UK-EU Hydrogen Summit Brussels - Developing closer UK, EU & International Relations to Deliver the Net Zero Hydrogen Economy
LP Brussels Consultant, Ioana Iliescu, shares the key takeaways from the LP Brussels organised UK-EU Hydrogen Summit held at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, London, with a key note address by Lord Callanan, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance).
On the 30th of April HyDEX and the Energy Research Accelerator (ERA) organized the UK-EU Hydrogen Summit pooling collective expertise to accelerate the transition to a hydrogen economy. If you missed the event, here’s a brief recap of the key takeaways and insights shared by industry leaders and experts:
The Evolution of Hydrogen
From its humble beginnings to its pivotal role in global research and innovation, hydrogen has witnessed a rapid transformative journey. With initiatives like the EU’s Horizon Europe and the UK’s Net Zero Hydrogen Fund, hydrogen’s importance has soared, marking a new era of collaboration and innovation.
UK’s Commitment to Net Zero
The UK’s ambitious net zero investment roadmap underscores its dedication to advancing the hydrogen economy. With significant investments and policy frameworks, the UK is poised to be one of the leaders of the charge towards a sustainable future.
EU’s Resolute Commitment
The European Green Deal and initiatives like the Clean Hydrogen Partnership highlight the EU’s unwavering dedication to fostering hydrogen innovation. Collaboration with UK counterparts is crucial for driving progress in this arena.
International Collaboration
A key message highlighted the significance of international partnerships and collaboration, particularly with key players like Germany. Building strong ties and sharing best practices is essential for accelerating the hydrogen economy globally.
Project Highlights
Our experts shared valuable insights into groundbreaking projects like HyNET and Tees Green Hydrogen. These projects not only demonstrate the feasibility of hydrogen but also pave the way for large-scale adoption.
Policy Frameworks and Funding
Policy wise the EU’s extensive funding programs were outlined, including Horizon Europe and the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, which are instrumental in driving hydrogen innovation across various sectors.
Workforce Development and Just Transition
Discussions emphasized the importance of workforce development and ensuring a just transition for workers and communities dependent on high-emission industries.
Future Outlook
With promising developments like the Hydrogen Valley in the Netherlands and Germany’s H2Global strategy, the future of hydrogen looks bright. However, challenges need to be overcome, including securing public acceptance, streamlining funding processes, aligning regulatory processes and fostering international collaboration. As the European Union is the one of the key legislative drivers of the energy transition, we will be organizing a follow up event in Brussels on the 1st and 2nd of July discussing the core EU hydrogen policy and further steps for strengthening collaboration.
Join us for Hydrogen Summit 2.0 on 1 & 2 July in Brussels as we delve deeper into these topics, address how we can collaborate to overcome the challenges, and chart the course for a hydrogen-powered future.
Together, let’s accelerate the transition to a sustainable, carbon-neutral world!