hydrogen-week-hydrogen-valleys-h2-territory

Seven national associations join forces to advance clean hydrogen across Europe

At this year’s European Hydrogen Week (2024), seven prominent national hydrogen associations took a significant step towards advancing clean hydrogen technologies by signing the Cooperation Charter for European Associations Advancing Clean Hydrogen. The Charter, developed by Hydrogen Europe, represents a unified commitment to accelerate the deployment of hydrogen technologies, mitigate investment risks, and foster capacity-building across the continent.

The new signatories—Hydrogen UK, Bulgarian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association (BGH2A), Deutscher Wasserstoff-Verband (DWV) e.V., Latvian Hydrogen Association, Lithuanian Hydrogen Energy Association, Romanian Association for Hydrogen Energy (AEHR), and the Czech Hydrogen Technology Platform (HYTEP)—join 23 associations that initiated the charter earlier this year. Together, they aim to shape a sustainable future by promoting policies for hydrogen technologies, supporting the development of clean hydrogen markets, and equipping Europe with the skills needed for a thriving hydrogen economy.

This collaboration underpins Europe’s ambition to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and underscores the importance of regional partnerships in driving the transition to a clean energy future.

Read the Cooperation Charter and see all signatories!

Strengthening hydrogen valleys Clean Hydrogen Partnership expands regional cooperation

Strengthening hydrogen valleys: Clean Hydrogen Partnership expands regional cooperation

The Clean Hydrogen Partnership is intensifying efforts to support the development of clean hydrogen economies across Europe, building on nearly a decade of collaboration with regional stakeholders. Following a call for expressions of interest last year, 10 new regions have joined the initiative, signaling a strong commitment to advancing the hydrogen transition.

At the recent forum, six new memoranda of cooperation were signed with regions including Castilla y León (Spain), North-Holland (The Netherlands), Košice Region (Slovakia), Wielkopolska (Poland), the Médio Tejo Intermunicipal Community (Portugal), and Slovenia’s National Managing Authority. These agreements, tailored to regional needs, aim to foster capacity building, knowledge sharing, and industrial synergies to strengthen the hydrogen valley network.

Valerie Bouillon-Delporte, a representative of the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, highlighted the ambition to double the number of hydrogen valleys by 2025 as part of the REPowerEU Plan. «Sixteen valleys are already funded, with six more to be added this year,» she noted, emphasizing their role as strategic pillars for innovation and energy transition.

Looking ahead, the Clean Hydrogen Knowledge Hub will serve as a critical resource, offering automated data analysis and reporting to facilitate informed decision-making and collaboration among industry and regional partners.

Regions aspiring to develop hydrogen valleys are encouraged to connect with the Mission Innovation Hydrogen Valley Platform, which offers insights into cutting-edge technologies, funding opportunities, and success factors from hydrogen initiatives worldwide. This enhanced collaboration underscores the transformative potential of hydrogen valleys in driving Europe’s clean energy future.

european-hydrogen-week-hydrogen-valleys-hydrogen-economies

HLPC Session 12: Panel debate – From hydrogen valleys to hydrogen economies

In 2024, Europe is witnessing a surge in the development of Hydrogen Valleys, with over 60 initiatives already underway. This session will delve into the key challenges and opportunities facing these regional hubs, exploring best practices and strategies for their successful implementation.

Key Discussion Points:

  • Overcoming Regulatory Hurdles: Identifying and addressing policy gaps that may hinder the development of hydrogen valleys.
  • Securing Funding and Investment: Exploring strategies for attracting public and private funding to support these ambitious projects.
  • Building Community Support: Addressing public concerns and fostering community engagement in hydrogen initiatives.
  • Leveraging Regional Strengths: Identifying synergies between hydrogen projects and existing industries to maximize impact.

