Press Release

Brussels, 29 July

The Board of Hydrogen Europe today elected Miguel López, CEO of thyssenkrupp, to be the new Chair of Hydrogen Europe. Taking office at a pivotal moment for Europe’s clean industrial transformation, López will lead the Board as the association continues to champion hydrogen as a cornerstone of Europe’s competitiveness, energy resilience and decarbonisation agenda. 

López, whose mandates will last until June 2029, succeeds Air Liquide’s Sebastian Boden. 
Boden’s leadership, commitment and service have made a lasting contribution to Hydrogen Europe, and we would like to extend our sincere thanks for his dedication and support, particularly throughout the association’s ongoing transformation process. 

The appointment comes as Europe enters a decisive phase in building a hydrogen economy that supports industrial decarbonisation, strengthens energy security and drives sustainable economic growth. As Europe moves from ambition to implementation, the sector needs stable and predictable policy frameworks to unlock investment, strengthen domestic manufacturing, accelerate infrastructure deployment and stimulate demand in hard-to-abate industries.  

“Our newly elected Chair López brings extensive experience, strategic vision and a strong commitment to advancing Europe’s hydrogen economy,” said Jorgo Chatzimarkakis, Chief Executive Officer of Hydrogen Europe. “Europe has everything it needs to lead the global hydrogen economy: world-class technology, industrial expertise and ambitious climate objectives. Our challenge now is execution. We must turn policy into projects, projects into investment, and investment into a competitive European market.” 

Speaking on the appointment, López said: “I would like to thank the Board of Hydrogen Europe for their trust and for electing me. I am convinced that hydrogen will play a key role in keeping Europe’s energy-intensive industry both competitive and low-carbon – provided the right conditions are in place: a reliable regulatory framework, a faster ramp-up and affordable hydrogen. That is what we are working on. In our Decarbon Technologies segment, and in particular through thyssenkrupp Nucera, we are already making green hydrogen possible at industrial scale. So, we know both the industry’s needs and the obstacles to scaling first-hand. As Chair, I want to put Hydrogen Europe to work for exactly that: as a strong voice for the sector, as a bridge between industry and policymakers, and with a clear focus on delivery.” 

Hydrogen Europe will continue serving as the united voice of the European hydrogen industry, bringing together businesses, national associations and regional stakeholders to help make hydrogen a cornerstone of Europe’s industrial future.