Hydrogen Valley Days build cooperation for developing EU’s local hydrogen economies
Hydrogen Valley Days marked a new milestone in efforts to further develop Europe’s green hydrogen regions, with the signing of the first memoranda of co-operation with national and regional authorities and the announcement of a facility designed to get more hydrogen projects to the financing stage.
Various partners of Green Hysland participated at the event held in Brussels on 17 and 18 June 2024 for the first edition of the Hydrogen Valleys Days.
The event brought together stakeholders from Industry, research, Member States and Regions, to accelerate cooperation for the development of Hydrogen Valleys across Europe.
‘Hydrogen valleys are emerging all over Europe, fostering regional progress and innovation. They are key for Europe’s future and for a green hydrogen transition,’ said Valerie Bouillon-Delporte, the Executive Director of the Clean Hydrogen Partnership.
In his keynote speech, Mark Lemaitre, Director General of DG Research and Innovation, highlighted that Hydrogen Valleys are a priority for the Commission, as steppingstones to a European and global hydrogen economy and that a more coordinated research and innovation framework bringing in national, regional and EU funding is needed.
He also announced the upcoming publication of a Staff Working Document :” Towards a roadmap for accelerating the deployment of Hydrogen Valleys across Europe: challenges and opportunities“, outlining the strategic priorities and actions that are currently ongoing or planned. Over the two days, delegates discussed the state of hydrogen valleys in Europe, ways to accelerate development of hydrogen projects, financing, and skills development.
The event was an indication of how important hydrogen technology and the valleys have become to the European Commission’s climate targets. It is likely to become an annual highlight on the hydrogen calendar.