Dear Friends,

So many news this month! And I am sure all of them are of particular interest!

I will start with what gave me the greatest pleasure, namely the General Assembly held in our headquarters in Brussels on Avenue Marnix. It was a great pleasure to meet many of you in person and to have had the opportunity to provide a common update on the activities in progress. I want to thank all the members again for the great trust they have placed in the Board.

After the General Assembly, we held an initial moment of exchange on the projects proposed by the members. This moment gave us many ideas, both relating to the initiatives presented, certainly all very interesting, and on the format that we will try to further improve for the next edition.

The same evening of the Assembly we also held an event in Brussels to raise awareness and stimulate members of the Europen Commission and Permanent Representatives of the Member State not only on the usefulness but also the necessity of a future Clean Hydrogen Partnership, provided that Europe wants to maintain some role in the rapidly evolving hydrogen sector of industrial growth and markets. There is an effort made by many countries to dominate future technologies and future energy supplies worldwide. China has named hydrogen one of the six industries of the future. We can only expect strong competition.

To maintain industry in Europe and play for a market share we will have to play differently than in the past, with new cards, trying to approach development in Europe in a more synergic and integrated way, between various players, along the entire hydrogen value chain, between the various stages of development, from fundamental research to the market.

The event led the various participants to make statements that were very much in line with each other, reiterating the need for support for the hydrogen sector. We hope that there is a common awareness that in three years we will find ourselves in the midst of a heated competition, and we hope not to see one of the most successful programs designed by the European Commission, with the participation of members of research and industry, abandoned.

This message will also be strengthened by a series of other events, including discussions at the European Parliament in Strasbourg in meetings promoted by MEPS, sensitive to the issue of the need to continue the JU program, and convinced that it is necessary to send a strong signal to the European Commission from the European Parliament.

Moving on to something else, I mention the initiative, which you will find extensively described in the newsletter, relating to the campaign for women in hydrogen research. A campaign that sees its launch this month with the presentation of Vanessa Gil, from the Aragon Hydrogen Foundation, and which will continue with monthly events for at least the next year. This campaign sees a collaboration with WiGH - Women in Green Hydrogen, with whom we will sign an MoU that will be made official at the first opportunity we will have together during 2025.

I would also like to stimulate some further reflection on topics that have brought many thoughts to my mind, and on the fact of our role in bringing factual evidence to institutions and political decision makers

For example, among the various topics that come to my attention, is it possible that the results of the auctions of the European hydrogen bank lead to values ​​between 0.2 and 0.6 €/kg H2? To close the business on willingness to pay? Are there facts that confirm these gaps or refute them? Concerning the Italian context, we have carried out a detailed analysis published in a scientific journal that shows much higher cost gaps. In a country that, for goodness' sake, has electricity costs among the least competitive at European level, but which highlights that on some plant schemes, OPEX costs are not predominant, on the contrary.

Do we have a moral role to create warnings to political decision makers regarding the risks that the European system faces in the face of these initiatives? What happens if these prove to be fake projects, perhaps with legs of clay? Will we have a second chance to play as Europe? Or will someone say, in the face of further failures, that this is further evidence that the hydrogen sector cannot develop, that it is a new failed hype, when perhaps, instead, the responsibility for the matter lies in the wrong decisions of the institutions?

Do we, therefore, have a moral duty, as a scientific community, to send out some alarm signals? More questions than answers, but which also come to me from various comparisons and discussions that I am having with representatives of research, industry, investors, all equally alarmed by how on the one hand we continue to tell ourselves beautiful stories, without looking at the other hand at some realities and evidence that are passing before our eyes. As a scientific community, with measurable facts in hand, above vested interests, I think we have the responsibility to give voice to this evidence. I have thrown a few pebbles in the water. I am waiting to hear and see some eventual reaction that I can gather to carry out some action on our part towards the European institutions.

Thank you for any feedback you may have.

HYDROGEN EUROPE RESEARCH NEWS AND ACTIVITIES

Exclusive Event with European Stakeholders on Advancing Hydrogen Technologies, 12 June 2025, The Hotel, Brussels, Belgium

On June 12, Hydrogen Europe Research united top leaders from the European Commission, Member States, and the hydrogen sector for a pivotal high-level event in Brussels.

The message from the panel discussion (moderated by HER Vice-President Christian Sattler) was loud and clear: Europe must prioritise investments in hydrogen research and innovation to retain its global leadership.

As the EU prepares for the next Multiannual Financial Framework, FP10, and the European Competitiveness Fund, critical discussions are centred on strengthening the Clean Hydrogen Partnership and bridging skills gaps across the hydrogen value chain.

In his opening speech, Luigi Crema, HER President, said: “We call on the European Commission for continued support for hydrogen and, in particular, research funding from the lowest TRLs. Recent reports stress the urgency of further investing in key strategic sectors in which the EU has a fragile lead. Hydrogen is on top of the list. We must enhance performance, design, and cost-efficiency within a sustainable path. We urge the European Commission to strengthen the Clean Hydrogen Partnership by strategically linking it to industrialisation and first-market development in coordination with Member States.”

We extend our sincere gratitude to our speakers and panellists for their invaluable insights and contributions:

• Joanna Drake (European Commission, DG RTD)
• Tudor Constantinescu (European Commission, DG ENER)
• Siobhan McGarry (European Commission, DG Growth)
• Jorgo Chatzimarkakis (CEO of Hydrogen Europe)
• Valerie Bouillon-Delporte (Executive Director of Clean Hydrogen Partnership)

Read our full press release here!

HER General Assembly & Side event with project presentations, 12 June 2025, Brussels, Belgium

On 12 June 2025, Hydrogen Europe Research hosted its 39^th General Assembly, bringing together members to discuss the latest updates, achievements, and plans for the future.

