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Hungary’s hydrogen technology development opportunities were discussed at their meeting by István Lepsényi, President of the Hungarian Hydrogen Technology Association, and Dale Nally, Minister for Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction. During the meeting, they discussed the strategies for hydrogen development of the two countries and the related joint opportunities. At the end of the meeting, István Lepsényi invited Minister of Government of Alberta to the Hydrogen Open 2026 conference and exhibition to be held in Budapest early next year, which Dale Nally accepted with gratitude. The Canadian Hydrogen Convention, held in Edmonton, Canada, hosted the largest hydrogen technology event in North America from April 22-25, 2025. This unmissable exhibition and conference offered a unique perspective for the Hungarian Hydrogen Technology Association and its members to learn and meet with representatives from the entire Canadian supply chain to discuss innovations and solutions for low-carbon hydrogen production, storage, and use, as well as the future of hydrogen as a key fuel. The Association and its member companies came to the event at the invitation of Dr. János Jákó, Consul General of Hungary in Toronto, where they were able to present domestic hydrogen developments and opportunities with the support of the HEPA Canadian Regional Office. The success of the highly successful business and professional meetings was facilitated by many people, including Dr. János Jákó, Consul General of Hungary in Toronto, Árpád Máté Igaz, Deputy Head of Mission, Commercial Attaché, and Sándor Balla, Executive Director of the HEPA Regional Office Canada. In the preparation of the high-level meetings, the visiting delegation from Hungary also received important liaison assistance from Gergely Morvai, Trade Commissioner of the Canadian Embassy in Hungary. As a result of the four-day program, the Canadian Association signed a cooperation agreement with the Hungarian Hydrogen Technology Association, and the head of the Association discussed cooperation opportunities with the Alberta Chamber of Commerce and the leaders of the Canadian H2 HUB. Forward-looking discussions were held with several companies, such as with AYRTON on hydrogen storage options, with the leaders of Diasel Tech Industries on hydrogen conversion options for diesel vehicles, with the Canadian Technology Investment Support Agency on cooperation opportunities, and with the CPKC hydrogen solutions rail experience exchange. The result of the Professional Road is that the Hungarian Hydrogen Technology Association will soon organize a Canadian-Hungarian Technology Work Shop, and it is expected that Canada and its prominent companies will be one of the special guests of the Hydrogen Open 2026 Budapest event.

Kanada és Magyarország szövetségei közös szakmai eseményekben és hidrogéntechnológiai projektek támogatásában fog együttműködni. A megállapodást Nicolas Hilario a kanadai hidrogén szövetség ügyvivő elnöke és Lepsényi István a Magyar Hidrogéntechnológiai Szövetség elnöke írta alá. The two parties will work together to promote cooperation between the Canadian and Hungarian sectors and to promote the exchange and development of mutually beneficial hydrogen technology and industrial technologies. The main content of the cooperation on hydrogen technology is to encourage joint Canadian and Hungarian commercial projects and support the development of hydrogen hubs through the exchange of marketing and communication collateral, such as white papers, case studies and reports, sharing best practices, identifying common technological barriers to the implementation of standards and regulations, and making proposals to overcome the barriers. Facilitating networking and communication between the Canadian CHA and the Hungarian Association (HHTA) through trade missions, conferences, exhibitions, workshops, webinars and meetings. As an important step in the cooperation, the Canadian association is facilitating the participation of North American companies and policymakers in the Hydrogen Open 2026 Budapest event.

