research cooperation.

You can discover more about the workshop here.

EVENTS YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS!

9th International Hydrogen Technologies Congress (IHTEC-2025), 25 - 28 May 2025, Izmir, Turkey

Join the 9^th International Hydrogen Technologies Congress (IHTEC-2025), a leading multidisciplinary international event organized by Dokuz Eylül University and the Hydrogen Technologies Association! The congress will take place from May 25 to 28, 2025, in Izmir, Türkiye.

IHTEC-2025 will serve as a forum for the exchange of technical knowledge, the dissemination of high-quality research, and the presentation of new policies and scientific advancements in the field of hydrogen energy. The congress will cover a broad range of topics related to the hydrogen ecosystem, including production, storage, distribution, utilization, safety, and policy.

Participation from both academia and industry is welcome! The conference will foster effective and fruitful discussions and collaborations among participants from various disciplines, institutions, and sectors worldwide.

Discover more here!

International School of Electrocatalysis 2025 (ISECAT2025), 23-25 July 2025, Padova, Italy

Hydrogen Europe Research is thrilled to support ISECAT 2025, the first edition of the International School of Electrocatalysis, which will be held between 23 and 25 July 2025 at the Biology and Biomedicine Campus “Fiore di Botta” in Padova, Italy!

The symposium will bring together professors and instructors of the highest international standing to provide participants (Ph.D. students, postdocs, and newcomers) with advanced training in electrocatalysis, focusing on applications in electrochemical energy conversion and storage devices.

Key highlights include:
- Insights into cutting-edge technologies and future objectives in electrocatalysis.
- Opportunities to learn directly from globally renowned experts.
- A focus on fostering personal interactions between students, instructors, and industrial representatives, encouraging formal and informal idea-sharing.

ISECAT 2025 is the perfect platform to deepen your expertise, engage with leaders in the field, and explore the latest advancements in electrocatalysis. For more details and to register, click here!

5th International Conference on Electrolysis 2025, 25-29 August 2025, Fribourg, Germany

We are excited to announce the fifth International Conference on Electrolysis (ICE) in 2025. This event has rapidly become a key platform for PhD students, academic researchers and technical experts from industry to share breakthroughs in electrolysis technology, particularly in its role in energy conversion and green hydrogen production.

Following the success of previous editions in Denmark, Norway, the United States, and South Africa, ICE 2025 will continue to focus on advancing electrolysis technologies crucial for the global energy transition. It will take place from 25-29 August 2025 in Freiburg, Germany.

Become part of ICE 2025 and submit an abstract (PDF file, 1 page) on your latest and groundbreaking results in the field of electrolysis!

Discover more about the conference here.

Joint European Summer School in Fuel Cell, Electrolyser, and Battery Technologies, 15-19 September 2025, Vravrona, Greece

In a week packed full of information and student exercises, participants will have the opportunity to interact with industry and academic leaders in a relaxed atmosphere, and - indeed! - have some free time for swimming and sports.

Participants can choose from four parallel courses covering materials, designs, manufacturing, and testing for

- High temperature fuel cells and electrolysers,

- Low temperature fuel cells and electrolysers,

- Batteries - today and tomorrow -

and a basic course on

- Hydrogen safety

With lecturers from the Danish Technical University (DTU), Research Centre Juelich (FZJ), Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung (BAM), CEA, the Universities of Chemnitz, Muenster, Esslingen, Birmingham, and Ulster University, and a roster of industry speakers from Topsoe, Toyota, and AFCEnergy, participants will receive first-hand information on cutting-edge technologies and future developments. And engage in lively discussions over meals or over drinks in the evenings.

Details of the programme and registration can be found at www.jess-summerschool.eu and are continuously updated.

The registration fee covers full board from Sunday 14 Sept to Saturday 20 Sept 2025, an afternoon visit to Athens, and a Friday festive dinner.

Mail contact for any further queries: r.steinbergerwilckens@bham.ac.uk

European Fuel Cells and Hydrogen "PIERO LUNGHI CONFERENCE" 2025, 17-19 September 2025, Capri, Italy

The European Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Piero Lunghi Conference 2025 (EFCH₂ 2025), now in its 11th edition, will take place in Italy in the beautiful setting of Capri and is recognized as one of the most important international conferences in the field of hydrogen technologies and fuel cells. EFCH₂ 2025 provides a unique opportunity to showcase the latest technical advancements, establish new contacts, and promote the exchange of technical, industrial, and commercial information.

The event will bring together academics, researchers, industry professionals, and public sector representatives to share experiences and research outcomes, covering all aspects of hydrogen technologies, fuel cells, and clean energy.  It serves as a premier interdisciplinary forum, bringing together participants to showcase and discuss cutting-edge innovations, emerging trends, and critical challenges in hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, as well as clean energy. It also highlights the practical solutions being implemented in these fields. By fostering the exchange of ideas and strategies, the event promotes collaboration aimed at addressing the most pressing needs in the energy sector.

Discover more here!

ZBT Hydrogen Energy Symposium 2025, 12 November 2025, Duisburg, Germany

Join the ZBT Hydrogen Energy Symposium, hosted by the ZBT Research School! This event, taking place on November 12, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM at Fraunhofer InHaus Center, Forsthausweg 1, 47057 Duisburg, brings together researchers, experts, and enthusiasts for a full day dedicated to exploring advancements in hydrogen energy.

The symposium will feature insightful talks and engaging poster presentations from various fields of hydrogen energy research. Key topics which will be tacked are:

• Functional Materials and Electrochemical Systems
• Hydrogen Storage, Transportation, Safety, and Regulations
• Fuel Cells and Electrolyzers
• Hydrogen Applications in Transportation, Industry, and Energy Systems

The call for abstracts is now open until July 10! Discover more here!

Take a look at some highlights from the 2024 Hydrogen Energy Symposium here!

Spaces may be limited, so secure your spot early to avoid missing out!

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