Top Hydrogen Moments of 2019


We are very proud of what the Council has accomplished this past year. Join us as we take a look back at a few highlights and exciting moments!


1. Engaged Government Leaders at the World Economic Forum


In January, at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, the Hydrogen Council, in partnership with the International Energy Agency (IEA), brought together a group of member companies, as well as leaders from financial institutions and eight national governments willing to deploy hydrogen solutions and to exchange views on how to overcome challenges to large-scale hydrogen deployment. Attendees agreed that there is a need to accelerate the deployment of hydrogen as an important component of a broad-based, secure, sustainable and efficient energy portfolio. Learn more here.


2. Joined the 10th Annual Clean Energy Ministerial to Celebrate Launch of the Hydrogen Initiative 


In May, the Hydrogen Council joined the 10th annual Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM10) hosted by the Canadian government to celebrate the launch of the Hydrogen Initiative, a new effort to mobilize CEM-affiliated governments to consider policies and programmes in support of full-scale deployment of hydrogen technologies across all aspects of the economy. As an industry partner, the Council will help represent the views of its members as well as the broader hydrogen industry. During the event,  the Council also premiered its video, Operation Hydrogen, highlighting the role hydrogen can play for improving global energy security, increasing economic growth, and combatting climate change. Learn more here.


3. Hosted Investor Day during G20 Summit in Japan


In June, the Hydrogen Council held an investor event during the G20 Ministerial Meetings in Japan, bringing together Council members, governments, investors and the International Energy Agency (IEA) to present hydrogen archetype projects, discuss the existing legislative and investment bottlenecks that prevent large-scale investment, and to consider innovative solutions for large-scale investment and deployment.

On the occasion, the Hydrogen Council alongside IEA Executive Director, Fatih Birol, also helped launch the IEA’s report on hydrogen, The Future of Hydrogen, which analyses the state of play for hydrogen solutions and offers guidance on their future development. The report concluded that “now is the time to scale up technologies and bring down costs to allow hydrogen to become widely used”. Learn more here.


4. Took the Stage During the Hydrogen Energy Ministerial


In September, 35 countries gathered in Tokyo for the Hydrogen Energy Ministerial, which was held in light of advancement of hydrogen-related technologies and increasing global expectations for hydrogen as a next-generation energy. The Hydrogen Council was represented by Co-Secretary Pierre-Etienne Franc from Air Liquide, advocating for increased global cooperation and appropriate policy schemes. Learn more here.


5. Launched the Hydrogen Council Website in 3 New Languages 


In October, to commemorate International Hydrogen Day, we launched our website in Japanese, Chinese and Korean. Information on the Hydrogen Council, our members and activities is now available to an even more international public, broadening our reach in some of our key markets. Choose your language in the top right corner of this page.


6. Established New Partnerships to Support Hydrogen Deployment Around the World


In 2019, we proudly joined forces with the Center for Hydrogen Safety, H2 View, IEA Hydrogen and Energy Observer in the establishment of formal partnerships to advance the hydrogen sector. With these collaborations, the Council demonstrates its commitment to building the hydrogen economy and creating innovative sustainable energy solutions. The Council also continues to work very closely with other hydrogen-focused organizations, supporting a robust global ecosystem: World Economic Forum, International Energy Agency, Clean Energy Ministerial, Mission Innovation, and IPHE. Learn more here.


7. Signed Advisory Agreement with the European Investment Bank  


In December, the Hydrogen Council and the European Investment Bank (EIB), one of the world’s largest providers of climate finance, signed a landmark agreement to collaborate on the development of innovative schemes to finance hydrogen projects. Under this partnership delivered through the InnovFin Advisory program, EIB will provide strategic financial advice and support to companies preparing to deploy large-scale hydrogen projects, making such solutions more readily available to consumers around the world. Learn more here.


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