In an industry where ‘scale’ is regularly at the forefront of conversations, the venue of Porte De Versailles saw over 400 exhibitors from across the European hydrogen value chain gather under one roof, to showcase technology and solutions for the ever-growing market.

Technology manufacturers, policymakers, and trade associations alike were welcomed for the two-day event, offering a detailed cross section of the European landscape and challenges that may lay ahead in its hydrogen developments.

A range of some of the newest, most exciting hydrogen products were on display, from H2 Motronics’ hydrogen-powered motorcycle, Hyliko’s heavy goods vehicle (HGV), to Stellantis’ light commercial vehicles, as well as key components required for the hydrogen ecosystem.

The theme of scale was felt across the event. Numerous companies, across the entire value chain telling H2 View that 2023 was for going big, building up capacity, and delivering products to see hydrogen become a reality.

Despite clear conviction from hydrogen players to achieve the scale of deployment required to achieve energy transition, challenges remain ahead of the European market.

In recent months, questions surrounding whether Europe has lost its lead in the hydrogen race to regions such as the US, have continually been raised. For many, the continent has been bogged down in confusion around the definitions of clean or green hydrogen. However, a recent Net Zero Industry Act, somewhat mirroring the US’ Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) could be ready to provide some clarity for European clean tech.

Read more: Europe to draft Net Zero Industry Act

From talking to exhibitors and attendees across Hyvolution, the proposed Act seems to have come as the shot in the arm that was being called for in Europe. One electrolyser manufacturer explained that they believe a similar tax credit incentive to that seen in the IRA, could be the key to unlocking offtake agreements, and therefore bolstering the entire value chain.

Despite the desire to see more substantial incentives made available, it became ever clearer that hydrogen certification is required. Speaking to H2 View, Françoi Dedieu, Head of Strategy at H2V, said although there is desire to see an IRA-style clean production incentive, certification is first needed.

“We have been waiting for maybe four or five years for a true definition of what renewable hydrogen is. We need to know what the constraints there are for the electricity that will be provided to electrolysers,” Dedieu said.

Aside from the exhibition, breakout forum’s hosted discussion which also turned its focus onto the issue of hydrogen certification. Laurence Boisramé, Hydrogen Global Sales Director at Bureau Veritas, told attendees that the lack of certification is stalling financial decisions for projects, and thus production.

Boisramé explained, “Investors and financiers need reassurance. Today there is a lack of that because there is no global standard, so there is a lag which causes a delay in investment decisions and in the ramp up of hydrogen production.”

Sylvain Cariou, CEO of Crystalchain, suggested that clear certification could make hydrogen more attractive to offtakers, saying, “The users of hydrogen need information on what kind of hydrogen they’re buying. They want to have information on what entities were involved in the production process.”

Day two of Hyvolution will see the introduction of its own Summit. Across four sessions, delegates will hear from the likes of Bart Beibuyck, Executive Director of the Clean Hydrogen Partnership; Jorgo Chatzimarkakis, CEO of Hydrogen Europe; Didier Holleaux, Executive Vice-President of Engie; and Marilene Turcotte, South West Europe Vice-President at Air Liquide.

H2 View will once again be on the ground to bring you the highlights of the event.