Dear Friends,

This month, I am writing to you from Izmir, Turkey. I was invited to give a keynote speech at the IHTECH conference. I had the opportunity to meet several members of Hydrogen Europe Research, including representatives from Dokuz Eylul University, the host of the event. It was a great pleasure to participate in the conference, have the opportunity to interact with the various participants, and also hook up opportunities for collaboration for the near future.

From this conference and other events I recently attended, I note a renewed desire to overcome the difficulties of the sector, and find a way to build, with a pragmatic spirit, the hydrogen sector.

A series of discussions is taking place these days and will continue in the coming weeks, among the main European actors: institutions of the European Parliament, representatives of the Member States, associations such as Hydrogen Europe and Hydrogen Europe Research. There is an attempt to get closer, to talk to each other, to realize that a sector so important for the energy future of Europe, such as hydrogen, necessarily has to work simultaneously on all existing barriers to activate the supply chain. This requires great coordination and synergy between all institutional, economic, industrial, and market operator levels. Nothing new under the sun. Simply actions that in other parts of the globe are customary, and must become even more so in Europe, to maintain competitiveness and the level of technological, industrial, and economic presence at an international level.

Now that we enter the month of June, we will have important appointments within Hydrogen Europe Research, including the General Assembly in Brussels, at our headquarters at Avenue Marnix 23, where I await our members with the pleasure of a handshake and a sincere discussion.

We will then have the event on the Hydrogen Valleys, on 24 and 25 June. It will be another opportunity to meet and discuss. In addition, we have appointments that involve initiatives to be brought back to the Mediterranean area, which, for our part, involve the development of bilateral training programs. We are also developing further initiatives to make members' work visible in the working groups and to enhance the association. However, I will not reveal everything to you today and will leave it for a future surprise.

Finally, I recall the closing of the 2025 Call for Proposal of the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, which saw extraordinary participation, with 212 project proposals submitted. There will be a rich competition among many research proposals, demonstrator projects, and hydrogen valleys. May the best one win! We will know the results by the second half of the summer.

I therefore refer you to our rich newsletter of May, in which you can find information about the events participated in and what was debated.

HYDROGEN EUROPE RESEARCH NEWS AND ACTIVITIES

Showcase Your Hydrogen Training Programmes in the European Hydrogen Observatory!

The next update of the European Hydrogen Observatory is scheduled for June, and we would like to invite all members of Hydrogen Europe Research to take this opportunity to showcase your training and education offers in the hydrogen sector.

What is the European Hydrogen Observatory?

The European Hydrogen Observatory is the go-to platform for accurate and up-to-date data on hydrogen in Europe. It serves as a central hub of information for policymakers, industry stakeholders, researchers, and the general public.

By contributing your training programmes to the Observatory, you will join a European-wide repository dedicated to education and upskilling in the field of hydrogen and fuel cells.

What kind of programmes can you include?

We welcome a wide range of training and education offers, including:

• Bachelor and Master programmes
• Professional training courses
• Summer and Winter schools
• Vocational Education and Training (VET) programmes

To submit or update your programmes, simply use this link to access the Observatory.

If you are updating an existing programme, please do not create a new entry, tick the “update existing programme” box and browse for your current listing to edit.

Why contribute?

• Promote your training to students, professionals, and companies across Europe
• Increase your visibility in the European hydrogen ecosystem
• Help map the hydrogen education landscape and identify skills gaps in the sector

We also invite you to share this opportunity with your wider network, especially with colleagues and partners involved in hydrogen education.

Deadline for contributions: Friday, 30 May!

In addition to programme listings, the Observatory also hosts educational materials (presentations, lecture slides, course booklets, etc.) under the "Educational Material" section. If you are interested in publishing your material, please contact Dominik Richter at d.richter@hydrogeneuroperesearch.eu!

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

Hydrogen Europe Research was proud to support the organization of the second edition of the Hydrogen VET Forum 2025, held from 8 to 10 May at the legendary Circuit of Spa-Francorchamps, right alongside the FIA World Endurance Championship!

Throughout the Forum, participants explored not only educational resources like the Hydrogen Game, but also got to witness cutting-edge hydrogen technologies in action, as the Alpine Alpenglow Hy6, a hydrogen internal combustion engine car, took on the race tracks for a demonstration lap.

