Hydrogen: A Cornerstone for Europe’s Clean Energy Future

Beyond its environmental benefits, hydrogen plays a strategic role in energy independence, technological innovation, and sustainable economic growth. These topics will be central at Drive Forward 2025, where hydrogen will be a major focus across multiple sessions.

Drive Forward 2025: The Role of Hydrogen in Decarbonizing Europe’s Mobility System

Date: April 9
Time: 13:30 – 14:25

Hydrogen is essential for reducing emissions in mobility, particularly in heavy-duty trucking, significantly impacting the Netherlands' energy landscape. Solid oxide fuel cells and cost-effective hydrogen storage are key to widespread adoption, but further advancements are needed to make hydrogen a viable and affordable energy source.

This session will explore the development of a hydrogen ecosystem for heavy-duty vehicles, bringing together industry leaders such as DAF Trucks, TNO, Westport Fuel Systems, and Bosal Nederland. Topics include hydrogen combustion engine technology as an alternative to battery-electric trucks, along with challenges related to hydrogen production, storage, and infrastructure. The session is organized by the Green Transport Delta – Hydrogen | RAI Vereniging project.

Key Themes

In 2023, global CO₂ emissions reached 37 Gt, with 22% coming from transportation. The European Green Deal sets ambitious reduction targets to align with the +1.5°C scenario from COP21. Europe is committed to hydrogen development to achieve energy independence and carbon neutrality. While battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) will dominate passenger cars, most trucks cannot rely solely on BEV technology. BEVs, fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), and hydrogen internal combustion engines (H2-ICE) each serve distinct applications. Hydrogen engines are particularly well-suited for cost-effective, long-range, high-load transport. This breakout session will address the necessary steps for integrating hydrogen into Europe’s mobility system.

Presenting Organizations and Speakers

TNO will discuss the rationale for hydrogen in mobility and its impact on the Netherlands. DAF will present developments in hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks. Bosal will introduce solid oxide fuel cell technology as a critical component of the new energy system, while Westport Fuel Systems will examine the challenges and cost implications of hydrogen storage.

Key regulatory and infrastructure issues will be explored, including the Subsidy Scheme for Hydrogen in Mobility (SWIM), access of hydrogen trucks to zero-emission zones, and the potential benefits of a centralized hydrogen refuelling infrastructure. The session will also examine how larger hydrogen tanks in trucks can significantly improve driving range.

Speakers include Jack Bloem (TNO), Marc Horsten (DAF Trucks), Ted Straten (Bosal Nederland), and Bas ten Broeke (Westport Fuel Systems). The session will be moderated by Freek de Bruijn (RAI Automotive Industry NL), featuring four ten-minute presentations followed by an interactive Q&A.

Green SKHy H2 Seminar: Building a Hydrogen-Ready Workforce

Following Drive Forward 2025, the hydrogen conversation continues at the Green SKHy Large-Scale Hydrogen Event on April 10. Green SKHy is committed to developing a highly skilled, hydrogen-ready workforce to support Europe’s energy transition. The event will cover workforce development, training programs, and certification systems to equip professionals with hydrogen expertise. Discussions will include technical skills for implementing hydrogen solutions in industrial applications, as well as regulatory frameworks governing hydrogen technology.

Led by Maury Clement, Green SKHy’s lead partner, the seminar will feature contributions from institutions such as Technifutur, the University of Groningen, Summa Automotive, and the University of Luxembourg.

Reserve your spot now via www.driveforward.nl or www.raivereniging.nl for the GreenSKHy event.