EUSEW 2020: Boosting the hydrogen economy through international cooperation

Description

Renewable energy solutions are already widely available and gradually contribute to fulfil Europe’s energy needs. However, if the EU is to achieve the planned net-zero emissions by 2050, one of the big challenges is to enable a smart sector integration that brings on-board the electricity, heating and transport sectors into one system. This smart integration of sectors is also a priority area for the European Green Deal. In this respect, hydrogen is a key enabling technology for the energy integration challenge as it provides valuable solutions for several independent appliances, from in-land and offshore large transportation to heating as well as for energy storage. Fuel cell technology is being tested in long haul trucks, ships while green sources of hydrogen are being sought as a sustainable green energy. There are other novel applications with a large potential for decarbonization such as H2 as a liftgas which are being applied in the aviation sector, particularly in the relation to Lighter-Than-Air (LTA) carriers for cargo transport and surveillance activities. Such versatility enables, for instance, renewable-electricity to tackle the barrier of intermittency and holds a strong potential to substantially support energy systems integration. Cooperation, both at the EU and international levels, is an essential element to boost the hydrogen economy worldwide. For example, Interreg Norther West Europe is supporting seven projects dealing with various hydrogen technologies. The Region of Quebec is also cooperating with the EU on hydrogen solutions, building on Quebec’s experience with electrification and innovative fuel cell/ battery development. Projects that can help to unlock the potential of the technology and contribute to smart systems and sector integration have never been more fundamental. EU-funded as well international partnerships have already delivered strong evidence on the benefits of hydrogen solutions and are now interested in discussing how cooperation between sectors and projects can further boost smart integration and the hydrogen economy. The main objective of this event is, therefore, to present the outstanding impact already delivered by individual hydrogen projects and discuss how the technology can now enable smart integration from different energy sectors. Presentations will be targeted to hydrogen experts, policy makers, corporations/SMEs and citizens interested in the benefits of using smart hydrogen for future generations.

Period	25 Jun 2020
Event type	Seminar
Degree of Recognition	International