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In emerging and developing countries, but also in crisis areas, there are many opportunities to use hydrogen to overcome energy poverty and establish a reliable, CO₂-neutral power supply. In this context, hydrogen-based microgrids have a decisive role to play. In this form, hydrogen-producing electrolyzers, cylinder racks for hydrogen storage and fuel cell systems for reconversion into electricity can be accommodated in the space of a shipping container. Together, they help to conserve renewable energy for later use.

Politicians have big plans, and to reduce harmful greenhouse gases, they’re putting billions into the expansion of production and pipeline networks for "green" hydrogen. One of the ambitious targets is to increase its share of total energy consumption in the EU to over 20 percent by 2050 if possible. In Germany alone, they want to invest around 19 billion euros in the planned H₂ core network, which is to increase to over 9,000 kilometers across all German states by 2032. With these pipelines, hydrogen should then flow from the northern German ports to storage facilities or power plants. In the final expansion – around 60 percent of the network will be former natural gas pipes – the feed-in capacity is to be over 100 gigawatts, according to the German network agency (Bundesnetzagentur).

After more than 50 years of experience with hydrogen, Honeywell is also banking on green hydrogen with its company Energy and Sustainability Solutions (ESS). The US conglomerate takes the entire value chain into account: from more efficient PEM electrolysis all the way to transport infrastructure.

The Australian research organization CSIRO has successfully demonstrated a beam-down solar reactor for the production of green hydrogen for the first time. The technology uses concentrated solar energy and metallic oxide particles for thermochemical water splitting.

“Hydrogen future funding is at stake,” warns the research network Hydrogen Europe Research. The reason is the upcoming draft of the European Commission’s financial framework for the years 2028 to 2034, which will also determine the future of research funding. Although no official decisions have been made yet, the ongoing political debate suggests that budget cuts are likely. HZwei explains the significance of the discussion and spoke with Luigi Crema, President of Hydrogen Europe Research.

In July 2025, the European Commission is expected to present a legislative proposal for the 10th Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10). In light of this, leading representatives from hydrogen-related research institutions and industry associations have jointly voiced their position. HZwei spoke with Luigi Crema, President of Hydrogen Europe Research, about the importance of FP10 for the hydrogen sector.

Together with Air Liquide, Limak Cement Group has successfully tested the first hydrogen-blended fuel supply for cement production in Ankara, Turkey. H2-international conducted an interview with Erkam Kocakerim, CEO of Limak Cement Global.

Electrolyzer manufacturer H-Tec Systems underwent restructuring at the turn of the year and brought in Markus Weber to join the team as chief financial officer. Up until now, the position had been held by Frank Zimmermann who decided to leave the company of his own accord. CEO Robin von Plettenberg...

Thomas Hüwener will become the new management spokesman for transmission system operator OGE from July 1, 2024. The 52-year-old, who has held various positions at the company since 2001, was appointed by the supervisory board to succeed Jörg Bergmann, who is taking planned retirement after...

The ITM Power subsidiary Hydropulse and the project developer Eternal Power have entered into a strategic partnership. The goal is to supply industrial customers in Germany with green hydrogen starting in summer 2025 – without upfront investments.

Thyssenkrupp Nucera is acquiring technology assets from the insolvent Danish company Green Hydrogen Systems. The high-pressure electrolysis is intended to accelerate the development of efficient AWE systems and strengthen Nucera’s position in the global hydrogen market.

Storengy Deutschland will receive up to €4.5 million from the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility funding programme. The funds will be allocated to preparatory studies for the SaltHy hydrogen storage project in Harsefeld. Commissioning is planned for 2032.

At The smarter E Europe trade fair in Munich this June, the full spectrum of the energy transition will be on display—including many hydrogen industry exhibitors. HZwei will be present at the Gentner Energy Media booth, featuring two live expert interviews.

Processes for the production, storage and use of hydrogen scaling, reducing costs and increasing efficiency: The trade fair Hydrogen + Fuel Cells Europe in Hannover is again proving the progress the hydrogen economy can show.

Trade shows are short-lived affairs involving a lot of effort and energy for just a few hours in the spotlight, not to mention a heap of materials that need subsequent disposal. This extravagance often sits awkwardly alongside the focal areas of the events themselves, particularly when sustainable themes like renewable energy and hydrogen are on the agenda and the emphasis is on resource conservation not consumption. Keen to highlight – and where possible redress – this incongruity, Benjamin Low has taken action by founding the Sustainable Trade Events Partnership (STEP).

The industry association Hydrogen Europe has appointed new members to its board. Dr. Sopna Sury of RWE Generation will remain Chair until 2028. The new appointments reflect key sectors of the hydrogen economy.

The German Hydrogen Association (DWV) welcomes the draft bill implementing the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED III) in the transport sector. At the same time, the association calls for significantly more ambitious quotas for green hydrogen and electricity-based fuels.

At the beginning of May, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron appeared so united in their positions that French media dubbed them "Merzcron." Industry associations from the energy sector believe this renewed Franco-German alignment should be leveraged.