History

Following the European Commission’s 2007 call for a sustainable energy policy, the European Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Technology Platform proposed the creation of a dedicated Research Grouping to unite universities and non-profit research centers.

N.ERGHY (New European Research Grouping on fuel cells and Hydrogen) was officially established with 42 founding members to accelerate the deployment of hydrogen technologies in Europe.

The Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking was launched as a public-private partnership between the European Commission, industry, and research organisations, with a total budget of €940 million.

By aligning closely with industry stakeholders, N.ERGHY’s members developed the strategic research framework for the Fuel Cells & Hydrogen Joint Undertaking. This included setting priorities for the first funding calls and ensuring a robust governance structure through regular Board elections and the integration of new members into the association.

The Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking was renewed under Horizon 2020 with a budget of €1.33 billion, strengthening collaboration between industry and research.

At its twentieth General Assembly in July, N.ERGHY officially became Hydrogen Europe Research.

The first edition of the Young Scientist Award was launched, establishing a tradition of recognising outstanding emerging researchers in the hydrogen field.

The Clean Hydrogen Partnership was launched with a budget of more than €2 billion, further strengthening Europe's hydrogen ecosystem.

To address the evolving needs of the sector, Hydrogen Europe Research established two new specialised Working Groups: one dedicated to policy, and one for skills.

Hydrogen Europe Research secured its first European project, Green Skills for Hydrogen, marking a major step in strengthening activities and impact. This was followed by a growing portfolio of EU-funded projects, including Hyperion and SET4H2 in 2024, and ACTHYVE in 2026.

Following the challenges of the pandemic, the Association returned to in-person collaboration with a General Assembly in Prague and elected a new Board.

On 17 March 2023, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with Euramet and Hydrogen Europe.

Hydrogen Europe Research was mandated by the European Commission to represent it in the IPHE Skills Task Force.

Two new Working Groups were launched, focusing on Low TRL Research and Research and Technology Infrastructures.

Membership reached the important milestone of 150 organisations.

Hydrogen Europe Research welcomed its first member from Canada, signaling a new era of intercontinental collaboration.

The Association expanded its participation in key events, including the Hydrogen Week and the European PhD Hydrogen Conference, whose first edition took place in Ghent, Belgium, and gathered more than 150 PhDs from across Europe.

On 25 August 2025, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the Clean Hydrogen Mission in Busan, establishing a framework for closer cooperation in advancing hydrogen research and innovation.

Following the launch of the "Women in Hydrogen" campaign, a formal partnership with Women in Green Hydrogen was established to strengthen the role of women in the hydrogen research community.