Accelerating the Hydrogen Economy: Insights, Innovation, and Regional Cooperation

The first half of the day was conducted in English to facilitate international collaboration. It began with opening remarks from the Rector of the University of Tartu and the Head of the Applied Research Center Metrosert (the VTT of Estonia), followed by insights from VTT, and practical hydrogen project examples from Slovakia, Sweden, and Latvia, presented by MP Industries. These sessions also featured panel discussions on key industry topics.

The afternoon sessions included a detailed business case breakdown by Elcogen and a discussion on the often-overlooked role of hydrogen in energy security and security applications, presented by Marek Alliksoo of SKYCORP, representing Hydrogen Valley Estonia.

Later Estonian-language sessions were translated into English for international participants. These sessions covered:

• Hydrogen’s role in the Climate-Resilient Law, presented by the Ministry of Climate
• Metrosert’s Hydrogen Center of Excellence overview
• Electrolyzer and fuel cell development at the University of Tartu
• Just transition and educational initiatives, including H2CoVE, presented by TalTech

The final part of the day featured presentations from:

• Alexela, the region’s largest refueling station and fuel logistics company, which is building Estonia’s first hydrogen refueling stations
• Enefit, the region’s largest renewable energy company, showcasing its hydrogen projects
• H2Electro and GaltTech, two startups originating from University of Tartu R&D, focused on solid oxide fuel cells and solid oxide electrolyzers

A Growing Hydrogen Community in Estonia

This event marked the eighth consecutive year that Estonia has celebrated International Hydrogen Day with a seminar, consistently attracting 100–200 industry stakeholders from the public, private, and educational sectors. The event has become the go-to platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange in the hydrogen sector.

Each year, the discussions have shifted from purely theoretical and educational content to more practical industry experience sharing. With over 40 hydrogen stakeholders in Estonia, 2024 marked a milestone, as hydrogen was selected as one of five priority areas within the Centres of Applied Research for accelerated development.