Moderated by:

  • Mirela Atanasiu, Head of Unit of Operations and Communication, Clean Hydrogen Joint Undertaking

Join us to explore the future of hydrogen and the vital role of hydrogen valleys in shaping a sustainable energy landscape.

Thursday, November 21, 2024 11:40 AM to 12:30 PM · 50 min. (Europe/Brussels)
High-Level Policy Conference Auditorium (Hall 11)
High-Level Policy Conference
clean hydrogen partnership

Clean Hydrogen Partnership announces 2024 winners at Hydrogen Valleys call

european-hydrogen-week-hydrogen-valleys-aragon-hydrogen-foundation

European Hydrogen Week 2024

THE FAST TRACK TO THE FUTURE

The hydrogen economy will redraw the energy map. There is absolutely no doubt that hydrogen will have a key role in the energy transition, especially to harvest the fast-growing amount of renewable energy. Therefore, in the global race to reach the Paris Agreement targets, hydrogen technologies are increasingly at the centre of the attention and are now considered crucial and lucrative opportunities. The hydrogen’s moment is definitely now!

Register now to attend the European Hydrogen Week 2024!

Europe forges ahead with hydrogen valleys: Commission unveils progress and strategies

The European Union (EU) is accelerating its push towards a hydrogen-powered future, outlining key actions to establish at least 50 operational or under-construction Hydrogen Valleys by 2030. These localized clusters, where renewable hydrogen fuels local industries and transportation, are seen as crucial for a viable European hydrogen economy.

The Commission published a Staff Working Document outlining the strategic priorities and actions that are currently ongoing or planned.

Commission Unveils Strategic Priorities:

  • Hydrogen Valley Facility: Through the Clean Hydrogen Joint Undertaking, the Commission will create a facility to support early-stage Hydrogen Valleys, nurturing them towards construction readiness.
  • Clean Hydrogen Knowledge Hub: Building upon the existing European Hydrogen Observatory, a new hub will offer stakeholders a centralized platform for information access, facilitating data analysis and informed decision-making.
  • Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda: Aligned with the updated Strategic Energy Technology (SET) Plan, the Commission will collaborate with member states and stakeholders to implement the Green Hydrogen Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda.
  • Integrated Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEIs): Four waves of hydrogen IPCEIs have been approved, leveraging over €43 billion in public-private funds to support 120+ projects involving nearly 100 European companies.
  • European Hydrogen Academy: Launched in January 2024, the academy received €3 million from the EU and is envisioned to evolve into a broader «European Net-Zero Industry Academy» offering education and training for a decarbonized future.
  • International Cooperation: The Commission is intensifying collaboration with international partners on clean hydrogen deployment and market development, leveraging the Clean Hydrogen Mission under Mission Innovation.
  • Increased Funding: An additional €200 million has been invested in the Clean Hydrogen Joint Undertaking specifically to bolster support for European Hydrogen Valleys.

Commissioner Ivanova Emphasizes Hydrogen’s Role:

Iliana Ivanova, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, highlighted the strategic importance of clean hydrogen for the EU’s green energy transition and energy independence. She emphasized the significance of Hydrogen Valleys and the need for collaboration in achieving the 2030 target.

Hydrogen Valleys: Cornerstones of a Clean Energy Future:

Geographical areas where clean hydrogen powers local households, transportation, and industries, Hydrogen Valleys are the backbone of a sustainable European hydrogen economy. Originally a European research concept, they are now a global phenomenon.

Current Landscape and Future Support:

With 21 Hydrogen Valleys in Europe, the continent is a leader in this domain. Globally, the count stands at 98, with 67 located within the EU. However, most of these valleys (around 75%) are still in early stages and require diverse support to reach construction readiness. The REPowerEU scheme has addressed this by contributing additional funds to accelerate the roll-out of these vital projects.

The EU’s commitment to clean hydrogen and Hydrogen Valleys is clear. By fostering collaboration, research, and targeted funding, Europe is accelerating its journey towards a sustainable and energy-independent future.