As part of the World Hydrogen Summit in Rotterdam, Hydrogen Europe and NL Hydrogen organised a general meeting at which a charter for cooperation between the European associations was drawn up. The aim is to join forces so that Europe can maintain its leadership.
At the opening of the event, the regional cooperation between Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany at national association level was already brought up. Things are moving up a gear, following a meeting held on 14 May, in which, no less than 23 national associations took part, including France (represented by France Hydrogène). The central theme of the discussion was the transposition of the Renewable Energy Directive and how to ensure the development of unified regulation in the various EU Member States. Investment derisking was also addressed.
The event featured an introductory speech by Karlo van Dam, Director of Sustainable Industry at the Dutch Ministry of Economics and Climate.
A European cooperation Charter
The European associations have drawn up a charter covering five points.
These include advocating overall political support for hydrogen technologies on a national, regional and European level; working together to develop skills and establish thriving clean hydrogen markets, based on an open technology approach; supporting the effective integration of EU legislation into national frameworks, promoting harmonisation across Europe; sharing best practice by taking part in national and European events organised by other associations, and by actively participating in European Hydrogen Week; and building alliances with national chambers of commerce and other relevant organisations to advocate hydrogen as a crucial tool for reducing carbon emissions.
Jorgo Chatzimarkakis, CEO of Hydrogen Europe stated: “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.”
Article written by Laurent Meillaud and translated by Mariem Ben Tili