The Hungarian Hydrogen Technology Association would like to ensure the popularization of hydrogen technology, the presentation of the latest hydrogen technologies and the continuous exchange of information with its current support. The essence of the support is not only the unique discount (more than 60%), but also the numerous interactive presentations and services offered in the Hydrogen Zone area of ​​the combined exhibition MACH-TECH, IPAR NAPJAI and AUTOMOTIVE HUNGARY 2025. Thanks to the unique cooperation opportunity between the Hungarian Hydrogen Technology Association and Hungexpo, co-exhibitors appearing in the Hydrogen Zone can receive special appearance and presentation opportunities at MACH-TECH, IPAR NAPJAI and AUTOMOTIVE HUNGARY exhibitions at a unique price. The opportunity offered in the Hydrogen Zone exhibition area tries to provide a multifaceted service so that each member company can find the most suitable opportunity for itself.   In the expanded conference area, we will be organizing four-day Workshops organized as thematic days, where exhibitors can give presentations about their own products, market aspirations, and planned developments, as well as a Q&A forum.   The planned thematic days are: Hydrogen production and related technologies, Hydrogen storage and utilization, Renewable energy solutions supporting hydrogen technology, Hydrogen in transportation and everyday life. Companies exhibiting in the Hydrogen Zone have the opportunity to organize negotiations, meetings, and partner meetings in the B2B zone. It is important that all member companies that would like to exhibit can get an exhibition area or an exhibition stand with a discount of more than 60%, at a unique price. Another novelty is that this year hydrogen associations of other nations and their member companies can also take advantage of the opportunity.   What is worth knowing about the MACH-TECH, INDUSTRY DAYS and AUTOMOTIVE HUNGARY exhibitions:   450 exhibitors from 16 countries – including the most significant manufacturing, distribution and service companies – will present their developments on more than 12 thousand square meters to professionals and interested parties who are looking for solutions and answers to the most diverse challenges affecting their companies in the field of industry and vehicle manufacturing. MACH-TECH, IPAR NAPJAI and AUTOMOTIVE HUNGARY – according to the unanimous opinion of the exhibitors – are a unique opportunity for representatives of different sectors to take advantage of the synergies between industries and meet their existing and future business partners. One such important synergy is hydrogen technology and the associated green energy and industrial solutions, which this year will be presented at the event in a separate area with an open conference stage.   More information;  Attila Róbert Lakatos Head of communication and corporate relations Hungarian Hydrogen Technology Association Budapest, 1117 Magyar tudósok krt. 2. [email protected]  +36 20 561 1991

The legislation surrounding the Renewable Energy Directive III (RED III) and the Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO) Delegated Acts is set to remain unchanged, with Member States now required to implement these regulations. This transposition will impose additional obligations on industries that are already facing challenges in a competitive global market. Hydrogen Europe advocates for the establishment of lead markets specifically for sectors such as refineries, steel, fertilisers, and data centers, which are particularly vulnerable. The proposal emphasizes the need for special conditions to simplify regulations and expedite investments in clean hydrogen solutions tailored to these sectors.   Fertiliser production, a major consumer of hydrogen, presents an opportunity to transition to green or low-carbon hydrogen. This shift could drive investments in electrolysis and renewable energy infrastructure, localise production in low-carbon regions, and enhance food security for the Global South. The Future Fertiliser Mission, announced at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, aims to decarbonise agriculture, necessitating targeted hydrogen offtake mechanisms to protect consumers, with Europe positioned to take a leadership role. This initiative not only addresses decarbonisation but also aims to secure global food systems while fostering a sustainable hydrogen economy, contributing to food security and the achievement of net-zero emissions. In a strategic dialogue between India and the EU, both parties, as the world’s largest democracies, recognise the importance of collaborative efforts to promote sustainable development and trade, particularly through the anticipated EU-India Free Trade Agreement. The discussions included the significant role of hydrogen and its derivatives, especially in relation to the fertiliser mission. Infrastructure is identified as a critical component for hydrogen, facilitating its transport from production areas, like the Iberian Peninsula, to demand centers, such as Germany. Spain is highlighted as a pivotal player in advancing the energy transition within Europe. Regarding the figure of the month, we would like to highlight the total budget for the Clean Hydrogen Partnership’s 2025 call for proposals of €184.5 million, which will be distributed through lump sum grants. This amount includes €80 million from the RePowerEU Plan, designated specifically for Hydrogen Valleys. Additionally, €20 million from the United Kingdom’s appropriations is available to support projects on the reserve lists.   The European Commission recently released the key points of the Competitiveness Compass.

