Fueling the future: investing in research and innovation for a clean hydrogen value chain – Euractiv
Hydrogen is the most abundant element on Earth, and we must scale up production of this zero-carbon fuel to meet climate targets. But there are several key factors that will be critical to further developing the hydrogen value chain that Europe needs.
In November, COP29 concluded with further agreements to support global efforts in the reducing greenhouse emissions. This achievement is another important step in fighting climate change, but we cannot be complacent and must continue accelerating the roll out of clean energy solutions.
At the same time, on 19-21 November, the Clean Hydrogen Partnership together with the European Commission and Hydrogen Europe, hosted the European Hydrogen Week in Brussels. The four days of events, attended by over 9000 participants, were an opportunity to showcase the latest cutting-edge technologies in clean hydrogen production, share learning and best practice, and critically, look forward at shared strategic priorities.
During the past 16 years, the Clean Hydrogen Partnership has been instrumental in advancing clean hydrogen development. By combining EU and industry funding in a public-private partnership, we are dedicated to developing a robust hydrogen value chain, and ultimately the deployment of clean energy – our fundamental mission.
There is a pressing need to continue scaling up the transition to clean energy if the EU is to become energy independent and reach 2050 climate targets. There is also a consensus that these targets will not be met without increasing clean hydrogen production. Moreover, hydrogen will be indispensable for parts of the economy that are more challenging to de-carbonise, including hard-to-abate sectors such as heavy-duty transport and construction.
Further investment in the whole value hydrogen chain will be crucial to improving research, innovation, and industrial capacity. And quite simply, without sufficient investment, the EU will not keep up with global competitors.
We welcome the commitments of Ekaterina Zaharieva, the incoming Commissioner for Start-Ups, Research and Innovation to accelerate access to funding and reduce administrative burdens for funding allocations.
As the Draghi Report on the future of European competitiveness also stresses, to accelerate decarbonisation in a cost-efficient way, the EU must leverage all available solutions, including hydrogen – and to do so, must continue supporting research initiatives that can drive breakthroughs in its storage, efficiency, and distribution.
Through the Clean Hydrogen Partnership’s ambitious work programme, we are leading these efforts and supporting EU objectives to scale up production of domestic renewable hydrogen by 2030. With €1 billion of EU funding up to 2027, complemented by at least an equivalent amount of private investment, the partnership is driving forward pioneering research leading to major scientific breakthroughs. We are notably expanding hydrogen’s applications in key sectors, enhancing fuel cell technologies and hydrogen electrolysis efficiency, as set out in our 2024 Programme Review Report
We are also tackling major market challenges head on, such as reducing hydrogen’s production costs, improving material durability and safety, and strengthening Europe’s hydrogen network by investing in infrastructure to move hydrogen across long distances.
The International Energy Agency recently concluded that 35% of clean technologies needed by 2030 do not yet exist. Research and innovation are the cornerstone of developing clean energy supply – which is why continued investment is vital. For every €1 invested in research, there is a €11 return in value creation. New technology solutions for hydrogen production are continually being developed and we must further support these efforts.
A recent study by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership underscores Europe’s leadership in renewable hydrogen, particularly in electrolyser manufacturing and advanced research and development. However, it highlights challenges such as dependence on critical raw materials, limited production capacity, and regulatory obstacles. To enhance competitiveness and sustainability, the report recommends boosting circularity, scaling up manufacturing, bridging technology gaps, and securing long-term regulatory and financial support. Strengthening supply chains is deemed essential for Europe’s energy transition and global standing in hydrogen technologies.
Increasing collaboration and partnerships between public bodies, research and industry, as well as across borders, which is fundamental to stimulating production, was a recurring theme throughout Hydrogen Week. Hydrogen valleys play a central role in the EU’s clean energy strategy and are essential for building a competitive hydrogen value chain. By creating industrial synergies and promoting collaboration between different sectors, hydrogen valleys are truly game-changing and represent European cooperation at its best. We have already funded 16 hydrogen valleys across Europe. A further six valleys are being created this year and with €200 million of additional EU funding through REPowerEU, we are on our way to increasing their number in 2025.
The Clean Hydrogen Partnership analysed in a recent report the opportunities and challenges for further development of hydrogen in the regions. Following a Call for Expression of Interest 10 authorities were chosen to sign cooperation agreements, aiming to enhance collaboration and optimize funding and expertise in advancing hydrogen technologies across Europe.
European regions with an interest in becoming hydrogen valleys can also engage with the Mission Innovation Hydrogen Valley Platform, which provides valuable insights from hydrogen valleys around the world on important advanced technologies, funding, management practices, barriers faced and success factors.
We must, however, also improve education and training opportunities which are essential for bolstering the hydrogen value chain, which is expected to employ more than a million people in Europe by 2030 and five times more by 2050. If we are to meet these growing labour needs, we must address the skills gap and upskill our workforce with the tools to drive forward the hydrogen economy.
That is why the Clean Hydrogen Partnership is continuing to invest education and training activities, having supported 16 projects over the last year, including a new hydrogen academy and Europe’s first master’s degree focused solely on fuel cells and hydrogen.
Underpinning discussions throughout Hydrogen Week was the need for supportive policy frameworks to reduce regulatory barriers if we are to continue tapping into these sizeable opportunities and grow the hydrogen economy.
To this end, policymakers, industry, research, and other key stakeholders must continue collective efforts to find new and innovative solutions for industrial resilience, energy security and job creation. Hydrogen is one of these solutions and we must be bold and ambitious. It is no longer a question of whether we pursue the deployment of clean hydrogen but how we translate commitments into concrete actions.
We have a long road ahead of us, but the path is clear. Let’s seize the opportunities ahead of us with ambition and energy make the coming years transformative for hydrogen innovation.
Mirela Atanasiu is Head of Unit Operations and Communications in Clean Hudrogen Partnership.
READ the latest news shaping the hydrogen market at Hydrogen Central
Fueling the future: investing in research and innovation for a clean hydrogen value chain – Euractiv, source
