Dear Friends,

Time is flying, and as we reach the end of March, it is already clear that 2026 is not only intense but also increasingly strategic for the future of hydrogen in Europe.

This month has been marked by an important milestone for our community: the European Hydrogen Skills Stakeholder Conference, held in Brussels as the final event of the Green Skills for Hydrogen project. This initiative has shown something very clearly: the hydrogen transition is not only about technologies, infrastructures, or markets: it is about people. It is about skills, training systems, and the ability to translate knowledge into real capabilities across the entire value chain. As discussed during the conference, we are now moving beyond pilot initiatives towards structured, scalable approaches to hydrogen education and workforce development across Europe.

At the same time, the broader hydrogen landscape continues to evolve rapidly. While we are consolidating progress on deployment through Hydrogen Valleys, industrial projects and growing ecosystems, we are also entering a new phase where competitiveness, system integration and industrial capacity become central. The work of our community, from low TRL research to applied innovation, is increasingly critical to ensure that Europe not only builds a hydrogen market but leads it.

In parallel, we are approaching a decisive moment at the European level. The upcoming consultation on future Joint Undertakings under the next Framework Programme will play a key role in shaping the future of hydrogen research and innovation in Europe. As highlighted in our position, hydrogen is not a sector that can be addressed through fragmented initiatives. It requires continuity, coordination and a system-level approach, exactly what the Joint Undertaking model has successfully delivered over the past years.
At Hydrogen Europe Research, we are fully engaged in this process, actively contributing to ensure that research and innovation remain at the core of Europe’s hydrogen strategy.

However, these reflections do not happen in a vacuum. The current geopolitical context reminds us, once again, how fragile our energy systems can be. Instability in the Middle East, persistent volatility in global energy markets, and the structural increase in energy costs are not temporary disruptions — they are signals of a deeper systemic vulnerability. Europe continues to depend heavily on external resources, supply chains, and technologies, exposing our economies and industries to risks that go far beyond energy itself.

In this context, energy transition is no longer only an environmental necessity, it is a matter of resilience, sovereignty and strategic autonomy. We need to build an energy system that is not only clean, but also secure, competitive, and controlled within Europe.

This is where hydrogen plays a central role.

Hydrogen (together with its derived molecules) acts as the missing link that closes the loop of the energy system: enabling large-scale integration of renewables, supporting industrial decarbonisation, providing long-term storage and flexibility, and connecting sectors that cannot be electrified directly. Alongside renewable energy and looking ahead also to the potential role of next-generation sustainable nuclear, hydrogen contributes to building a fully integrated, resilient and diversified energy architecture for Europe.

But this transformation will not happen by chance.

It requires long-term vision, coordinated action, strong research and innovation, and the ability to translate knowledge into industrial leadership. It requires investing in people, skills, infrastructures and technologies, and ensuring that Europe retains control over the key elements of its future energy system.

In other words, the question is not whether Europe will have hydrogen.
The question is whether Europe will master it.

At Hydrogen Europe Research, we strongly believe that research is the foundation of this ambition. It is through research that we build capability. And it is through capability that Europe can achieve true energy sovereignty.

Alongside these strategic developments, many initiatives continue to bring our community together - from skills and education programmes to major events and collaborative activities that you will discover in this newsletter.

As always, thank you for your engagement, your commitment, and your contribution to shaping a European hydrogen future that is not only sustainable, but also competitive, resilient and sovereign.

HYDROGEN EUROPE RESEARCH NEWS AND ACTIVITIES

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, turning this initiative into a shared campaign. 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 March, we shared the story of Friederike Fontes, Project Manager and Head of Maritime Hydrogen and PtX research area at the Institute of Shipping Economics and Logistics, whose work focuses on the role of hydrogen and synthetic fuels in the maritime sector.

Friederike Fontes is a chemist and has completed training as a chemical laboratory assistant. At the Jülich Research Center in Germany, she worked on the development of catalysts for the synthesis of synthetic fuels. Since 2023, her research has focused on the maritime use and production of synthetic fuels, exploring how these solutions can contribute to the decarbonisation of shipping.

Since 2024, Friederike leads the “Maritime Hydrogen and PtX” research area at the Institute of Shipping Economics and Logistics. Through her work at the interface between research and industry, she aims to highlight the opportunities offered by synthetic fuels in the maritime sector and support their market ramp-up.

Alongside her work at ISL, Friederike is currently pursuing her PhD at the University of Münster. Here, she also serves as Executive Editor and Manager of the Journal of Business Chemistry, where she supports early-career researchers in gaining visibility for their work.

For Friederike, interdisciplinary exchange and transparency about both opportunities and challenges are essential to enable climate neutrality in maritime logistics in the near future. She doesn’t shy away from professional challenges but views them as opportunities to learn, grow, and continuously broaden her perspective.

From research to real-world impact, Friederike’s journey highlights the important role women play in advancing hydrogen technologies. Read her full interview here!

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.

-Electrochemical processes using non-water feedstocks, reducing energy demand and enabling valuable co-products;

-Photoactivated processes that use solar energy directly, inspired by natural photosynthesis;

-Biomass-based pathways, from gasification to biological hydrogen generation, opening new options where electrolysis may not be viable.

From HDPE and polyamides for high-pressure systems to polypropylene and PVC for low-pressure applications, understanding their behavior under hydrogen exposure is essential for scaling a resilient network.

To enable a hydrogen economy, we need complementary storage solutions. One promising pathway is solid-state hydrogen storage, using materials such as metal hydrides, high-entropy alloys, and metal-organic frameworks.

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

Partner with us for the European PhD Hydrogen Conference 2026!

We are pleased to announce that our EPHyC Scientific Committee, composed of dedicated PhD researchers, is currently finalising the review phase for all submitted abstracts.

