Hydrogen Nexus Hub

The EU's hydrogen and decarbonized gas package has officially become law, with the new Directive on Common Rules for the Internal Markets for Renewable Gas, Natural Gas, and Hydrogen now enacted. This legislation introduces a formal definition for "low-carbon hydrogen," including blue hydrogen produced from fossil gas with carbon capture and storage. The European Commission now has 12 months to develop a methodology for assessing the carbon reduction of clean hydrogen compared to fossil fuels. This legislative step is significant in establishing regulatory frameworks for hydrogen markets within the EU.

Poland has unveiled its hydrogen strategy focusing on energy, transport, and industry incentives. Key targets include establishing 32 hydrogen filling stations by 2025, deploying 1,000 hydrogen buses by 2030, and creating five hydrogen valleys. The strategy also emphasizes R&D and manufacturing electrolyzers, fuel cells, and hydrogen storage systems. Concurrently, Tyczka Hydrogen reported an incident at its Augsburg filling station caused by a damaged compressor from Maximator Hydrogen, leading to a high-pressure hydrogen release. Vattenfall has paused its collaboration with Shell on the HySkies project due to disagreements, while Plug Power has deployed 13 hydrogen refueling stations across Europe.

Italy's 2030 hydrogen production targets are significantly lower than its projected demand, according to a report from Milan Polytechnic University . The study estimates Italy's hydrogen demand at 15.3 million tonnes annually, with 5.4 million tonnes for industrial use, 6.7 million tonnes for residential, and 2.1 million tonnes for transport. However, Italy aims to produce only 0.3 million tonnes by 2030, lacking a comprehensive national hydrogen strategy. The discrepancy highlights the need for strategic development and a robust hydrogen supply chain. In contrast, Germany’s 2023 targets aim for 10 GW of hydrogen generation capacity, with substantial future demand expected to be met through imports.

On July 15, 2024, Federal Minister Habeck announced funding for 23 hydrogen projects under the IPCEI Hy2Infra wave. These projects, approved by the EU Commission on February 15, 2024, will receive €4.6 billion in public co-financing. They encompass green hydrogen production, innovative storage solutions, a 2000 km pipeline infrastructure, and the use of liquid organic hydrogen carriers. The projects aim to create a comprehensive hydrogen infrastructure, enhance industrial decarbonization, and support cross-border hydrogen imports. The total investment of around €7.9 billion demonstrates Germany's commitment to a sustainable, climate-neutral energy transition.

On July 15, 2022, the European Commission approved the "IPCEI Hy2Tech" project, focusing on hydrogen technology. This initiative, supported by 15 EU member states including Germany, involves up to €5.4 billion in public funding and aims to mobilize €8.8 billion in private investments. It will cover hydrogen production, fuel cells, storage, transport, and end-use applications. The project seeks to drive technological breakthroughs, create around 20,000 jobs, and align with the EU’s Green Deal and hydrogen strategy. The Commission's approval ensures compliance with state aid rules and promotes significant European collaboration and innovation.

Volvo Group , Trucks unveils the D17 heavy-duty engine, a non-hydrogen marvel generating 780 hp with turbocharger technology, revolutionizing sustainable transport. Designed for bio-future fuels, it boasts 2,500 Nm of torque and promises efficient, environmentally friendly performance. This powerhouse engine, compatible with renewable diesel fuels like HVO and FAME, showcases Volvo's commitment to eco-friendly innovation. With reduced emissions and fuel savings of up to 5% compared to regular diesel, the D17 sets a new standard for sustainable mobility. Experts ponder its potential, as it emerges as a viable alternative to hydrogen, offering immediate benefits for a greener tomorrow.

Beyond Aero’s CEO, Eloa Guillotin, unveiled plans for the One, an electric business jet powered by hydrogen fuel cells, after successful flight-testing of a demonstrator. At the European Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition, the Toulouse-based startup showcased the modified ultralight aircraft, featuring a small-scale powertrain. With €24 million raised, Beyond Aero faces the challenge of securing additional funding for the project, which aims for first delivery before 2030. The One's design includes hydrogen fuel tanks beneath the fuselage and a unique cooling system, while engineers navigate certification hurdles and collaborate with regulators like EASA to define standards for hydrogen-powered aircraft.

Infineon Technologies , explores the pivotal role of Power Conversion Technologies in green hydrogen production in their white paper. They delve into the burgeoning global hydrogen market, then shift focus to the Power Conversion System (PCS) crucial for electrolysis. The paper outlines various electrolysis plant layouts and discusses AC-DC and DC-DC power conversion topologies. Leveraging their expertise in power semiconductors, Infineon offers a diverse portfolio catering to PCS designers. The white paper concludes with an overview of Infineon's products and capabilities, positioning the company as a leader in enabling efficient and sustainable hydrogen production through advanced power conversion technologies.

Ohmium International, specializing in green-hydrogen technology, has been chosen to supply Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzers for Croatia's inaugural green hydrogen initiative. Partnering with IVICOM, a prominent Croatian engineering firm, Ohmium will equip a 10MW green hydrogen plant at the INA Rijeka Refinery. This project, supported by the Croatian government's Recovery and Resilience Facility, aims to decarbonize the refinery and provide sustainable fuel for Croatia's transportation sector. With Croatia targeting 70 MW of hydrogen production by 2030 and 2750 MW by 2050, this venture aligns with national hydrogen strategy goals and contributes to EU energy sustainability.

Car manufacturers are reviving interest in hydrogen as a fuel source, highlighting the need for support from established conglomerates in North Asia. Hydrogen, abundant in the universe and crucial for water creation, is gaining traction for fuel-cell electric vehicles. Storing hydrogen in tanks and combining it with oxygen in fuel cells produces electricity, emitting only water as a byproduct. The shift towards green hydrogen, produced via electrolyzers, emphasizes the importance of sustainable energy sources. South Korean and Japanese conglomerates, with their diverse portfolios, could play a key role in facilitating the widespread adoption of hydrogen technology in the automotive industry.