Nearly 300 international and domestic hydrogen technology experts and political decision-makers from nine countries discussed our future at the Hydrogen Open 2025 conference in Budapest. From 2030, 42% of the 200,000 tons of hydrogen produced in Hungary must be replaced with green, i.e. carbon dioxide-emission-free, clean hydrogen. This fundamentally affects Hungarian industrial players and the Hungarian economy, which is why the regulation of hydrogen technology and the preparation of domestic economic players are particularly important. The Hungarian Hydrogen Technology Association is playing a significant role in this with the conference that has just been organized.   Hydrogen technology plays an essential role in maintaining global competitiveness, and today’s events also indicate that the world is not waiting for Europe. The European Union and Hungary must also prepare for the development associated with renewable energy and take proactive steps to do so. – emphasized István Lepsényi, President of the Hungarian Technology Association, in his closing remarks. He added that Hydrogen Open 2025 aims to help industrial players plan the year ahead with realistic professional prospects.   At the two-day conference, leaders and regulatory decision-makers from important domestic and European industrial players expressed their opinions and discussed the expected role and development potential of hydrogen.   Hydrogen plays a prominent role in the strategy of the event’s host, MOL Group. In April 2024, it handed over its largest green hydrogen plant in Central and Eastern Europe to date, with a capacity of 10 megawatts, is preparing the construction of similar electrolysis units in Rijeka and Bratislava, and is also continuously investigating the use of green hydrogen for transportation purposes. The company’s goal is to support the green transition and European competitiveness by boosting the hydrogen economy, which requires support from decision-makers and a simplified, flexible, and encouraging regulatory environment. Jorgo Chatzimarkakis, President of Hydrogen Europe, welcomed the conference participants via a video call and highlighted the international activities of the Hungarian Technology Association in recent years.   He drew attention to the need to comply with the international climate agreements that have already been concluded and stressed that the obligations contained in them should not be taken lightly. As a solution, he advised us to be more flexible, more open and to try to focus on developing technologies that can facilitate the transition process. He criticized those who focused their attention on only a few technologies, because this hinders constant innovation. He cited Hungary as an example, which broadened its focus and made the right decision to try to map out as many development areas and opportunities as possible. He referred to the fact that countries within the European Union were encouraged to establish charging stations, but this objective is difficult to achieve if the necessary financial resources and the appropriate ecosystem are lacking. He particularly emphasized the importance of developing hydrogen valleys, which he considers one of the key elements of the new guidelines for development. Valerie Bouillon-Delporte, CEO of the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, gave information about the importance of hydrogen valleys and the HORIZON 2025 hydrogen-themed application opportunities that were released this week, for the first time at the Hydrogen Open 2025 conference. She said that the first hydrogen valley was founded in 2019 with the support of the Clean Hydrogen Partnership. Since then, these projects have been present in 17 different European countries, and the number of collaborations has now reached 18. The goal is to create 25 hydrogen valleys by 2025 and 50 by 2030, which Hungary will hopefully join. According to Bouillon-Delporte, the real value of hydrogen valleys lies in the fact that by connecting them, a collaborative European ecosystem will emerge that can give the biggest boost to the development of hydrogen technology.

More than 220 exhibitors, including representatives of 6 member companies of the Hungarian Hydrogen Technology Association, were able to present their plans and market-ready products to nearly 910 participants. More than 200 speakers discussed and developed solutions to the sector’s biggest challenges in 25 panel sessions at the High-Level Political Conference, the B2B Forum and the Innovation Forum over the four days. These are the numbers for Hydrogen Week 2024. As in previous years, Hungary also presented itself at this year’s hydrogen week at the international hydrogen exhibition and conference, which brought together representatives from 27 countries. The success of the Hungarian stand was supported by the exhibiting companies (MOL, MVM, DBN, Ganzair, FGSZ, MFGT, KontaktElektro Kft, University of Miskolc) who were able to provide a comprehensive picture of where our country is and what goals it has set in the hydrogen sector. A highlight of the Hungarian exhibition stand was the visit of Tamás Iván Kovács, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Hungary to Belgium and Luxembourg, and the partner meeting held with the support of the embassy, ​​at which foreign exhibitors were introduced to domestic gastronomic flavors in addition to technological developments. An important event of Hydrogen Week was the formulation and submission to Hydrogen Europe of a recommendation on hydrogen transport and storage, which was formulated by four countries, including Hungary. Europe will definitely need to import hydrogen in the coming years, so that Europe is not at a disadvantage in this market situation, and the Hungarian, Polish, Slovak and Ukrainian Hydrogen Associations made proposals to this end. At the festive opening night, which was followed with great interest, Attila Steiner, State Secretary for Energy and Climate Policy, greeted the conference participants in a video message and spoke about domestic plans and goals. On the second day of the conference, István Lepsényi, President of the Hungarian Hydrogen Technology Association, spoke in a panel discussion about the regulatory issues and Hungary’s aspirations, which the Association has already advocated in several forums. The key takeaways from this year’s B2B sessions were about the need to develop underground hydrogen storage, ensure a better link between hydrogen and the power sector, interconnect stakeholders across value chains, support FIDs to build the infrastructure we need, and provide adequate financial support to assets such as electrolysers that can provide flexibility to the grid. In the high-level policy conference, the important message concerned the matter of global trade and the fact that external partners feel that the rules to compete and come into Europe are too complicated, setting the bar too high and undermining the take-off of the sector. The importance of certification and standardisation of hydrogen products is essential to the creation of an international commodity market. The digital product passport is a simplified data container for transparency and trust for international hydrogen trade. In Europe, we see that large projects are reaching final investment decision (FID), even if the rate of FIDs is lower than the sector hoped for. Simply because we are not reaching the ambitious and aspirational REPowerEU targets does not mean that the market is not progressing.