The evaluation process is nearly over, and we are impressed by the high caliber of research contributing to this year's program. Official registration for the conference will open shortly!

In 2026, the conference will be organised by PhD researchers from HYDROGENi, SINTEF, and Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). We look forward to meeting all those who applied in Trondheim next June!

If you are an industry or a hydrogen association, partner with us for two leading hydrogen research conferences in Trondheim: the European PhD Hydrogen Conference and the H2science conference!

From 1 to 4 June 2026, these events will join forces to bring together established and emerging experts who work every day to accelerate the transition to a clean hydrogen economy. To make this possible, we aim to collaborate closely with industry and hydrogen organisations that care about scientific progress and development.

Sponsorship opportunities are open, and this is your moment to make an impact! As a sponsor, you will gain strong visibility across both events. You will be in direct contact with researchers, industry leaders, and decision-makers from across the hydrogen value chain, and you will connect with many talented PhD candidates who are exploring new career opportunities.

Discover here more information about sponsorship opportunities and our sponsorship prospectus! If you decide to join us as a sponsor, thank you in advance for helping make EPHyC and H2science a reality. Your support will keep these events open and accessible for our community!

HYDROGEN VET FORUM 2026: Teachers' Course on Hydrogen in Mobility, Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium

Hydrogen Europe Research is a partner of the Hydrogen VET forum initiative, taking place on 8-9 May at the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit during the FIA World Endurance Championship!

If you are a vocational education and training (VET) teacher passionate about the future of hydrogen in mobility, join us! This exclusive event will give you the opportunity to:

• Learn about hydrogen technology, including fuel cells, hydrogen combustion engines, and safety protocols.
• Engage with peers, industry experts and racing teams pioneering hydrogen-powered vehicles.
• Witness live demonstrations of hydrogen prototypes in action during the championship.
• Bring cutting-edge insights back to your classrooms and training programmes.

How to participate:

• Deadline to pre-register has been postponed to 5 April 2026 - do it here!
• Complete two online modules in March or April 2026 to earn your digital badge and secure your spot for the in-person event! (You will be enrolled on the online platform after the selection!).
• In-person training selection will take place only among candidates having completed the pre-courses.
• In-person training (8–9 May 2026): join us in Spa for two days of hands-on learning, networking, and exclusive access to the FIA WEC event! Click here to view the forum programme.

Certification is awarded only to participants who complete both the online and in-person modules!

Participation is free of charge; however, travel, accommodation and dinners are at your own expense. These costs can be covered, for example, through Erasmus+ Mobility projects.

Important: spaces are limited. Selection will be based on pre-registration and completion of online courses. Upon selection for on-site participation, you commit to attending the event. Wait for confirmation before booking travel or accommodation!

CLEAN HYDROGEN PARTNERSHIP UPDATES

Drafting groups will soon be created. 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  4-8 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 5 May with the European Clean Hydrogen Alliance Forum organised by the European Commission. This forum will bring together Hydrogen Valleys and other major flagship initiatives with members of the Alliance community, with the aim of aligning project pipelines with industrial priorities, market deployment opportunities, and investment perspectives. On Wednesday, 6 May, a public high-level policy event jointly organised by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership and the European Commission will take place. The discussion will focus on the role of EU Hydrogen Valleys as a key driver of competitiveness across Europe’s regions. 

An invitation-only workshop dedicated to Hydrogen Mobility will be held on Thursday, 7 May. Co-organised by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership and Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation (NEDO), the workshop will present mobility-related projects and explore broader applications in the sector. In addition, a number of internal meetings will take place throughout the week, alongside stakeholder engagement activities. The programme will conclude with site visits scheduled for Friday, 8 May.

More information can be found here. Registration and programme details will be published soon.

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!

EVENTS ATTENDED BY HYDROGEN EUROPE RESEARCH

European Hydrogen Skills Stakeholders Conference, 19 March 2026, Brussels, Belgium

On March 19 in Brussels, we welcomed participants to the European Hydrogen Skills Stakeholder Conference, hosted by Green Skills for Hydrogen. The day brought together partners and stakeholders for discussions, exchange, and collaboration around one shared goal: strengthening hydrogen skills across Europe. 

Throughout the event, we focused on:

• Sharing the achievements of the Green Skills for Hydrogen project;
• Turning ideas into action;
• Building synergies between projects, as well as industry and academia.

Conversations across sessions highlighted the importance of collaboration in bridging the hydrogen skills gap and supporting the development of Europe’s hydrogen economy.

Following the opening session by Jüri Ratas, member of the European Parliament and former Prime Minister of Estonia, our President Luigi Crema delivered a keynote speech and took part in the first panel on “Upskilling and Reskilling for the Energy Transition”.

The discussions do not end here: the exchanges continue beyond the event, through ongoing cooperation between partners, stakeholders, and the European Hydrogen Skills Alliance.

EVENTS YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS!

10th International Conference on Fundamentals and Developments of Fuel Cells and Electrolysers, 5 – 7 May 2026, Montpellier, France 

Do not miss the 10th International Conference on Fundamentals and Developments of Fuel Cells and Electrolysers, taking place from 5 to 7 May 2026 in Montpellier, France!

FDFC 2026 will focus on fuel cells and electrolysers across all technologies, from aqueous and polymer electrolyte systems to ceramic-based solutions, including hydrogen storage. The programme will cover functional materials and components, a deep understanding of structure and performance, device and system integration, stack and system operation, field testing, and recycling strategies.

The conference will bring together scientists, engineers and developers from academia and industry to share recent results and discuss key scientific and technological challenges.

Registration is open, and early registration and accommodation booking are recommended! Do it here.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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