A big thank you to the co-organisers, especially the Automobile Club de l'Ouest, MissionH24, Automotive Skills Alliance, Hydrogen Europe, and the entire Green Skills For Hydrogen consortium!

3rd meeting of the Hyperion project, Stavanger, Norway, 27-28 May 2025

Hydrogen Europe Research was pleased to participate in the third HYPERION project meeting, which took place on May 27 and 28 in Stavanger, Rogaland County, eastern Norway.

Over two days, participants explored key topics, including:

• An overview of the Norwegian hydrogen landscape.

• The use of hydrogen as a marine fuel.

• The identification and exchange of best practices.

A highlight of the event was a guided tour on “Hydra.” Hydra is the world's first hydrogen-powered ship operating between Hjelmeland and Nesvik, off Stavanger, on Norway's west coast, on behalf of Norled, one of Norway's largest ferry and fast boat operators.

CLEAN HYDROGEN PARTNERSHIP UPDATES

The first step of the Annual Work Plan 2026 activities has been finalised 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

The second edition of the Hydrogen Valley Days will take place on 24 and 25 June in Brussels. The event will comprise high-level speeches, present the Hydrogen Valleys Facility and host sessions on barriers that Hydrogen Valley projects face. More information and the registration link can be found here.

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 our membership criteria. 

Hydrogen university TU Graz: Austria’s first university-based, megawatt-scale H2 electrolysis test centre opens

With 10 million EUR in federal funding, Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) is enhancing its hydrogen infrastructure. The new electrolysis test centre and expanded testing facilities are reinforcing Styria’s position as a leading European hydrogen research hub.

With this new infrastructure, Graz is creating a model for developing and testing future energy systems that is unique in Europe. Read more here!

Workshop No. 5 on RCS for LH2 transfer operations and facilities, 5 June 2025, online

The 5th ELVHYS Safety Workshop, titled “Towards RCS for Cryogenic and LH2 Transferring Operations and Facilities”, is happening online on 5 June 2025!

International experts from ELVHYS consortium and international Regulations, Codes and Standards committees will present a throughout overview on the national and international regulatory and standardisation activities for hydrogen technologies with a focus on cryogenic and liquid hydrogen applications.

Do not miss the opportunity to join this insightful event and register here! Upon registration, you will receive the updates and dial-in information prior to the event.

19^th Ulm Electrochemical Talks, 4-5 June 2025, Ulm, Germany

The 19^th Ulm Electrochemical Talks will take place on June 04-05, 2025, in Ulm, Germany! This is your chance to explore how electrochemical technologies can drive the energy transition – from next-generation batteries to innovative fuel cells and hydrogen solutions. Whether you are seeking the latest advancements, insights into current challenges, or opportunities for collaboration, UECT is the place to be.

Highlights of the event will be:

• Presentations focused on development and industrial scale-up.
• A poster session showcasing cutting-edge scientific results.
• Networking opportunities, including a dinner with live music on 4 June.

Interested? Register here now!

For program details, speakers, and more, click 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

Net Zero Milan Expo Summit, 14-15-16 May 2025, Milan, Italy

Production and technologies at the center of the first session

Now that the era of – often too easy – enthusiasm is over, the time has come for hydrogen to inaugurate an era of pragmatism. A new approach based on technological neutrality, which must consider the real decarbonization potential of H2 by reasoning in terms of opportunities and effectiveness of its use, and which needs an adequate regulatory framework, ‘purified’ of unrealistic and unachievable objectives, as such very often counterproductive.

This is the false line that articulated the debate during the vertical conference ‘Clean hydrogen for a competitive decarbonization’, held as part of NetZero Milan 2025, the expo-summit organized by Fiera Milano, currently underway at the Allianz MiCo facilities in the Lombardy capital.

The task of opening the proceedings, and coordinating them as moderator, fell to Stefano Campanari, Professor at the Politecnico di Milano and member of the Hydrogen Joint Research Partnership (H2 JRP), who provided an introductory overview of the role of hydrogen in the context of the energy transition, the regulatory framework of reference in Italy and Europe, the production methods and the potential applications of the vector.

He then confirmed that overly rigid rules can be counterproductive: “The particularly tight constraints for the production of renewable hydrogen in the Delegated Act on RFNBOs do not facilitate the creation of an H2 market. Indeed, they risk hindering it by further increasing the final cost of the energy carrier". For this reason, said Crema, "12 EU member states have asked the Commission to review these criteria, which will probably happen during 2028".

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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