Hydrogen is not dead, it’s just growing up

The H2 Conference Norway gathered close to 200 participants from more than 9 nations, with 47 speakers and 4 moderators over three days in Stavanger. The event was co-hosted by Energy Transition Norway, ONS Foundation, Stavanger Municipality and Stavanger Chamber of Commerce.

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The second international hydrogen conference built on the first meeting in 2023 when industry optimism was higher. Two years later, the picture has changed: companies face higher costs, a tighter capital environment, and unclear regulatory frameworks.

Yet despite these headwinds, the message in Stavanger was clear: things are moving forward in the hydrogen space in Europe.

“Hydrogen is definitely not dead,” said Lars Nitter Havro, Head of Energy Macro Research at Rystad Energy, in the opening session.

Several speakers compared hydrogen’s trajectory to the S-curve seen in other renewables: solar, wind, and batteries all endured long, slow beginnings before hitting exponential growth once adoption tipped.

Hydrogen today is at that fragile stage– in need of subsidies, predictable rules, firm offtake contracts, and cross-border collaboration to reach its tipping point.

A big concern was that constant debate over criteria and regulations is causing investors to wait, slowing final investment decisions.

Europe risks repeating past mistakes: letting other regions such as Australia, the Middle East, the US and China capture hydrogen manufacturing and project leadership while Europe hesitates.

Shipping emerged as the most promising early market.

Driven by customer demand for decarbonisation, the sector is already testing hydrogen and derivatives inferries, barges and offshore supply vessels. These pilots demonstrate what works, while also building public trust and technical know-how.

Norway, in particular, has pioneered this field with over 100 electric and zero-emissions ferries and the launch of the world’s first liquid-hydrogen ferry in 2023, with ammonia-fuelled and hydrogen-driven ships scheduled to follow by 2026.

Large-scale hydrogen will require pipelines, storage, and port facilities.

Germany’s plan for a 9,000 km “HydrogenCore Network” by 2032 was cited as a model. Finance follows clarity, and clear obligations and tariffs can unlock private investment. Norwegian company Hystar showcased technology delivering about 10 percent higher efficiency than today’s PEM standards, translating into tens of millions in annual electricity savings at scale. Engineering firm Worley argued for modular “package plant” designs to cut capital costs and reduce project risks.

While green hydrogen is the long-term target, less than 1 percent of hydrogen today is green. Blue and turquoise hydrogen can bridge volumes and cut costs while green ramps up.

Hydrogen has been handled safely in industry for decades, but public perception remains a barrier. Demonstration projects are important not only to prove technology, but to show communities that hydrogen can be produced, stored, and transported without danger.

Key takeaways from the conference included:

·     Europe risks losing ground if funding gaps, administrative burdens, and stop–start grants slow deployment.

·     Policy clarity matters more than constant revision, as uncertain rules discourage investors.

·     Hydrogen uptake should begin with today’s users such as refining and fertiliser before scaling to shipping, aviation, and steel after 2030.

·     Ammonia and e-methanol are practical carriers that can be shipped and traded globally, helping hydrogen scale quickly.

·     The IMO climate framework and EU rules are decisive for shipping and aviation demand.

·     Infrastructure must flex with renewables, balancing hydrogen production with variable wind and solar.

The Stavanger conference showed that hydrogen is not moving as fast as many hoped in 2023. But it is moving. The technology is improving, pilot projects are multiplying, and clear regulatory frameworks are within reach.

If Europe can combine policy stability, infrastructure investment, and strong offtake signals, hydrogen can play a decisive role in the continent’s energy independence and decarbonisation.

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