National hydrogen associations in Europe have joined forces by signing a Cooperation Charter aimed at fostering favorable conditions for leadership in hydrogen technologies across the bloc.
The agreement follows a gathering of 23 national associations in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, convened for the European Hydrogen Associations Assembly, organized by Hydrogen Europe and co-hosted by NLHydrogen.
A focal point of discussion during the assembly was the implementation of the Renewable Energy Directive and strategies to ensure the development of supportive regulatory frameworks across various EU Member States. Karlo van Dam, Director of Sustainable Industry at the Dutch Ministry of Economics and Climate, delivered a keynote speech at the event.
Hydrogen Europe emphasized the pivotal role of national associations in shaping favorable legal frameworks and underscored the significance of the upcoming European Parliament elections. The event and the signed Charter represent a significant step towards implementing a cohesive European approach.
Jorgo Chatzimarkakis, Chief Executive of Hydrogen Europe, highlighted the commitment demonstrated through the Charter, stating, “The Cooperation Charter for European Associations Advancing Clean Hydrogen – signed here today with more than 20 national hydrogen associations – is an expression of our commitment to working together in the coming years to facilitate hydrogen deployment at national levels.”
He further remarked, “It is a very anticipated event, recognizing the role of our hydrogen associations in supporting their governments and industry in the challenging task of transposing sector defining legislation and targets at national level, such as RED III.”
The key principles outlined in the Cooperation Charter focus on advocating for comprehensive policy support for hydrogen technologies, establishing robust clean hydrogen markets, ensuring effective integration of EU legislation into national frameworks, sharing best practices, and forging alliances with relevant organizations to promote hydrogen as a vital tool for reducing carbon emissions.
