At the European Hydrogen Week, seven national hydrogen associations signed the Cooperation Charter for European Associations Advancing Clean Hydrogen. This historic agreement solidifies their commitment to a unified effort in promoting hydrogen technologies, de-risking investments, and fostering capacity-building across the continent.

The signatory associations—Hydrogen UK, Bulgarian Hydrogen, Fuel Cell and Energy Storage Association (BGH2A), Deutscher Wasserstoff-Verband (DWV) e.V., Latvian Hydrogen Association, Lithuanian Hydrogen Energy Association, and the Romanian Association for Hydrogen Energy (AEHR), along with the Czech Hydrogen Technology Platform (HYTEP)—join 23 associations that initiated the charter earlier this year.

Under the Charter, the associations pledge to:

• Champion carbon neutrality by 2050: Aligning with the EU Green Deal agenda, the charter envisions hydrogen as a cornerstone of Europe’s decarbonized economy.
  
  
• Advocate comprehensive hydrogen policies: By working with stakeholders at all levels, the associations aim to ensure robust support for hydrogen technologies.
  
  
• Foster clean hydrogen markets: Promoting innovation and collaboration to establish thriving hydrogen ecosystems across Europe.
  
  
• Support EU legislation integration: Facilitating harmonized policies to enable a unified European hydrogen market.

Hydrogen is recognized as essential for achieving Europe’s climate targets and maintaining industrial competitiveness. Beyond decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors such as heavy industry and transport, it enhances energy security and supports renewable energy systems by stabilizing electricity grids.

Collaborative actions and goals

The Charter outlines several key actions: organizing awareness campaigns, sharing best practices, and establishing partnerships with chambers of commerce to advocate hydrogen adoption. National associations also commit to providing updates on hydrogen sector developments, fostering skills growth, and hosting national and European events.

Hydrogen Europe, which spearheaded the Charter, will serve as a key enabler, offering support to member associations, facilitating capacity-building initiatives, and sharing critical insights on market trends and policy developments.

A Unified path forward

This joint initiative underscores the EU’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. With shared targets for 2030 and beyond, the signatory associations aim to accelerate clean hydrogen technologies' adoption, driving innovation and competitiveness across Europe.

The European Hydrogen Week provided a fitting stage for this landmark collaboration, emphasizing the role of hydrogen in transforming Europe's energy landscape. Together, these associations aim to ensure hydrogen becomes a cornerstone of Europe’s clean energy future.