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On 1 October 2026, the IURC CoP 3 on Hydrogen Market & Industry held the first session of its Virtual Colloquia Series, focusing on Hydrogen Tech & Innovation. The session brought together 20 participants from Osaka (Japan), Jeju (Republic of Korea), Taranaki (New Zealand), Catalonia (Spain) and Île-de-France (France). Participants included representatives from Kanadevia (Japan), IREC (Spain), KHIMOD (France), Spark Cleantech (France), Hyliko (France) and EODev (France).
Building on the recent study visit to Jeju on 14–17 September, the session aimed to explore complementary technologies for joint innovation projects, while strengthening connections among public authorities, companies and research institutions.
Hydrogen Technologies and Industry Applications in the Regions
Kenji Yoneda (Osaka Prefectural Government) started the session by introducing Osaka’s research and industrial capabilities in hydrogen and ammonia. He highlighted expertise at the University of Osaka and Osaka Metropolitan University in hydrogen production, storage, distribution, fuel cells and energy systems. Companies developing electrolysers, methanation systems, refuelling infrastructure and marine fuel technologies demonstrated the breadth of Osaka’s ecosystem and its potential for international cooperation.
Saki Taniguchi (Kanadevia) presented the company’s hydrogen production and e-methane technologies. Kanadevia’s modular PEM electrolysers support capacity expansion, with a 6 MW installation in Yamanashi supplying hydrogen for a boiler demonstration at Suntory’s Hakushu beverage factory. Its HiMethz methanation system uses an in-house catalyst to convert hydrogen and captured carbon dioxide into methane, offering a route to carbon recycling through existing gas infrastructure.
Dr. Jordi Guilera (IREC), introduced AUTOMETH, an autothermal technology for biomethane production. By combining biogas upgrading and methanation in a single reaction step and using the heat generated by the reaction, the technology aims to simplify equipment and reduce investment and operating costs. IREC is advancing towards a larger demonstration at a wastewater treatment plant in Madrid during 2026–2027.
Dr. Armando Izquierd (KHIMOD), presented the company’s pilot process for converting captured carbon dioxide and green hydrogen into synthetic hydrocarbons for subsequent upgrading into sustainable aviation fuel. KHIMOD’s proprietary milli-structured Heat Exchanger Reactor technology enables close integration of catalytic reactions and heat exchange, supporting temperature control within a compact, modular system. The pilot near Paris was undergoing commissioning, with further testing planned to optimise operating conditions and support the longer-term development of production units near airports.
Floriane Blanchard (Spark Cleantech), presented the company’s pulsed plasmolysis technology, which splits methane into hydrogen and solid carbon using electricity. Its planned on-site production model aims to reduce hydrogen transport costs, while sales of carbon materials for industrial applications could strengthen the economics of the process. Building on more than 1,000 hours of prototype operation, including with biomethane, Spark is progressing towards an industrial demonstrator designed to produce 100 kg of hydrogen and 300 kg of carbon per day.
Danna Rean (Hyliko) introduced the company’s integrated offer for decarbonising heavy-duty road transport, combining hydrogen trucks, refuelling access and operational support. Hyliko provides both new and retrofitted vehicles, alongside assistance with grants and subsidies, helping transport operators manage the transition to hydrogen. Its Paris South centre combines round-the-clock hydrogen distribution with a dedicated maintenance workshop, while customer feedback cited in the presentation reported 95% vehicle availability and 99% business continuity.
Thibault Tallieu (EODev) presented hydrogen fuel cell and battery solutions for locations with limited or unreliable grid access. The company’s 110 kVA GEH2® hydrogen generator offers an alternative to diesel generators for temporary and backup power, with a ten-day deployment of three units in the Netherlands reporting 24 tonnes of avoided carbon dioxide emissions. EODev also introduced its GEHT® solid oxide fuel cell generator for continuous stationary power, extending its portfolio to applications such as critical infrastructure, data centres and utilities.
Discussion & Next Steps
The discussion explored catalyst tolerance, industrial hydrogen applications, demand for e-methane and public support for hydrogen transport. These exchanges helped participants compare technology requirements and deployment conditions across regions, providing a basis for further technical cooperation.
Follow-up activities include a study visit to Osaka on 4–8 October 2026 and a visit to Brussels and Catalonia on 26–30 October during the European Hydrogen Week. An Île-de-France study visit is planned for 2027 alongside the Hyvolution Forum, while a Paris hackathon supported by the IURC Competitive Fund will address green hydrogen costs, standardisation, and regulatory and policy stability.