2:59 – 22:16 | [Keynote] Exploring the Role of the European Hydrogen Bank in Rejuvenating the European Hydrogen Market

Ms. Stefanie Hiesinger, Head of Unit for Low Carbon Solutions: Research & Low Carbon Technology Deployment, European Commission

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22:57 – 36:03 | [Keynote] Driving the Clean Energy Transition: Spain’s Ongoing Journey towards Becoming Europe’s Leading Hydrogen Hub

Mr. Jose Luis Cabo Sánchez, Deputy Directorate General for Hydrocarbons and New Fuels, Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge of Spain (MITECO)

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36:32 – 56:03 | [Keynote] Ramping up the Green Hydrogen Market: Germany’s Updated National Hydrogen Strategy and Hydrogen Initiatives

Dr. Philipp Stammler, Head of the National Hydrogen Strategy Department, Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), Germany

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56:03 – 1:21:42 | [Keynote] Empowering Future Hydrogen Infrastructure: Progresses of the H2Med International Interconnected Network

Mr. Anthony Mazzenga, Chief Business Development Officer, GRTgaz

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1:22:25 – 1:46:16 | [Keynote] Paving the Way to Final Investment Decision: Galp's Vision for Green Hydrogen Investment and Development

Mr. Diogo Almeida, Head of Business Development - H2, HVO & e-fuels, Galp

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1:46:51 – 2:08:30 | [Keynote] Embracing the Era of Mega Projects: A Case Study of Hydeal Ambition

Mr. Thierry Lepercq, Founder & President, Hydeal

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Key Takeaways:

1. Significant advances are imperative to expand the hydrogen economy

In light of the EU’s ambitious targets for renewable hydrogen production, it is crucial to recognize the significant challenges that need to be overcome in order to fully unlock the potential of green hydrogen. In response to these challenges, the European Hydrogen Bank presents two innovative financing mechanisms designed to support and accelerate both domestic and international efforts in renewable hydrogen production.

• The international initiative involves the establishment of a green premium auction for the import of renewable hydrogen. This auction aims to bridge the cost gap between renewable hydrogen produced in third countries and its transport to the EU. Funding may come from the EU budget or through partnerships with institutions such as the European Investment Bank.

• Domestic measures include a green premium auction under the EU Innovation Fund.

These auctions have the potential to be expanded in the future, with Member States possibly contributing additional budgets.

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2. Spain is strongly positioned to leverage the opportunities presented by the emerging renewable hydrogen economy

With a well-established value chain in place, Spain is ready to take the lead in advancing the development of renewable hydrogen. The Renewable Hydrogen Roadmap outlines ambitious targets for 2030, including the development of a fleet of 200 hydrogen fuel-cell buses, 150 hydrogen refueling stations, and the establishment of two commercial train lines powered by hydrogen among other initiatives. Regulatory measures have also been approved to accelerate hydrogen development, including the elimination of tariffs and the promotion of renewable gas networks. Spain is committed to supporting the creation of a hydrogen market in Europe. It recognizes the importance of fostering a supportive ecosystem for private investment in renewable hydrogen, showcasing its determination to attract and encourage private sector participation in this emerging industry.

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3. Germany plans to establish 10 gigawatts of electrolyser capacity by 2030 to meet domestic demand, but will still require significant hydrogen imports

Germany aims for climate neutrality by 2045 and recognizes the importance of green hydrogen in achieving this goal. The updated strategy focuses on four key areas of action:

• Ensuring sufficient hydrogen availability

• Developing a robust hydrogen infrastructure

• Supporting sectors transitioning to hydrogen

• Creating favorable framework conditions

The strategy prioritizes green hydrogen produced from renewable energy sources, and it also acknowledges and supports the potential of other low-carbon hydrogen technologies. The industrial sector is a key focus for hydrogen deployment within the strategy. Programs such as the Carbon Contract for Difference have been implemented to specifically promote the use of both green and low-carbon hydrogen in industrial processes. In addition, the emphasis on importing green hydrogen through initiatives such as H2 global underscores the recognition of its significance in Germany’s broader hydrogen strategy.

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4. The H2Med project is more than just a transmission effort; it also serves as a means to connect hydrogen producers and customers to underground storage

The aim of the H2Med corridor is to link the production in the southern Europe with western Europe, but there are prospects for future expansion, including potential connections to countries such as Morocco and Mauritania. It offers not only transmission, but also better storage capacity. Transmission operators are willing to take certain risks during the project development phase. However, certain conditions need to be met before reaching the Final Investment Decision (FID) stage. It is crucial to have an ambitious hydrogen national hydrogen strategy that includes a clear regulatory framework and robust financial support focused on infrastructure development. In addition, customer commitment through long-term contracts is essential for the sustainability and viability of the project.

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5. One of the major challenges for the green hydrogen industry is to ensure sufficient technological support

Green hydrogen production requires substantial incentives and careful planning to address challenges such as production additionality, synchronism, and geographical correlation. Regulation plays a critical role in supporting the business case for green hydrogen, as well as for other molecules such as methanol and e-fuels. The industry is still in its early stages and faces technological hurdles to meet the ambitious targets set by the European Union, aiming for 20 million tons per year by the end of the decade. Galp has a strategic plan to gradually replace gray hydrogen with green hydrogen in its refinery, positioning itself for future growth in the value chain.

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6. Hydrogen is not a decarbonization play, but a play of reindustrialization

To establish hydrogen as the new zero-carbon fuel, mass-scale production is essential. The primary hurdle lies in ensuring the competitiveness of the hydrogen industry, which necessitates centralized production in remote and cost-effective locations. Simultaneously, the aggregation of off-takers through long-term agreements is vital for securing project financing. Hydeal asserts that Europe’s target of attaining 20 million tons of competitively priced hydrogen will be achieved by utilizing regions with abundant production potential and proximity to water sources. Facilitating reindustrialization is a crucial factor, wherein affordable zero-carbon energy is indispensable for supporting energy-intensive sectors. Collaboration with regional governments, energy clusters, and partnerships plays a pivotal role in realizing reindustrialization goals and providing hydrogen to industrial hubs.