The hybrid event took place at the HER office in Brussels and online, allowing the participation of more than 200 people.

The afternoon featured a series of project presentations, showcasing groundbreaking initiatives:

• HyLICAL: Development of a high-performance hydrogen liquefier prototype, presented by Institute for Energy Technology (IFE).
• Promisers: PFAS-free polymer materials for PEM fuel cells and electrolysers, presented by IIT-Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia.
• European Hydrogen Academy: Educational advancements presented by University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague.
• HI2 Hydrogen Industrial Inland Valley: A comprehensive project overview by HyCentA.
• Hydrogen Territories Platform Tool: Regional hydrogen innovation tool presented by Aragon Hydrogen Foundation.

We wish to thank all the members who participated in the event and contributed to its success!

We look forward to meeting everyone again at the next General Assembly on November 26 in Brussels!

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. These features will delve into their journeys, celebrate their accomplishments, and inspire discussions on fostering a more inclusive and equitable industry.

We kicked off the series with Vanesa Gil Hernandez, Head of R&D at Aragon Hydrogen Foundation and senior researcher with ARAID, whose career journey shows what’s possible when ambition is supported, not only by institutions, but also by the belief that you can lead both in science and life.

We continued our series with Viviana Cigolotti, a passionate leader driving the energy transition in her role as Head of Division Technologies and Vectors for Decarbonization at ENEA and Hydrogen Europe Research's Board Member.

She also coordinates the European project ALRIGH2T and serves as Chair of the IEA’s Technical Collaboration Programme on Advanced Fuel Cells, uniting experts from over 20 countries to advance hydrogen research and policy.

Stay tuned and keep an eye on this page as we continue to spotlight inspiring women shaping the future of hydrogen, each with a unique journey and a powerful voice!

HER Young Scientist Award 2025: Competition Now Open!

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.

The award ceremony will take place in person in Brussels, during the Research Days 2025.

Eligibility Criteria:

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

Click here to know 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!

CLEAN HYDROGEN PARTNERSHIP UPDATES

Consortia will be informed of the result of their proposal during the Summer. In addition, an assessment of the reserve list proposals will also be undertaken in view of funding additional projects, if possible.

Regarding the 2024 Call for Proposals, the Clean Hydrogen Partnership has signed grant agreements for 26 new projects, for a total funding of 154.6M€. These projects cover the full hydrogen value chain and will bring together stakeholders from 33 countries. More information on the awarded projects can be found here.

The second step of the Annual Work Plan 2026 activities will restart soon! Should you be interested in participating in 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

The second edition of the Hydrogen Valley Days took place on 24 and 25 June in Brussels. The event comprised high-level speeches and notably presented the Hydrogen Valleys Facility. The second day was dedicated to sessions on key challenges that Hydrogen Valley projects face and lead markets.

On 24 June 2025, from 15:30 to 16:30, Luigi Crema, HER President, and Guillermo Figueruelo, HER Board Member for Hydrogen Valleys, participated in a session highlighting how hydrogen valleys have emerged as a remarkable European success story, powered by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership.

MEMBERS NEWS

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 us, and here to learn more about our membership criteria. 

Pioneering electrolyser to test hydrogen production technologies developed by Tecnalia

Designed entirely by the Tecnalia research and technological development centre, this prototype is an experimental hybrid bench to test the components of an electrolyser and it will also be capable of producing green hydrogen from its facilities in Donostia-San Sebastian.

Some key features are:
✔ Compact and portable.
✔ Versatile, currently capable of testing both alkaline and AEM electrolysis technologies.
✔ Advanced monitoring: equipped with tools to monitor key process parameters under various operating conditions.

More information on this new electrolyser can be found 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

European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW), 10 June 2025, Brussels, Belgium

The European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) is the biggest annual event dedicated to renewables and efficient energy use in Europe. It is organised by the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) and the Directorate-General for Energy.

The session delved into the current hurdles and opportunities related to scaling up renewable and low-carbon fuels in the maritime and aviation sectors. You can find the recording of the session here.

3^rd meeting of HYPERION project, 27–28 May 2025, Stavanger, Norway

On 27–28 May 2025, partners of the HYPERION project gathered in Stavanger (Norway) for the third time to strengthen their collaboration on hydrogen innovation.

The meeting featured several highlights:

• Deep dive into Norway’s hydrogen ecosystem, including a review of risk assessments and regulatory frameworks led by the University of Stavanger.
• Exploration of hydrogen as a maritime fuel, with insight from Maritime CleanTech and discussions on pioneering marine applications.
• A visit to the Risavika Hydrogen Hub, showcasing pilot plants for hydrogen production from biogas, natural gas, and electricity, and highlighting its role in education and industry collaboration.
• Tour of Hydra, the world’s first hydrogen-powered ferry operating off the coast of Stavanger via Norled.

A key highlight was the contribution from Hydrogen Europe Research, which presented the findings of a European stakeholder survey on regional hydrogen priorities. This survey aims to benchmark hydrogen advancements across Europe and identify areas for further innovation and collaboration. A public summary report is expected soon, offering valuable insights to guide future efforts in the hydrogen sector.

Stay tuned for updates and insights from HYPERION! Read more here.

EVENTS YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS!

European Fuel Cell Forum (EFCF 2025), 1 – 4 July 2025,  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.

Immerse yourself in the heart of H2 technology innovation at Europe's most renowned event for the development of fuel cells and electrolysers. In 2025, the EFCF will focus on all H2 technologies in the low-temperature range and will offer an overview and in-depth look at the current state of the art over 3 days from 2-4 July 2025 in the famous and picturesque KKL Lucerne (Switzerland).

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 2025 is your platform for networking, collaboration and business in the FCH industry.

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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