ees Europe is putting green hydrogen at the centre of its 2026 programme against a backdrop of slow deployment and a widening gap between announced targets and operational projects. The new Hydrogen Dialogue Forum & Expo in Hall B2 will run across all three days of the Munich fair, from 23 to 25 June, covering hydrogen applications, technology developments and flagship projects. The accompanying Hydrogen Dialogue Summit, held at the International Congress Center on 24 and 25 June, tackling the policy and investment barriers that are slowing the sector down.
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According to the IEA's Global Energy Report 2025, around 100 million tonnes of hydrogen were produced worldwide in 2024, with 99% derived from fossil fuels and less than 1% generated without emissions. Only around 11% of hydrogen projects announced since the start of the decade are either operational or secured by a final investment decision. Green hydrogen currently costs two to three times more to produce than its fossil equivalent, and the infrastructure to distribute it at scale remains underdeveloped.
Shifting economic case
Rising CO2 pricing in Europe is steadily eroding the cost advantage of conventional gas-based production, and recurring fossil fuel price shocks are sharpening the strategic argument for alternatives. The IEA projects green hydrogen output to reach 4.2 million tonnes by 2030, roughly five times current levels, with China expected to reach cost competitiveness by the end of the decade. "The repeated price shocks and supply risks of the fossil energy sector are sharpening awareness of the strategic value of renewables and green hydrogen," says Markus Elsässer, founder and managing director of Solar Promotion GmbH.
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Day one of the summit concentrates on Germany, examining how electrolysis can help relieve grid congestion, improve the utilisation of renewable energy, and support decarbonisation in chemicals, cement and steel. Day two broadens the lens to Europe and global markets, including the growing competitive pressure from Asia. Senior figures from politics, research and industry will participate throughout, with Bavaria's State Minister for Economic Affairs, Hubert Aiwanger, opening the summit. (TF)
ees Europe takes place as part of The smarter E Europe, alongside Intersolar Europe, Power2Drive Europe and EM-Power Europe.
