Global Regions Share Hydrogen Roadmaps at CoP3 Virtual Colloquia

On 17 April, Community of Practice (CoP 3) Regions convened a virtual colloquia—an introductory session in which each region outlined its hydrogen ecosystem, industrial applications, and market deployment. 

Taranaki (New Zealand)

Evelien Wallace (Ara Ake) and Sam Powick (Hiringa Energy) jointly presented the Taranaki region’s hydrogen roadmap, highlighting its role as a leading hub for energy innovation and industrial decarbonisation. Building on strong oil and gas engineering expertise and abundant wind resources, the region is prioritising high-impact hydrogen applications such as heavy mobility and derivative production (e.g. ammonia and methanol). Key projects include the Kapuni wind-to-hydrogen initiative, which will generate renewable power to produce green hydrogen for ammonia, as well as a growing national hydrogen refuelling network supporting heavy transport. With active government support and cross-sector partnerships, Taranaki aims to scale these initiatives as replicable models, while exploring further collaboration opportunities through IURC.

Christchurch (New Zealand)

Delis Fraser (ChristchurchNZ) and Tony Moore (Christchurch City Council) from Christchurch presented its hydrogen innovation strategy and emphasised its ambition to build a regenerative economy while addressing transport-driven greenhouse gas emissions. Leveraging strong infrastructure, a collaborative public–private ecosystem, and research capacity from University of Canterbury, the city is advancing hydrogen applications across key growth sectors, particularly aerospace and future transport. Initiatives such as the Waitaha Canterbury Aerospace Strategy and the New Zealand Hydrogen Aviation Consortium aim to accelerate the development of a green hydrogen aviation ecosystem, supported by regional projects including hydrogen refuelling technologies and solar energy generation. With a focus on scaling innovation through international partnerships and investment, Christchurch highlighted its goal to move beyond local deployment and contribute to global sustainable aviation fuel solutions. 

Chungcheongnam-do  (Republic of Korea)

Jong Ho Won (Dankook University) introduced Chungcheongnam-do’s hydrogen market and industry, underscoring the region’s dual challenge—and strategic opportunity—of transitioning from its position as Korea’s largest greenhouse gas emitter. Guided by the “2045 Carbon Neutral Green Growth Master Plan,” the region aims to achieve net-zero emissions ahead of the national target while scaling up hydrogen mobility and infrastructure, including vehicles and refuelling stations. Moving beyond policy, Chungcheongnam-do is actively developing three Hydrogen Cities in Boryeong, Dangjin, and Seosan, covering production, pipeline infrastructure, and industrial applications linked to complexes such as Lotte Chemical. Flagship initiatives like the CCU Mega Project on sustainable aviation fuel, alongside advanced research led by Dankook University in areas such as 3D digital twins, electrolysis, and CCUS, demonstrate a comprehensive approach that integrates technology development and capacity-building to accelerate hydrogen innovation and decarbonisation.

Osaka Prefecture (Japan) 

Kenji Yoneda (Osaka Prefectural Government) set out its hydrogen strategy through a detailed overview of its industrial strengths and market potential. The region stands out as a major hub for hydrogen and ammonia industries, supported by companies developing methanation equipment, fuel cell components, and refuelling infrastructure. The H2Osaka Vision 2022 drives efforts to expand hydrogen use across industrial heat and mobility, with flagship initiatives such as a hydrogen grid at Kansai International Airport and methanation technology advanced by Osaka Gas. Strong demand prospects—reflected in the region’s large trucking sector—have prompted plans to extend infrastructure towards heavy-duty transport while utilising existing gas networks for wider distribution. Osaka also pointed to the need for international partnerships to accelerate market growth.

Jeju-do (Republic of Korea)

Kwang-Yong Seo (Jeju Special Self-governing Province) presented a comprehensive picture of Jeju-do’s green hydrogen ecosystem, combining long-term policy direction with concrete implementation milestones on its path toward becoming a carbon-neutral island. Jeju has capitalised on national frameworks such as the Hydrogen Economy Roadmap and the Hydrogen Act to accelerate deployment. The transition has evolved from the “Carbon Free Island Jeju” initiative to an ambitious 2035 net-zero target. Since 2023, Jeju has operated a full green hydrogen value chain—from production and storage to mobility and refuelling—while continuing to scale following its designation as a Distributed Energy Special District. Through initiatives such as the Green Hydrogen Global Forum and policies enabling citizen participation as prosumers, Jeju demonstrates how aligned policy, infrastructure, and market incentives can drive a functioning hydrogen ecosystem. 

Catalonia (Spain)

Lluc Canals (The Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya – BarcelonaTech) and Julia Viladoms Claverol (Institut Català d’Investigació Química) introduced Catalonia’s H2CAT Network, a large-scale R&D ecosystem uniting 82 research groups and 17 entities across the hydrogen value chain. Anchored by institutions such as Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), the ecosystem connects academia, spin-offs, and industry. Research at UPC spans catalytic membrane reactors, ammonia decomposition, advanced materials, and system optimisation, supported by interdisciplinary hydrogen laboratories. In parallel, Institut Català d’Investigació Química (ICIQ) advances solar-to-hydrogen conversion and photocatalytic materials, while its Knowledge and Technology Transfer and Industrial Decarbonisation projects focus on scaling technologies through real-world testing and public–private collaboration, strengthening Catalonia’s position as a hub for translating hydrogen research into commercially viable solutions.

Île-de-France (France)

Frédérique Vinay (Région Île-de-France) introduced the hydrogen strategy of the Île-de-France, outlining a structured approach that combines infrastructure development, industrial capacity, and innovation. The strategy prioritises renewable and low-carbon hydrogen, expansion of mobility ecosystems, and new applications in sectors such as aviation, supported by strong coordination between public authorities and industry. The Paris 2024 Olympic Games served as a key milestone, with hydrogen vehicles, refuelling stations, and supply systems deployed to demonstrate feasibility and increase public acceptance. The region is also advancing heavy-duty transport solutions, including hydrogen-powered trucks developed by Hyliko, alongside established innovators such as EODev and emerging startups like HyLight. Backed by research networks like DiMaTerRe and specialised programmes at Paris-Saclay, Île-de-France is transitioning from pilot projects to large-scale implementation, supported by a strong training pipeline, advanced R&D capabilities, and expanding international partnerships.

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This online meeting provided a valuable opportunity for participants to gain insights into one another’s hydrogen industries, research environments, and key corporate actors, while also identifying potential areas for collaboration through the IURC framework. 

The next meeting will take the form of a joint research workshop, bringing together universities, research centres, and industry representatives working on hydrogen production, system integration, and end-use applications. The aim is to foster collaboration among academic and industry stakeholders by creating a platform for scientists to connect and jointly develop future research initiatives.

Written by Yejin Lee, Project Associate in CityNet, IURC Korean Helpdesk

(korea.helpdesk@iurc.eu)