UNIDO forms partnership with Hydrogen Europe to advance hydrogen collaboration

In a landmark event, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and Hydrogen Europe, the leading industry association representing hydrogen development, have signed a joint declaration aimed at strengthening cooperation and accelerating progress in hydrogen technology. The signing ceremony took place on June 27, 2023, ahead of Hydrogen Europe's General Assembly and Summer Market.

The signing of the Joint declaration marks a new phase of cooperation between UNIDO and Hydrogen Europe within the framework of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization's Global Hydrogen for Industry Programme. With over 450 members, including more than 30 EU regions and 35 national associations, Hydrogen Europe plays a key role in promoting hydrogen as a catalyst for a zero-emission society. Unido supports its 171 member countries in three focus areas: eradicating hunger by helping businesses from farm to fork; Mitigate global climate change by reducing industrial greenhouse gas emissions through the use of renewable energy and improving energy efficiency; By supporting sustainable supply chains, producers in developing countries get a fair deal and protect scarce resources. The United Nations Industrial Development Organization's Global Hydrogen Programme aims to provide critical support to developing countries in their efforts to achieve net-zero industrial development through the production and use of clean hydrogen. The initiative aims to create jobs, improve skills, encourage investment, ensure energy security, and enable developing countries to actively participate in the global hydrogen trade.

The expanded partnership outlined in the Joint Declaration covers a number of key areas, including:

Knowledge exchange and capacity building: UNIDO and Hydrogen Europe will promote collaboration on policies, technical skills, standards and technologies to support the use of clean hydrogen in the industry. The exchange will enhance the understanding and utilization of hydrogen technology in industrial processes.

Accelerating the introduction of hydrogen technology: The collaboration aims to promote the deployment and application of hydrogen technology in the industrial sector, unlocking its potential for sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions.

Joint events and global Forum events: UNIDO and Hydrogen Europe will co-organize events and participate in global forums to promote knowledge sharing, discussion and collaboration on hydrogen-related topics.

· Pilot demonstration project development: The partnership will support the implementation of industry pilot projects to demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of hydrogen applications. In addition, the two sides will also strive to promote the development of hydrogen energy industrial clusters and hydrogen energy value chains.

This partnership will leverage Hydrogen Europe's vast network of knowledge and resources, giving UNIDO access to the latest developments, applications and experiences related to hydrogen energy. Hydrogen Europe will also have the opportunity to collaborate on clean hydrogen projects in developing countries, contributing to the global transition to sustainable and clean energy solutions.

Both UNIDO and Hydrogen Europe believe that this collaboration, formalized through the signing of the joint declaration, will bring significant benefits to the entire industry and society.

Petra Schwager, Director of the Climate and Technology Partnership Division at UNIDO, said: "The collaboration between UNIDO and Hydrogen Europe represents an important milestone in our shared mission to drive the global deployment of clean hydrogen for energy, economic and social development. We will work together to drive change and contribute to a sustainable future.

Jorgo Chatzimarkakis, CEO of Hydrogen Europe, added that the partnership between the United Nations Industrial Development Organization and Hydrogen Europe marks a fruitful collaboration to advance the deployment of hydrogen across the globe and move us towards a more sustainable future. Together, we will align expertise and resources to coordinate the deployment of clean hydrogen technologies and strengthen interconnected value chains to achieve global impact and change.