The key to a sustainable future for Europe
International cooperation plays a key role in ensuring energy security and achieving the ambitious goals of the European Union by 2050. During the H2POLAND & NetZero Forum, the need to involve various sectors - industry, research institutes, investors, and local governments - in this process was emphasised.
Europe should strive to lead global climate action, inspiring and collaborating 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, inter-sector cooperation, and compliance with regulations are fundamental elements on the path to sustainable development.
Europe as a leader in global climate action
Portugal, which places emphasis on enriching the local market with local specialists, is an excellent example of how developing local human resources affects the stability of the hydrogen sector. – Strengthening local knowledge and skills is a key element that can ensure long-term stability and development of hydrogen technologies in the region – emphasises Tomoho Umeda, President of the Management Board of Hydrogen Poland.
Ukraine has also taken steps to diversify and strengthen its energy system. Striving to produce low-emission hydrogen and develop local production hubs, the country is focusing on decentralisation and a distributed electricity network. The use of renewable energy sources despite ongoing war difficulties shows Ukraine’s determination to achieve energy and ecological goals.
Implementation of the 2050 Goals
To achieve the goals set for 2050, comprehensive actions are necessary, including adapting regulations, increasing investments in infrastructure, implementing innovative technologies, and intensifying international cooperation. Educational support is also crucial, as it will provide appropriate competences for future specialists. – Europe must consistently strive for the integration and development of uniform energy systems and hydrogen economy, as well as regional cooperation at the technological and business level – said Paweł Piotrowicz, member of the Management Board of Hydrogen Poland. Support for regional initiatives such as associations, valleys and clusters is essential for a safe transformation and development of the green economy.
Hydrogen Valleys: the key to success
Hydrogen valleys are a response to the need to scale up the hydrogen economy in the EU and achieve the goals set by REPowerEU. During the Hydrogen Valley Summit, organised by the Greater Poland Voivodeship Government and Hydrogen Europe as part of the H2POLAND & NetZero Forum, discussions focused on how hydrogen valleys and their cooperation can support the development of regional ecosystems throughout Europe. Rosalinde van der Vlies from the European Commission emphasised that hydrogen is the basis of the European Green Deal, and Polish regions have already received the first millions of euros from the Clean Hydrogen Partnership for project development. Jorgo Chatzimarkakis from Hydrogen Europe pointed out that the emerging valleys are intended to connect, forming Europe’s hydrogen backbone.
Hydrogen valleys can reduce investment risk and accelerate project implementation, demonstrating the role of hydrogen as a key element for a neutral and competitive Europe. Thanks to regional cooperation and support for international initiatives, Europe has a chance to become the driving force of the global energy transformation.
Natural direction
Hydrogen carries enormous potential, but also certain challenges. Its main advantage is zero emissions, which makes it an attractive fuel of the future. However, uncertainty about its position in the global market and production costs constitute significant barriers. If the price of hydrogen turns out to be competitive, it will gain an advantage over other fuels, positively impacting the environment. – Energy transformation is very expensive, but we cannot give up on it if we want to move away from fossil fuels, said Marek Zieliński, director of the 3W innovation office at BGK, during the Forum. – Hydrogen is the natural direction we should follow. It may be used in land, rail, sea, and air transport. Thanks to this, we will reduce emissions and make our lives healthier, explained Marek Zieliński. According to him, the development of hydrogen technologies requires not only financial but also systemic support, including: introduction of appropriate legal regulations.
– The hydrogen business has its ups and downs, but looking over the last five years, it is clear that it is developing. More and more people perceive hydrogen as the fuel of the future – said Dariusz Jachowicz, president of the ASE Technology Group, during the H2POLAND & NetZero Forum.
H2POLAND & NetZero Forum is a platform for the exchange of knowledge and experiences, promoting international cooperation and sustainable development of decarbonisation and hydrogen technologies.
The Host Region of the H2POLAND & NetZero Forum was the Marshal's Office of the Wielkopolska Region and the Main Partners were: BGK Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego, Idea 3W and ASE Grupa Technologiczna.
