The upcoming edition of Hyvolution, taking place from January 28 to 30, 2025, aims to emphasize content and spotlight key players in the hydrogen industry amidst a backdrop of global competition.
While Europe and France seem to be lagging in the hydrogen sector, it was highlighted this morning that 91 countries worldwide have already adopted hydrogen strategies. This underscores the need to avoid complacency. Hyvolution seeks to enhance its international focus with nine national pavilions and 14 hydrogen associations represented.
The event’s second key focus is content, with conferences addressing pressing issues such as certification scheme recognition, competitiveness within the sustainable hydrogen industry, heavy transport solutions, and financing. Additionally, a variety of workshops will be available. Finally, networking will be prioritized through the Hyvolution Hub platform, which connects over 31,000 professionals.
Awaiting a Review of the National Strategy
“Like the Paris Air Show for aeronautics and VivaTech for technology, Hyvolution aspires to become the benchmark event for the hydrogen industry,” says Raphaël Goerens, the show’s new director.
Philippe Boucly, Chairman of France Hydrogène, emphasized the sector’s economic impact, referencing the well-known BDO study. However, he also stressed the urgent need for the long-awaited review of France’s national hydrogen strategy. Boucly highlighted the disparity in ambitions, citing plans for 600 km of hydrogen pipelines in France by 2030 compared to 9,000 km in Germany.
A New Index Introduced by EY and Hyvolution
During the conference, EY presented a hydrogen sector maturity index. Alexis Gazzo, head of sustainable development at EY, noted that the sector has reached a critical turning point after years of enthusiasm. Europe has achieved only 3% of its hydrogen targets, prompting concerns from Philippe Boucly about the continent’s risk of falling behind.
The index reveals that only 60% of Europe’s targets are covered by national associations, raising questions about coordination. Another challenge is the time required to access European funding, which can range from 12 to 24 months, reflecting the complexity of funding mechanisms.
To achieve its goals, the sector would need to boost capacity by 150% between 2025 and 2030 to install electrolysers. Furthermore, 98% of projects—amounting to 142 GW—are still at the feasibility study stage. “This doesn’t mean they won’t be built, but it does mean they will be delayed,” Gazzo emphasized.
The full study will be unveiled at Hyvolution on January 29, 2025.
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