The Hungarian Hydrogen Technology Association organized a business dinner in Budapest with the participation of European leaders. The event was the opening and accompanying event of the SET Plan conference of the Ministry of Energy, which is organized by the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union in cooperation with the European Commission. The dinner, which brought together leading experts from the CEE region and the Hungarian Ministry of Energy, offered a unique and intimate platform for high-level dialogue and networking, promoting cooperation promoting the hydrogen economy and sustainable energy solutions.   The leading specialists of the domestic companies participating in the event had the opportunity to have a direct dialogue with European and domestic leaders on issues of regulation, support and development. Valerie Bouillon-Delporte, Clean Hydrogen Partnership, Executive Director Viktor Horváth, Deputy State Secretary of Ministry of Energy

The purpose of the Forum was to present the development trends and supplier opportunities of the hydrogen economy, as well as to bring potential suppliers together with experts and decision-makers of large companies. More than 70 companies and enterprises participated in the successful hydrogen industry supplier forum on November 13, 2024 in Budapest, which was organized by the Hungarian Hydrogen Technology Association with its strategic partners, the National Association of Hungarian Vehicle Component Manufacturers and the Ministry of Energy.The event that took place in the HUN-REN TTK conference room was a side event of the SET Plan conference of the Ministry of Energy, which is organized by the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union in cooperation with the European Commission. István Lepsényi, the president of the Hungarian Hydrogen Technology Association, said in his speech that – Potential investors are ready to invest in hydrogen production, hydrogen storage and transport, and applications. We must be able to convince them that there are prepared suppliers in Hungary, there are good professionals and there is a good legal background that can be used to attract these investments to Hungary. István Lepsényi highlighted – There are already important professional players in the hydrogen industry in Hungary, for whom it is important that their investments so far are profitable and that the technology used does not have to be procured from overseas, because more and more domestic suppliers are able to manufacture the necessary devices and components. István Lepsényi is the president of the Hungarian Hydrogen Technology Association Viktor Horváth is the Deputy State Secretary of the Ministry of Energy Dr. József Nyírő is the president of the Hungarian Association of Vehicle Parts Manufacturers Viktor Horváth, Deputy State Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, emphasized how important it is that the spread and development of hydrogen technology should be followed and supported by regulation. In the coming period, regulatory decisions affecting several areas will be made in consultation with professional organizations. Dr. József Nyírő, the president of the Hungarian National Association of Vehicle Parts Manufacturers, explained in his welcome that they were happy to join the supplier forum, as this event is very important and helps the spread of renewable technologies and domestic production. Richárd Szabados, State Secretary of the Ministry of National Economy Richárd Szabados, State Secretary of the Ministry of National Economy, highlighted the importance of the development of suppliers and the dialogue that the event offers. It is important to support businesses becoming suppliers in line with real market needs and with a new approach. He said that a number of programs are available in Hungary, which support bridging the gap between the demands made by operating integrator companies and the capabilities of domestic suppliers. Panel discussion – The path to becoming a supplier in the domestic hydrogen economy, niche markets and missing links in the H2 value chains. Moderator: Andrea Glósz, Glósz és Társa Kft. Szabolcs Molnár, MVM Zrt. , Ferenc Hirth, Ervin Kontakt-Elektro Kerekes, AVL Hungary Kft. Endre Bali, Oxyma Systems Kft. Gábor Kovács, Messer Hungarogáz Kft. Dávid Kis, János Neumann University Panel discussion – System integration, the elements and possibilities of the hydrogen ecosystem for domestic companies. Moderator (far right): Zoltán Butsi, MHTSZ Dr. Ádám Nagy, Deputy State Secretary for Industrial Affairs, Tamás Kizman, Linde Magyarország Zrt. Tamás Mérő, MOL, hydrogen value chain program manager Csaba Havasi, CEO, Linamar Hungary Zrt. Olivér Gidai, Ganzair Kompressortechnika Kft. Csaba Janáky, National Laboratory of Renewable Energies

