H2POLAND 2024 - summary

International cooperation plays a key role in ensuring the security of hydrogen supply and achieving the European Union's ambitious 2050 targets. The H2POLAND & NetZero Forum highlighted the need to involve different sectors - industry, research institutes, investors and local authorities - in this process.

Europe should strive to be a leader in global climate action, inspiring and cooperating with other countries to create a synergistic approach to a sustainable future. Harmonisation of global standards and international cooperation are key to achieving long-term goals. Integrating approaches, supporting industry in decarbonisation, education, cross-sectoral cooperation and regulatory compliance are fundamental elements on the road to sustainability.

Europe at the forefront of global climate action

Portugal, with its emphasis on enriching the local market with indigenous professionals, is an excellent example of how developing local human resources affects the sustainability of the hydrogen sector. - ‘Strengthening local knowledge and skills is a key element that can ensure the long-term sustainability and development of hydrogen technologies in the region,’ emphasises Tomoho Umeda, CEO of Hydrogen Poland.

Ukraine has also taken steps to diversify and strengthen its energy system. Aiming to produce low-carbon hydrogen and develop local generation hubs, the country is betting on decentralisation and a distributed electricity grid. The use of renewable energy sources despite the ongoing difficulties of war shows Ukraine's determination to achieve its energy and environmental goals.

Achieving the 2050 Goals

In order to meet the 2050 targets, comprehensive measures are required, including adapting regulations, increasing investment in infrastructure, implementing innovative technologies and intensifying international cooperation. Educational support to ensure that future professionals have the right competences is also crucial. - Europe must consistently strive for the integration and development of unified energy and hydrogen systems, regional cooperation at the technological and business level, said Paweł Piotrowicz, member of the Board of Hydrogen Poland. Support for regional initiatives such as associations, valleys and clusters is essential for a safe transition and development of the green economy.

Hydrogen Valleys: Key to success

Hydrogen Valleys are the answer to the need to scale up the hydrogen economy in the EU and achieve the goals set by REPowerEU. The Hydrogen Valleys Summit, organised by the Wielkopolska Region Local Government and Hydrogen Europe at the H2POLAND & netZero Forum, discussed how hydrogen valleys and cooperation between them can support the development of regional ecosystems across Europe. Rosalinde van der Vlies from the European Commission emphasised that hydrogen is at the heart of the European Green Deal, and Polish regions have already received the first millions of euros from the Clean Hydrogen Partnership to develop projects. Jorgo Chatzimarkakis of Hydrogen Europe pointed out that the emerging valleys aim to connect, forming Europe's hydrogen backbone.

Hydrogen valleys can reduce investment risks and accelerate projects, demonstrating the role of hydrogen as a key element for a neutral and competitive Europe. With regional cooperation and the support of international initiatives, Europe has the opportunity to become a driver of the global energy transition.

The natural direction

Hydrogen brings with it great potential, but also some challenges. Its main advantage is its zero-emission nature, which makes it an attractive fuel of the future. However, uncertainty about its position in the global market and production costs are significant barriers. If the price of hydrogen proves competitive, it will gain an advantage over other fuels, which will have a positive impact on the environment. - ‘Energy transition is very costly, but we cannot give it up if we want to move away from fossil fuels,’ Marek Zieliński, director of the 3W innovation office at BGK, said during the Forum. - Hydrogen is the natural direction we should take. It can find applications in land, rail, sea and air transport. In this way, we will reduce emissions and make our lives healthier,’ explained Marek Zieliński. According to him, the development of hydrogen technology requires not only financial support, but also systemic support, including the introduction of appropriate legal regulations.

- The hydrogen business has had its ups and downs, but looking at the last five years, one can see that this business is nevertheless developing. More and more people see hydrogen as the fuel of the future,’ said Dariusz Jachowicz, President of the ASE Technology Group, during the H2POLAND & NetZero Forum.

The H2POLAND & NetZero Forum provides a platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience, promoting international cooperation and sustainable development of decarbonisation and hydrogen technologies.