H2A Luncheon at World Hydrogen Summit Brings Together the Hydrogen Value Chain in Rotterdam

During the week of the World Hydrogen Summit 2026, H2A Association once again welcomed partners, stakeholders and industry peers to its annual luncheon at River Bar Rotterdam. Set alongside the waterfront in Rotterdam, the luncheon offered a more informal setting for conversations between the many organizations currently helping shape the hydrogen economy. Representatives from across the value chain, including infrastructure developers, ports, technology providers, import initiatives, industry players and public sector stakeholders, came together to exchange perspectives on the progress being made across the sector and the challenges still ahead.

While the World Hydrogen Summit remains an important global gathering point for the industry, moments like these continue to play an equally valuable role. The opportunity to connect outside the conference environment allows for more direct conversations, stronger relationships and a clearer understanding of how different parts of the hydrogen ecosystem are evolving together.

A highlight of the afternoon was the opening address by H2A’s new Chairperson, Ellen Ruhotas. Bringing her characteristic energy and optimism to the room, she spoke about the importance of maintaining momentum and continuing to work collectively toward realizing hydrogen at scale. Her message reflected the increasingly pragmatic approach emerging across the industry: that achieving a successful hydrogen economy will require collaboration across technologies, infrastructure pathways and international partnerships.

Rather than focusing on a single solution or vector, the discussion acknowledged the broader reality of the market today. Whether hydrogen is transported and utilized through liquid hydrogen, LOHC, ammonia or other carriers, the common objective remains building a resilient and functioning energy system capable of supporting industrial transition, energy security and European competitiveness.

Throughout the luncheon, discussions reflected how the sector is continuing to mature. The conversation is increasingly shifting from vision alone toward implementation, from how projects are announced to how they are financed, connected, permitted and ultimately realized. This evolution could be felt across many of the discussions taking place around the tables throughout the afternoon. The event also reflected the collaborative nature of the H2A network itself. By bringing together partners and stakeholders across different parts of the value chain, the luncheon reinforced the importance of maintaining strong connections between infrastructure development, import corridors, industrial demand, technology innovation and public policy.

As the hydrogen sector continues to navigate a rapidly changing geopolitical and economic environment, these moments of dialogue and collaboration remain essential. H2A would like to thank all partners, speakers and guests who joined us in Rotterdam and contributed to the atmosphere and discussions throughout the afternoon. We look forward to continuing these conversations at the H2A Symposium 2026 on 18 June in Amsterdam under the theme: Hydrogen in a Fast-Changing World: Building European Resilience.