Lakatos Attila

On 14 May 2024, national hydrogen associations from across Europe gathered in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, to strengthen their cooperation in the deployment of hydrogen technologies. The outcome of the meeting was the signature of a Cooperation Charter for European Associations Advancing Clean Hydrogen, which will guide the joint efforts to establish favourable conditions for European leadership in hydrogen technologies.  The priority topic of the discussion was the implementation of the Renewable Energy Directive The European Hydrogen Associations Assembly, organised by Hydrogen Europe and co-hosted by NLHydrogen, counted with the participation of 23 national associations , including the Hungarian Hydrogen Technology Association. The Hungarian association was represented by Zoltán Butsi, general secretary. The key topic of the discussion was the transposition of the Renewable Energy Directive and how to ensure the development of enabling regulation in different Member States of the EU. The event counted with a keynote speech from Karlo van Dam, Director of Sustainable Industry at the Dutch Ministry of Economics and Climate.  Recognising the strategic role of national associations for the development of favourable national legal frameworks and the importance of the upcoming European Parliament elections, the event and the Charter mark a significant milestone in the implementation of a unified European approach. Through the signed document, the associations commit to work together towards their common goals, via actions to promote hydrogen technologies deployment, de-risking of investments and the development of capacity building efforts.  “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”, says Jorgo Chatzimarkakis, CEO of Hydrogen Europe.  “It is a very anticipated event, recognising the role of our hydrogen associations in supporting their governments and industry in the challenging task of transposing sector defining legislation and targets at national level, such as RED III.”  Key principles in the Cooperation Charter for European Associations Advancing Clean Hydrogen:    Advocating for comprehensive policy backing for hydrogen technologies at national, regional, and European levels;  Working together to establish thriving clean hydrogen markets and skills development, based on a technology open approach;  Supporting the effective integration of EU legislation into national frameworks, fostering harmonisation across Europe;  Sharing best practices through participation in national and European events organised by fellow associations, and actively participating in the European Hydrogen Week;  Establishing alliances with national chambers of commerce and other relevant organisations to advocate for hydrogen as a crucial tool for reducing carbon emissions. 

On the proposal of the Hungarian Hydrogen Technology Association, V4 Hydrogen Bank may be established.