High-Level Policy Conference
DAY 1
MONDAY, 20.11.2023 OPENING DAY
HIGH-LEVEL POLICY CONFERENCE Hall 11, Main Auditorium
13:00 – 14:00
REGISTRATION AND EXHIBITION VISIT
14:00 – 15:00
Session 1: Hydrogen and the global challenges ahead
The United Nations, under the Paris Agreement, set a 1.5°C increase limit to global temperature rise and decided to move away from fossil fuels. The EU has joined this objective and committed to ambitious pathways to decarbonise its economy. Hydrogen is one of the highly promising and fast developing solutions to achieve this, however there are many challenges we must address first. Setting the right policy frameworks, enabling sustainable business models with the proper funding and financing opportunities while re-skilling the workforce and building an international hydrogen market being only the tip of the iceberg. It is not just an evolution, but the fourth global industrial revolution that we are undergoing. Stakeholders are aware that this transition requires massive upfront investments and that all energy intensive industries will be challenged to their core.
Speakers
Welcome speeches
- SOPNA SURY, Chair, Hydrogen Europe
- MELISSA VERYKIOS, GB Chair, Clean Hydrogen Partnership
Keynote Speeches
- URSULA VON DER LEYEN, President, European Commission
- MAROŠ ŠEFČOVIČ, Executive Vice-President for Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight, European Commission
Closing remarks: GUNTHER BEGER, Managing Director of the Directorate for SDG Innovation and Economic Transformation, UNIDO
Session moderator and presentation: JORGO CHATZIMARKAKIS, CEO, Hydrogen Europe
15:00 – 16:00
NETWORKING AND EXHIBITION VISIT
16:00 – 17:00
Session 2: Storing clean hydrogen in Europe
The REPowerEU strategy adopted by the European Commission in 2022 sets out the ambition to produce 10 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen by 2030. Such goal requires a massive effort from the whole sector, including technology scale up in hydrogen production, transport infrastructure and storage. Hydrogen long-term seasonal storage addresses the variability of renewable energy, improves grid flexibility, and supports a transition to a sustainable and balanced power system. Its ability to store large amounts of energy over extended periods makes it valuable for a reliable, resilient, and decarbonized energy system.
Speakers
Keynote Speech: TERJE AASLAND, Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Norway
Panel:
- CHRISTIAN PHO DUC, Chief Technology Officer, Smartenergy
- RUUD KEMPENER, Member of the Cabinet for Commissioner Kadri Simson, DG ENER, European Commission
- OLIVIA BREESE, CEO and Senior Vice President, Power-2-X, Orsted
- VALERIE RUIZ-DOMINGO, Hydrogen Vice President, ENGIE Group & Hydrogen Europe Board Member
Moderated by JORGO CHATZIMARKAKIS, CEO, Hydrogen Europe
17:00 – 18:00
NETWORKING AND EXHIBITION VISIT
18:00 – 20:00
HYDROGEN EUROPE WINTER PARTY in the expo area
DAY 2
TUESDAY, 21.11.2023
HIGH-LEVEL POLICY CONFERENCE Hall 11, Main Auditorium
09:00 – 10:00
REGISTRATION AND EXHIBITION VISIT
10:00 – 11:00
Session 3: The Hydrogen Bank
The Hydrogen Bank will establish a full hydrogen value chain in the EU. This new scheme will aim at supporting hydrogen production in the EU and at facilitating imports of hydrogen and derivatives from third countries. The Bank can be a great opportunity to enable hydrogen projects to get off the ground in a competitive way, helping to reach the ambitious targets for the sector. While the first auction for domestic production will open at the end of this year with a €800 million budget, some key questions remain to be answered: will projects be allowed to cumulate state aid that they also receive? Will non-price criteria be elaborated too for the selection? What will be the role for low-carbon hydrogen? How will Member States and existing EU structures be involved? This session will investigate how the scheme should be designed and further deployed.
Speakers
Keynote Speech: FRANZISKA BRANTNER, Parliamentary State Secretary, Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action
- JÜRGEN RIGTERINK, First Vice-President, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)
- KURT VANDENBERGHE, Director General, European Commission - DG CLIMA
- MAGNUS KROGH ANKARSTRAND, Executive Vice President Corporate Development, Yara International
Closing remarks: ROBERT HAJŠEL, Member, European Parliament
Moderated by SOPNA SURY, Chair, Hydrogen Europe
11:00 – 12:00
NETWORKING AND EXHIBITION VISIT
12:00 – 13:00
Session 4: Scaling up electrolysers manufacturing
Electrolysers are one of the main pillars of the EU’s net zero strategy to decarbonise by 2050. Under the REPowerEU strategy, the EU committed to produce 10Million Tons of renewable hydrogen by 2030, requiring some 120 GW of electrolysers to be installed within this decade. Currently, the EU has a world-level competitive edge on electrolysis, being capable of manufacturing electrolysers and their related components with the highest standards on efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. Still, in the fast-paced world of clean technologies, Europe could easily lose its leading position to international competitors, such as China and the US, as it already happened in the past for other sectors. With the proposed Net Zero Industry Act, as reaction to the USA’s Inflation Reduction Act, Europe is trying to tackle this risk, but will it be enough to ensure its competitive edge? What are the main challenges faced by the industry? Do we have the right skills and the right funding mechanisms? And what about further supply shortages such as critical raw materials?
