Hydrogen is emerging as a renewable energy solution of the future, and the need for close collaboration between all parties involved to achieve the transition to a sustainable and efficient energy system was highlighted at the Hydrogen Dialogue 2024 Summit & Expo, held in Nuremberg.

As part of the energy transition efforts and the promotion of renewable sources, the AHK Romania delegation at the event benefited from the active involvement of important actors from the Romanian Parliament (Oana Özmen, PNL deputy), the Romanian Government (Alina Jalea, State Counselor in the Prime Minister’s Chancellery), but also from the private sector.

Participants explored the hydrogen value chain, transport and mobility through thematic tours. Technical and strategic discussions with exhibitors such as Siemens AG, BMW AG and SFC Energy AG and with Fraunhofer IISB mentioned the collaboration between the private and academic sectors. On the Innovation Stage, the AHK Romania delegation presented parliamentary, governmental and private perspectives, followed by international networking. The guided tour through Bavaria focused on the H2Direkt pilot project, Technische Universität München and Ostermeier H2drogen Solutions, demonstrating the viability of hydrogen in various applications.

In the context of the energy transition and the commitments undertaken by Romania under the European Green Deal, it is imperative to pay special attention to the following requirements:

1. Finalization and adoption of the national hydrogen strategy: It is crucial that Romania finalizes and adopts a national hydrogen strategy, which establishes clear directions for the development and use of this clean energy source.
2. Development of secondary legislation for hydrogen, biogas and biomethane: In order to ensure a robust and favorable legal framework for the development of these renewable energy sources, it is necessary to elaborate and implement specific secondary legislation.
3. Use of guarantees of origin as an incentive and monitoring mechanism: The implementation of guarantees of origin is essential for stimulating the production and effective monitoring of hydrogen, biogas and biomethane. These guarantees will ensure transparency and credibility in the energy sector.
4. Romania’s accession to the AIB (Association of Issuing Bodies): In order to facilitate the trading and legitimization of guarantees of origin, Romania must become a member of the AIB. This accession will allow the integration of the Romanian market into the European network and will support the development of a sustainable and competitive energy sector.

These measures are fundamental for achieving decarbonization objectives and for consolidating Romania’s position as a regional hub in the field of renewable energies in the context where in the private sector, Delgaz Grid SA has demonstrated through the 20HyGrid project that a mixture of 20% hydrogen and 80% natural gas is safe and technically possible.