Hydrogen From Vision to Reality: What’s Missing? 
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Hydrogen has gained unprecedented momentum as a strategic vector for decarbonizing and depolluting energy systems, particularly in hard-to-abate sectors such as industry, chemicals, heavy-duty transport, and long-duration storage and resilience in power generation. Across the globe, countries have launched national hydrogen strategies, while industrial consortia, public-private partnerships, and academic networks are investing heavily in the development and demonstration of hydrogen technologies.

Yet, despite well-articulated strategies, ambitious roadmaps, and growing political support, the large-scale deployment of hydrogen solutions remains a complex challenge. Regulatory gaps, infrastructure bottlenecks, high production costs, and persistent technological uncertainties continue to hinder progress.

What are the missing pieces that will transform hydrogen into a commercially viable, globally integrated energy vector? What are the key links needed to make hydrogen a mature, competitive, and systemic part of our energy landscape?

The EFCH2 2025 Plenary Session brings together leading voices from research, industry, and policy sectors to engage in a high-level dialogue on how to bridge the gap between ambition and reality. Through an open and cross-sectoral exchange, the session will seek to identify the key enablers of a functioning hydrogen economy, from innovation and investment to regulation, market design, and strategic alliances.

The aim is to move beyond narratives and work towards a shared framework that coherently connects scientific progress, industrial scale-up, and policy support in a pragmatic way.By fostering this exchange, the EFCH2 2025 plenary intends to contribute to a new phase in the hydrogen transition, one where vision meets implementation.

This plenary session will explore these challenges from two complementary perspectives:
• Session I – Shaping the Future of Hydrogen Innovation will explore how technological breakthroughs, scientific cooperation, and R&D strategies can accelerate the performance, efficiency, and scalability of hydrogen systems.

• Session II – Unlocking the Hydrogen Market – What’s Missing? will examine the key industrial, economic, and policy levers required to scale hydrogen from pilot projects to widespread market uptake. From supply chain readiness to investment frameworks and international coordination, the focus will be on what it takes to build a competitive and resilient hydrogen economy.
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Click here for the complete program of our plenary session.