On May 8, 2025, this year’s H2 National Summit took place at the Hotel Hafen Hamburg – a key industry gathering for decision-makers from politics, business, and research. cruh21 was represented on site by Jimmie Langham, Meiko Neumann, and Barbara Mai – present where the course is being set for the future of hydrogen.
The day began with clear and direct words from Jorgo Chatzimarkakis (Hydrogen Europe), who not only criticized the regulatory hurdles but also issued a strong appeal for pragmatism and technological openness: “We need to reindustrialize – and that with all available H2 technologies.”
Dr. Axel Bree (BMWK) emphasized continuity in the hydrogen policy of the new federal government, announced further offshore pilot projects, and advocated for flexibility and technology-neutral support. In his welcome address, Hamburg’s First Mayor Dr. Peter Tschentscher underscored the need for speed and perseverance: “Yes, we should check – but we must get started now!”
A particular highlight from cruh21’s perspective:
Dr. Alexander Stubinitzki, Head of Hydrogen & SynFuels at Drees & Sommer, moderated the panel “Opportunities of the International Hydrogen Economy.” Together with representatives from HIF EMEA, thyssenkrupp Uhde, Bosch, and H2 Global, he discussed the geopolitical, logistical, and technological requirements for cross-border value chains.
Additional key topics of the day included:
- The need for a European hydrogen internal market with clear rules for trade and infrastructure (Dr. Christoph von dem Bussche, Gascade)
- Financing models for hydrogen projects, including ESG-based investments (NordLB, Green Giraffe)
- The current status of e-fuels in aviation and initial implementation steps at the Bad Lauchstädt hydrogen park
The day concluded with networking and a cruise aboard the historic tall ship “Atlantis” – with views of the Port of Hamburg, where the energy future is already beginning.
We thank all our discussion partners for the valuable exchange. The hydrogen ramp-up is no longer a vision – it’s becoming reality.
