Hydrogen

The Temporary Working Group (TWG) on hydrogen focuses on cooperation, support and uptake of research and innovation (R&I) in hydrogen technology across Europe. The aim is to implement the results from the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda of the European Research Area (ERA) pilot initiative on Green Hydrogen, published in 2022, using an integrated, systematic and interdisciplinary approach to address research needs in the hydrogen sector and enhance cooperation among SET Plan countries.

In April 2024, TWG hydrogen finalised and submitted the Declaration of Intent, outlining the group’s scope, overarching goals and strategic targets. Ongoing work is focused on defining and elaborating activities within subgroups, which cover the entire hydrogen value chain including cross-cutting issues such as collaboration, sustainability and legal aspects.

The activities will include maximising and broadening the uptake of learnings from EU, national and regional R&I programmes and hydrogen activities. These will be coordinated to identify the most effective funding instruments and frameworks for cross-border R&I collaboration.

The cooperation and synergies will enable Member States and SET Plan countries to strengthen Europe’s position in the global market and maintain industrial competitiveness. This will have a positive impact if properly incorporated into the integrated SET Plan, Horizon Europe, national and regional hydrogen strategies, as well as the implementation of the Net-Zero Industry Act and National Energy and Climate Plans (NECP).

The Implementation Plan (IP) for hydrogen will set out actions across key areas where innovation is needed, including: 

• Research, innovation and deployment: Although hydrogen technologies are emerging, a comprehensive approach for market diffusion is required.
• Introduction of hydrogen in the energy mix: Establish transversal links with other IWGs to promote hydrogen as a renewable energy source, storage solution, and for CO₂ utilisation.

A key driver in overcoming the challenges linked to the key areas of action will be the implementation of the REPowerEU Hydrogen Accelerator goals, focusing on production, transportation, storage and utilisation.

The activities will focus on: 

• R&I production RI: Define and map short- to long-term production goals
• Demand and capacity: Evaluate hydrogen demand and clean energy needs (e.g. 10 million tonnes H₂ requiring 130 GW electrolysers) with SET Plan IWG synergies
• Transport and storage: Promote cross-border collaboration for hydrogen transport and storage infrastructure among Member States
• Legislative and safety: Tackle regulatory and safety standards
• Education and skills: Launch targeted support schemes s to enhance education, skills development and reskilling.

Currently, no official Chairs or Co-chairs are assigned, pending Steering Committee approval.

• ERA pilot on Green Hydrogen: Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda
• European Commission (2024): How the EU supports hydrogen research

Please contact the SET Plan Secretariat (set-plan-secretariatec [dot] europa [dot] eu (set-plan-secretariat[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu)) for inquiries. TWG on hydrogen is yet to assign official Chairs and Co-chairs.