Expert Panels

The event will take a deep dive into three subjects that dominate the hydrogen headlines: the need for adequate and timely infrastructure, the challenges to get project throughout the supply chain financed, and the precarious balance between higher sustainability requirements and the safeguarding of the competitiveness of European industries. Each of these three subjects will be addressed during three separate, exciting panels:

Infrastructure

The import of hydrogen requires interconnected, international supply chains, in order to bring hydrogen produced from miscellaneous locations in the world to the doorstep of industries located in Northwestern-Europe. In some cases, like for Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers, this supply chain can in part rely on already existing infrastructure. In other cases, like for liquid hydrogen, this requires the constructing of new dedicated facilities. In all cases, reliable and timely (pipeline) distribution systems need to be in place to allow hydrogen to be delivered to the end users. This panel will focus on questions related to infrastructural requirements per vector, supply chain integration of infrastructure across countries and continents, the vision for a European pipeline system, needed regulations, and much more.

Financing

Given the innovative nature and the many unknowns of the hydrogen economy, it can be challenging to get projects bankable. Variability in legislation, a perceived gap between the landed cost of hydrogen and the willingness to pay by potential offtakers and hesitancy by financing institutions to accept risk, are just a few factors that can impact the bankability of projects throughout the supply chain. This panel will take a detailed look at such financing challenges, the role of public and private institutions, effective instruments to bridge the delta between cost and willingness to pay, the financing conditions projects need to meet, and how stimulate FIDs throughout the supply chain.

Industry Competitiveness

The competitiveness of European industries is a hot topic. The European Union and national governments have defined strong ambitions when it comes to decarbonization, including the use of (green) hydrogen. The counterargument against such ambitions is that it forces higher costs on industries active in sectors that are already under pressure, which could ultimately lead to the folding of facilities all over Europe, as they can no longer compete with their competitors located in other continents. The discussion for this panel will include the balance between measures to tackle climate change and keeping industries in Europe, the role of legislation and its uniform application across the members of the European Union, the considerations for companies to transform their business case, the rise of new industries, and the geopolitical context wherein companies and governments need to operate.

Anniversary year and partnership University of Amsterdam

The 2025 edition of the H2A Symposium coincides with the celebration of the 750th birthday of Amsterdam. To honour this storied legacy, H2A will team up with the University of Amsterdam, adding a new dimension to the event, which will give delegates access to the latest scientific insights. It promises to be an exciting day; one you do not want to miss!

Register Now

Do you want to join the third annual Symposium? You can now register through the link. Registration is free of charge. We look forward to welcoming you on the 19th of June!