Speakers
Keynote Speech: KERSTIN JORNA, Director-General, DG GROW, European Commission
- WERNER PONIKWAR, CEO, Thyssenkrupp nucera
- RAPHAEL TILOT, CEO, John Cockerill Hydrogen
- HÅKON VOLLDAL, CEO, Nel Hydrogen
- VAITEA COWAN, Co-Founder, Enapter
Moderator: EDWARD BRETHERON, Partner, Clifford Chance
13:00 – 14:00
NETWORKING AND EXHIBITION VISIT
14:00 – 15:00
Session 5: Ensuring a resilient EU hydrogen supply chain through the Green Deal Industrial Plan
The European Green Deal Industrial Plan (GDIP) was presented by the European Commission in February 2023 as a response to the massive USA subsidy scheme for clean technologies, aiming to tackle the EU’s green industry scale up challenges, exacerbated by the competition from the US and Asia. Industry and policymakers will discuss if these measures are sufficient to maintain and strengthen a strong European value chain for hydrogen. How are the GDIP flagship initiatives helping to tackle the fierce competition from abroad? How can the access to economic support be accelerated? Does Europe have the right setup to establish a strong industry?
Speakers
Keynote: ROLAND LESCURE, Minister Delegate for Industry, France
Panel:
- GILLIAN MARTIN, Minister for Energy and the Environment, Scotland
- MARK WILSON, CEO & President, Johnson Matthey
- ROELAND BAAN, CEO, Topsoe
- WAYNE-DANIEL KERN, VP Commercial Responsibility – Hydrogen/SOFC, Bosch GmbH and Treasurer, Hydrogen Europe
- NORA HAN, Vice President of the Hydrogen Product Group, ABB
Moderator: ROSALINDE VAN DER VLIES, Clean Planet Director, European Commission
15:00 – 16:00
NETWORKING AND EXHIBITION VISIT
16:00 – 17:00
Session 6: The role of hydrogen in decarbonising road transport
It has become clear that there is no silver bullet solution to the decarbonisation of road transport and that all zero emission technologies will have to be deployed to reach the ambitious emission reduction targets and keep us on track for the 1.5 degrees target set in the Paris Agreement. The Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) has finally broken the long-standing chicken-and-egg dilemma between the deployment of infrastructure and the selling of zero emission vehicles: an EU wide network of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure that will be in place by 2030. In this light, panellists will discuss the opportunities for hydrogen as an alternative fuel in the road transport sector, as well as the remaining outstanding challenges that must be addressed for a successful decarbonisation of the sector.
Speakers
- JEAN-CHRISTOPHE BEZIAT, Chief Public Affairs Officer, Hyvia
- FRANÇOIS-RÉGIS LE TOURNEAU, ALICE Chair, Vice President Corporate Responsibility, L’Oréal
Moderator:VALERIE BOUILLON DELPORTE, Hydrogen Ecosystem Director, Michelin
17:00 – 18:00
NETWORKING AND EXHIBITION VISIT
18:00 – 20:00
BOOTH PARTIES IN THE EXPO AREA
DAY 3
WEDNESDAY, 22.11.2023
HIGH-LEVEL POLICY CONFERENCE Hall 11, Main Auditorium
09:00 – 10:00
REGISTRATION AND EXHIBITION VISIT
10:00 – 11:00
Session 7: Hydrogen backbone: the necessary link
The creation of a hydrogen infrastructure based on existing and new assets is a necessary element in the development of a competitive, liquid, renewable and low-carbon hydrogen market, and a key element in Europe's broader decarbonisation journey. Numerous initiatives demonstrate the industry's determination and commitment to create this necessary link. With new players and customers coming into the market, it is imperative to have a focused policy and clear regulatory framework for the development and construction of hydrogen pipelines, large underground storage sites and terminal at ports for both hydrogen and its derivatives. This session will allow participants to gain insights into the existing ambitious infrastructure plans.
Speakers
Keynote: TINNE VAN DER STRAETEN, Energy Minister, Belgium
Panel:
- STEFANO VENIER, CEO, Snam
- JANNEKE HERMES, ad interim CEO, Gasunie
11:00 – 12:00
NETWORKING AND EXHIBITION VISIT
12:00 – 13:00
Session 8: The hydrogen import challenge: the strategic role of EU ports
To meet hydrogen import targets, infrastructure, regulation, and support mechanisms must be fit for purpose. Many initiatives aim to deliver a framework to ensure international partnerships that can provide a level-playing field, boost welfare and diversify the economy with impacts on world geopolitics. Competition for hydrogen imports, new energy dependencies, and an international market based on common standards are some of the challenges that need to be addressed to seize the opportunities of bringing competitive hydrogen to the European market. A particular attention should be given to ports as they are more and more becoming important hubs which create industrial activities and foster the hydrogen economy.
