Brussels and Toronto

14 June 2024

Hydrogen Europe and the Canadian Hydrogen Association have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate hydrogen deployment and facilitate trade in clean molecules.

The agreement was signed during the EU-Canada Stakeholder Roundtable on Regulatory Cooperation in Hydrogen with representatives from the European Commission, the Government of Canada and industry stakeholders from both sides of the Atlantic in attendance. It aims to strengthen cooperation on regulatory frameworks and exchange best practices on R&I, skills, and financing, among others. The agreement will facilitate industry-to-industry and public-private exchanges between the EU and Canada, and also seeks to strengthen the role of hydrogen for decarbonisation in global climate and energy negotiations.

Jorgo Chatzimarkakis, CEO of Hydrogen Europe said:

“Canada is a key, reliable partner for the European Union, with which we share not only deep commercial bonds, but also ambitious climate targets and bold hydrogen plans. This new partnership with the Canadian Hydrogen Association (CHA) will help us strengthen our global reach to make hydrogen cheap, tradeable, and fair across the world, ensuring that we accelerate commercial deployment and set the basis for a global market of a key energy lever for decarbonisation and energy security.”

Ivette Vera-Perez, President and CEO of Canadian Hydrogen Association said:

“Europe is a vital and dependable partner for Canada, sharing our long-standing commercial ties and ambitious climate goals, along with bold hydrogen strategies. This new partnership with Hydrogen Europe will enhance our members’ global reach to make hydrogen affordable, tradeable, and equitable worldwide. Together, we aim to accelerate the commercial deployment of hydrogen and establish the foundations for a global market, positioning hydrogen as a crucial lever for decarbonization and energy security.”

Bruno G. Pollet, Board Member of the Canadian Hydrogen Association said:

“This transatlantic agreement will not only help in attracting investments in hydrogen projects, but it will also accelerate in the development of a strong and robust hydrogen supply chain between Canada and the European Union”.

The co-chairs of the CETA Regulatory Cooperation Forum said:

“We are delighted to have hosted the Canadian Hydrogen Association and Hydrogen Europe, as well as some of their members, for the CETA Regulatory Cooperation Forum roundtable on the hydrogen sector. Direct feedback from the industry on what can help businesses thrive on both sides of the Atlantic is of incredible value for Government officials, and the signing of their Memorandum of Understanding at our meeting further highlights the potential of cooperation efforts at different levels to promote trade.”

About Hydrogen Europe:

Hydrogen Europe is the European association representing the interest of the hydrogen industry and its stakeholders and promoting hydrogen as an enabler of a zero-emission society. With more than 500+ members, including 25+ EU regions and 30+ national associations, we encompass the entire value chain of the European hydrogen and fuel cell ecosystem. Our vision is to propel global carbon neutrality by accelerating European hydrogen industry.

About the Canadian Hydrogen Association:

The Canadian Hydrogen Association (CHA) is a national, non-profit association comprising of industry, academia, research agencies and end-users focused on advancing the use of clean hydrogen and hydrogen technologies to help create a prosperous net-zero world.