Thyssenkrupp CEO Miguel López elected Chair of Hydrogen Europe

Miguel López, CEO of thyssenkrupp, has been elected Chair of Hydrogen Europe, taking over the leadership of the industry association at a time when Europe is stepping up efforts to expand its hydrogen economy and decarbonise energy-intensive industries.

López, whose mandate runs until June 2029, succeeds Sebastian Boden of Air Liquide, who led the association through a period of organisational transformation.

Focus on implementation and industrial competitiveness

Hydrogen Europe said the appointment comes at a critical stage for the sector, as policymakers shift their attention from setting hydrogen targets to implementing projects and creating market conditions that support investment.

The association argues that stable regulatory frameworks, accelerated infrastructure development and stronger demand for hydrogen in hard-to-abate industries will be essential to establish a competitive European hydrogen market.

Hydrogen Europe CEO Jorgo Chatzimarkakis said Europe already has the technological capabilities and industrial expertise to become a global leader in hydrogen. "Our challenge now is execution. We must turn policy into projects, projects into investment, and investment into a competitive European market," he said.

thyssenkrupp CEO stresses need for affordable hydrogen

Commenting on his appointment, López highlighted hydrogen's importance for Europe's energy-intensive industries, while stressing that further progress depends on the right policy framework.

"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," López said.

He added that thyssenkrupp is already contributing to the development of the hydrogen economy through its Decarbon Technologies business and electrolysis specialist thyssenkrupp Nucera, giving the company first-hand experience of both the opportunities and the challenges facing large-scale green hydrogen deployment.

"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," López said.

Industry association represents hydrogen value chain

Hydrogen Europe represents companies, national associations and regional stakeholders across the European hydrogen value chain. The organisation advocates hydrogen as a key technology for strengthening industrial competitiveness, improving energy security and supporting Europe's climate objectives.

Source and Photo: Hydrogen Eruope