Global partnerships are essential to build out the hydrogen economy

Hydrogen is widely recognised as a pivotal solution in the transition towards a climate-neutral economy. Its diverse applications span energy-intensive sectors, from serving as an essential feedstock to replacing fossil fuels in high-temperature industrial processes. With its high energy density, hydrogen also offers promise for long-distance transportation and provides a sustainable backup for seasonal energy storage.

Yet, integrating hydrogen into the global energy system remains a significant challenge. Large-scale sustainable production, the development of robust international infrastructure, and the establishment of a global hydrogen market are still in the early stages, requiring a cooperative and coordinated international effort.

The Netherlands is committed to playing a constructive role in this journey by building the ecosystems that enable a thriving hydrogen economy. Drawing on decades of experience with natural gas and leveraging well-connected ports across Northwest Europe, the country is well positioned to facilitate international collaboration. Dutch knowledge institutions and regional ecosystems, such as the green hydrogen valley, are particularly effective in translating innovative ideas into practical solutions.

This collaborative approach brings together companies, research institutions and government bodies to address complex challenges through shared expertise. The Netherlands aims to be a trusted partner in the global effort to integrate hydrogen into the energy mix, inviting stakeholders from around the world to join in building a resilient and sustainable future.
 

A hub for collaborative, rooted in Dutch values

At the 2025 World Hydrogen Summit in Rotterdam, more than 15,000 industry experts and 700 exhibitors from around the globe gathered to share ideas and tackle common challenges. Organized by the Sustainable Energy Council and RX Global, in partnership with the Dutch Government, Province of South Holland, City of Rotterdam, and Port of Rotterdam, the event is cornerstone of global Hydrogen events.

The Netherlands has a long-standing reputation for its ability to convene diverse stakeholders and foster collaborative business ecosystems. The World Hydrogen Summit exemplifies the Dutch approach and is rooted in the country’s national values: Inventiveness, openness, and inclusivity. The Netherland’s role as a global knowledge and innovation hub, combined with its commitment to sustainability, makes it the ideal stage for showcasing how ecosystem building can drive the future of clean energy.

Building ecosystems together
The NL Pavilion, organised annually by ICEP, RVO, and other stakeholders, serves as a platform for exchanging insights and aligning on how best to build the enabling infrastructure for a clean, integrated hydrogen ecosystem.

A highlight of the summit is the launch of the 2025 NL branded Hydrogen guide. The guide invites international partners into a conversation about shared success. It offers a clear visualisation of the hydrogen value chain and profiles 270 innovative companies, demonstrating how Dutch expertise spans every stage of hydrogen production and application. Curious about the new guide? you can find it here.
 

Collaborative infrastructure for shared success

At Rotterdam’s Tweede Maasvlakte, a conversion park is being established where electrolysers harness wind energy to generate renewable hydrogen. This project is a clear example of how the Netherlands is nurturing an integrated infrastructure through partnerships between public bodies, private enterprises, and international collaborators.

By adapting existing gas pipelines and constructing a new national hydrogen transmission network, the country is creating the physical and organisational frameworks needed to enhance energy security and support decarbonisation. In this endeavour, every stakeholder - from policymakers to industry leaders - plays a vital role.

Your invitation to collaborative action
International cooperation is a cornerstone of the Dutch approach. The Netherlands is actively engaged in building cross-border alliances that help scale up hydrogen production, create demand, and drive economic opportunities. Initiatives like the Partners in International Business (PIB) programme encourage the exchange of knowledge, technology, and best practices, paving the way for a vibrant, global clean hydrogen market.

The Netherlands invites policymakers, investors, industry professionals and entrepreneurs to come together and share ideas that will drive collective success. This approach emphasises that every contribution matters and that collective effort is vital for success. By working together, it’s possible to co-create solutions that not only decarbonise key industries but also strengthen energy security and stimulate economic progress.

How can you get involved? Firstly, you can check out the hydrogen guide. In addition, the WHS will be held yearly, in 2026 it will be from 19 to 21 May at Rotterdam Ahoy. See you there?