As Europe races toward a greener future, the HyEfRe project brought together industry leaders, academics, and policymakers for an expert workshop on hydrogen’s role in the energy transition. The online event, held on March 21st 2025, sparked dynamic discussions on the challenges, breakthroughs, and strategies needed to scale up hydrogen. So what were the main takeaways?
Hydrogen Market Readiness
While technology is progressing, the European market is not yet fully prepared for large-scale adoption. Experts pointed to regulatory, financial, and infrastructure hurdles as major obstacles.
Scaling Up Hydrogen Projects
Challenges such as high costs, slow permitting, and inconsistent certification standards are slowing progress. The ongoing debate over whether to prioritize supply or demand remains a key issue.
Financial and Regulatory Barriers
Funding remains complex, with concerns that the European Hydrogen Bank focuses too much on large-scale projects, leaving smaller initiatives behind. Experts emphasized the need for clearer policies and better alignment between EU and national strategies.
Public Perception and Acceptance
Social acceptance of hydrogen projects varies across Europe. Transparent communication and early community engagement were highlighted as crucial for successful implementation.
Cross-Border Collaboration
International cooperation is key to a thriving hydrogen market. Regional partnerships, such as the Adriatic Hydrogen Valley, were recognized as effective models for overcoming local barriers.
Looking Ahead
The insights from this workshop will inform HyeFre’s final report, shaping recommendations for policymakers and industry players. Continued collaboration will be vital in turning the EU’s hydrogen ambitions into reality.
Stay updated on HyEfRe’s progress.