Market

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.

Green hydrogen is a key building block for the decarbonization and resilience of the European energy system. At the same time, it strengthens Europe’s strategic independence in an increasingly volatile global energy market. However, building a strong European value chain and ensuring a balanced competitive environment requires clear regulations that govern the market access of subsidized Chinese suppliers, as well as realistic RFNBO criteria.

For the expansion of its production facilities in Kawasaki, Asahi Kasei receives subsidies from the Prefecture of Kanagawa and the City of Kawasaki. By 2028, an annual capacity of at least 2 GW for cell frames and membranes for alkaline electrolyzers is to be established there. With the existing capacity for chlor-alkali electrolysis plants, the annual total capacity would thus increase to over 3 GW.

The VDMA opposes a weakening of climate targets. Managing Director Thilo Brodtmann instead calls for better research funding for climate protection technologies. The mechanical and plant engineering sector sees itself as a key supplier – also with Power-to-X solutions.

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...

Sunfire has started the construction of a test facility for its latest generation of high-temperature electrolysers (SOEC) in the Lausitz Industrial Park in Schwarzheide. The Dresden-based company aims to validate the technology under industrial conditions in the long term.

The eFuel Alliance has presented a position paper that classifies electricity-based fuels as a security-relevant factor for Europe. The association calls for practical production rules, binding sub-quotas, and the crediting of investments towards the NATO spending target.

The planned amendment to the Wind Energy at Sea Act opens the way for combined electricity and hydrogen production at sea for the first time. The AquaVentus initiative welcomes the draft bill but criticizes the restriction to individual areas. According to the initiative's calculations, double-digit billions could be saved.

MATHEA focuses on materials along the entire hydrogen value chain — from production and storage to transport and application — with a strong emphasis on technical implementation and operational experience.

Date: 29–30 September 2026

This year, the Hannover Messe struggled with a noticeable decline in exhibitors and visitors. This was also evident in the hydrogen area in Hall 11. Nevertheless, there were exciting innovations to see.

The Hydrogen Hub Rhein-Kreis Neuss/Rhineland is hosting a theme evening on March 24, 2026, in Neuss on the role of hydrogen technologies in the structural change of North Rhine-Westphalia. NRW Minister of Economic Affairs Mona Neubaur will deliver a welcoming address. Prior to this, a matchmaking event with Dutch H2 companies will take place.

Hydrogen Europe has a new Chair. The association's Board elected Miguel López, CEO of thyssenkrupp, to lead the industry group. His mandate runs until June 2029. He succeeds Sebastian Boden of Air Liquide.

A coalition of 16 German and European business associations is calling for a European hydrogen alliance at the member state level. Germany is to take a leading role in this. Although progress is being made, it remains behind the requirements.

On October 20, 2026, the Global Hydrogen Associations Meeting is set to take place in Hamburg for the first time. The event is hosted by the Hydrogen Technology World Expo and the German Hydrogen Association (DWV). The aim is an international exchange to accelerate the hydrogen economy, according to the organizers.