Hungarian, Polish, Ukrainian, and Czech hydrogen and gas industry experts talked about green hydrogen, which can be used more and more widely and is becoming more and more attractive, despite the large fluctuations in natural gas prices. The debate on the future structure of the Central and Eastern European hydrogen market raised interesting proposals.     Dr. Attila Nyikos, professional advisor of the Hungarian Hydrogen Technology Association and director of HUN-REN TKI, represented the Association at the 33rd international economic forum in Karpacz.     In the panel discussion “Natural gas or hydrogen distribution” held on the third day of the forum, in addition to the Hungarian Hydrogen Association, Polish, Ukrainian, and Czech hydrogen and gas industry experts talked about how they see the opportunities of the coming period. The aim of the panel was also to reveal the cooperation currently taking place in the region in the field of natural gas and to indicate the prospects for the development of the market in relation to both hydrogen and biogas. During the conversation, the possibility of the cessation of Russian natural gas coming through Ukraine due to economic considerations came to the fore, as well as the construction of a Ukrainian, Slovak, Czech and German hydrogen network and its economic role and reality. The experts participating in the panel discussion confirmed that green hydrogen produced from renewable energy, primarily from the sun and wind, can become an increasingly attractive energy carrier, which can be widely used in energy storage and transportation, among other things, in the face of changing geostrategic conditions and large fluctuations in natural gas prices. For this reason, the debate on the future structure of the Central and Eastern European hydrogen market raised interesting proposals for business and public administration, determining future investment opportunities in this area.

Csaba Lantos awarded the Commander’s Cross of the Hungarian Order of Merit with a star to István Lepsényi, a Széchenyi Prize-winning economic engineer, mechanical engineer, and president of the Hungarian Hydrogen Technology Association, at a state ceremony organized on the occasion of the national holiday on August 15, 2024. In his speech before the presentation of the awards, the minister explained that “in the field of energy matters, the best solutions must be found for Hungary in order to ensure safe, sustainable and affordable supply.” In his celebratory speech, Csaba Lantos emphasized: the difficulties have not become smaller, the struggles have not become easier either. The reorganization of the centers of gravity of the world economy is taking place at an ever faster pace, global competition has entered a critical phase, and Europe will fall behind if it does not do everything to increase competitiveness, he explained. The Ministry of Energy is on the front line, its work has a direct impact on how Hungary overcomes the current difficulties and how successfully it finds its place in the transforming world economy, the minister emphasized. In the field of energy matters, Hungary needs to find the best solutions for safe, sustainable and affordable supply. Guaranteeing the country’s energy security and strengthening energy sovereignty remains a priority, he said. Csaba Lantos recalled that the concept aimed at strengthening energy sovereignty is based on two main elements, nuclear and renewable energy. It is necessary to complete the Paks 2 investment and to extend the operating life of the existing units by an expected twenty years, as well as to produce and store green energy and clean energy carriers. With the rapid spread of weather-dependent producers, the modernization of the electricity network must also keep up, he emphasized. The minister explained: increased attention must be paid to improving competitiveness and affordable energy prices, which is why Hungary made the adoption of the competitiveness agreement a central issue of its EU presidency. At the same time, the government still does not budge from its previous principles: the definition of the national energy mix must remain within the jurisdiction of the member states, and they will also defend the utility reduction, which guarantees the lowest electricity and gas prices for Hungarian families in Europe, he added. The minister also called the results achieved in the transition to a circular economy important, including the introduction of new waste management with the extended producer responsibility system and the mandatory redemption fee system. Csaba Lantos touched on the fact that in the ministry’s work, the issue of climate and environmental protection is associated with energy issues as an equal task. The resources that determine development include water; in addition to the tasks related to water utility services, the management of water management and water protection was added to the ministry, which is the most significant step in the water sector in the last twenty years – he pointed out.   At the ceremony, Csaba Lantos awarded the Commander’s Cross with the star of the Hungarian Order of Merit to István Lepsényi, a Széchenyi Prize-winning economic engineer, mechanical engineer, and president of the Hungarian Hydrogen Technology Association. The Hungarian Order of Merit was awarded the Order of Merit by the electrical engineer Gábor Házi, doctor of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, head of the Reactor Monitoring and Simulator Laboratory of the Atomic Energy Research Institute of the HUN-REN Energy Research Center, and economist Péter Kaderják, head of the Zero Carbon Center of the Budapest University of Technology and Economics, the Hungarian Managing Director of the Battery Association. Economist András Biczók, the former CEO of MAVIR Magyar Electricity Industry Átvitele Rezdenszártószág Zrt., flood protection consultant Illés Bódi, retired head of the Central-Tisza Water Administration, jr., were awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Hungarian Order of Merit Economist Attila Chikán, President-CEO of Alteo Energiaszolgáltató Nyrt., Economist Ferencz I. Szabolcs, President-CEO of FGSZ Földgázsválló Zrt., Ádám Homonnay, Operations Manager of the Mol Group’s Exploration and Production Business, Csaba Kiss, Production Manager of MVM Zrt. deputy CEO and economist Benjámin Lakatos, CEO of MET Holding AG. The minister also presented the Hungarian Gold Cross of Merit, the Hungarian Silver Cross of Merit and ministerial recognition certificates.