This week, the Hydrogen Europe board elected Dr Sopna Sury as its new chair, effective from 26.04.2023. Dr Sury has been the Chief Operating Officer Hydrogen of RWE Generation SE since February 2021.

Dr Sury, whose mandate will last until June 2025, replaces the outgoing Jon André Løkke, the former CEO and board member of Norway-based hydrogen technology company Nel Hydrogen. Løkke had been chair of Hydrogen Europe’s board since June 2021 and is leaving as he decided not to take re-election as board member of Nel Hydrogen. He initially joined the Hydrogen Europe board in June 2020.

The new chair Sury commented on the designation: “It is an honour for me to represent the hydrogen industry in Europe in this pivotal phase. The rapid ramp-up of the hydrogen economy in Europe is essential for the success of the energy transition. In order for hydrogen to be produced, transported, and used in sufficient quantities quickly, society, politics and industry must assume joint responsibility. The hydrogen industry is highly motivated to do its part.”

Jorgo Chatzimarkakis, CEO of Hydrogen Europe, added: “We are delighted to welcome Dr Sopna Sury as the new chair of the board of our association. She will preside over a period of intense activity in the European hydrogen sector as we move from preparation to action. Of course, we must give great thanks to Mr Løkke for his excellent work over the last two years as he helped to shape the European hydrogen policy landscape. We are sorry to see him go, but we are confident that Dr Sury will smoothly take up the mantle as we work towards a carbon neutral Europe and a world-leading hydrogen sector.”

“It has been an honour and a joy to chair this great organization with such a fantastic competent team, I also truly enjoyed working with the rest of the Hydrogen Europe board which are all passionate about solving critically important issues related to climate change. I will continue focus my efforts on the energy transition and a net zero world, prioritizing challenges where I can make the biggest impact. Best of luck to the new Chair Dr Sury and the rest of the team, I am sure you will succeed and see you around,” Jon André Løkke concluded.

For the occasion, CEO Chatzimarkakis interviewed Dr Sury – click here to watch.