Speakers
Intro and moderation: TUDOR CONSTATNTINESCU, Principal Adviser, DG ENER, European Commission
Panel:
- MINAS PAPADAKIS, CEO, Heraklion Port Authority
- HOLGER KREETZ, Chief Operating Officer, Uniper
- ISABELLE RYCKBOST, Secretary General, European Sea Ports Organisation
- BOUDEWIJN SIMEONS, CEO ad interim and COO, Port of Rotterdam
Closing remarks: HENRIK HOLOLEI, Hors Classe Adviser, DG INTPA, European Commission
13:00 – 14:00
NETWORKING AND EXHIBITION VISIT
14:00 – 15:00
Session 9: Driving forward EU research and innovation in hydrogen technologies
The members of the Clean Hydrogen Partnership will discuss the role and outlook of the partnership, as well as the main issues shaping EU research and innovation in clean hydrogen technologies. This session will bring together the different perspectives of industry, research and EU policymakers which are closely working together contributing to the European climate neutrality targets.
Speakers
- ROSALINDE VAN DER VLIES, Clean Planet Director, DG RTD, European Commission
- LUIGI CREMA, President, Hydrogen Europe Research
Moderator : MIRELA ATANASIU, ad interim Executive Director, Clean Hydrogen Partnership
15:00 – 16:00
NETWORKING AND EXHIBITION VISIT
16:00 – 17:00
Session 10: Synergies to increase EU funding impact and boost the hydrogen economy
The session will reflect on potential synergies between different public funding instruments to increase their impact and discuss how coordinate efforts can boost and scale up hydrogen technologies across Europe.
17:00 – 18:00
NETWORKING AND EXHIBITION VISIT
18:00 – 20:00
Clean Hydrogen Partnership & Hydrogen Europe Research AWARDS
DAY 4
THURSDAY, 23.11.2023
HIGH-LEVEL POLICY CONFERENCE Hall 11, Main Auditorium
09:00 – 10:00
REGISTRATION AND EXHIBITION VISIT
10:00 – 11:00
Session 11: Rolling-out and scaling-up Hydrogen Valleys in Europe
The European Commission allocated to the Clean Hydrogen Partnership an additional €200 million through REPowerEU Plan, in order to double the number of Hydrogen Valleys in Europe by 2025. Hydrogen Valleys mark a significant milestone in the establishment of integrated local hydrogen ecosystems. These initiatives not only contribute to sustainable energy solutions but also serve as catalysts for industrial growth and job opportunities. While challenges remain, the adoption of this concept is gaining momentum, driven by shifting perspectives and increased private investments.
Speakers
Panel:
- KONSTANTINOS CHATZIFOTIS, European Affairs Manager, Motor Oil
Moderator: ROSALINDE VAN DER VLIES, Clean Planet Director, DG RTD, European Commission
11:00 – 12:00
NETWORKING AND EXHIBITION VISIT
12:00 – 13:00
Session 12: Empowering citizens: building up the skills and knowledge for the new hydrogen economy
The hydrogen value chain is expected to employ more than one million people by 2030 and five times as many by 2050. The latest legislative developments add to the pressure to create a European workforce that matches the needs of the growing hydrogen sector. 2023 is the European Year of Skills and many initiatives are being developed to support the reskilling and upskilling of the labour force. This session will closely look into the many activities in place, from the Hydrogen Academy to the Skills Strategy and the interconnection to current files as the Net Zero Industry Act.
13:00 – 14:00
NETWORKING AND EXHIBITION VISIT
14:00 – 15:00
Session 13: Clean Hydrogen Partnership independent scientific advisory Workshop, part 1 – Global technology trends, outlook
This session will discuss the main issues shaping global research and innovation in established and emerging clean hydrogen technologies, how to better support R&D to bring down costs and improve performance, including for fuel cells, hydrogen-based fuels and electrolysers, and synergies and developments in sectors related or competitive to hydrogen technologies.
As part of its mandate, the Clean Hydrogen Partnership must consider independent opinions and advice from the wider scientific community on the items included in its Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA), as well as in work programmes and developments in adjacent sectors.
15:00 – 16:00
NETWORKING AND EXHIBITION VISIT
16:00 – 17:00
Session 14: Clean Hydrogen Partnership independent scientific advisory workshop, Part 2 – Technology
The Clean Hydrogen Partnership contributes to the European climate neutrality goal by developing and scaling up a wide range of hydrogen applications which are currently either less competitive or have a low technology readiness level, but are expected to contribute to the 2030 energy and climate targets and most importantly make climate neutrality by 2050 possible.
This session will address the state of play of technologies development (and R&I activities) on hydrogen production, distribution, storage and end uses, both transportation and clean heat and power, and it will tackle the relevant outcomes of the annual scientific community consultation organised by the Partnership.
Closing Keynote: KADRI SIMSON, Commissioner for Energy, European Commission
17:00 – 18:00
NETWORKING AND EXHIBITION VISIT
DAY 5
TBD I Webinar: On the way to COP 28
TBD I Webinar: Emerging markets