Hydrogen Europe and the Japan Hydrogen Association (JH2A) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate the deployment and trade of hydrogen and its derivatives through greater alignment in the global arena.

The agreement was formalised during the EU-Japan Hydrogen Business Forum, co-chaired by Kadri Simson, European Commissioner for Energy, and Saito Ken, Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI). This event, taking place on 3-4 June, 2024 in Tokyo, Japan, marks a significant milestone stemming from the EU-Japan Summit 2023 Joint Statement and the implementation of the Memorandum of Cooperation on Hydrogen signed between the EU and Japan in 2022.

The MOU between Hydrogen Europe and JH2A focuses on exchanging best practices and information between the organisations, deepening bilateral industry cooperation, collaborating in public-private conferences and meetings, and raising the profile of hydrogen in the international arena. Key areas of cooperation include exchange and alignment on regulatory frameworks and policies, trade of hydrogen and its derivatives, technology development, and funding and financing instruments.

Takeshi Uchiyamada, Chairman of Japan Hydrogen Association, commented: “JH2A is a coalition of Japanese industries working together to realize a hydrogen society. We believe that our collaboration with Hydrogen Europe can be particularly beneficial in terms of technological development.”

Stephen Jackson, Deputy CEO of Hydrogen Europe, said: “The agreement with JH2A is a major step forward in our joint efforts to create a robust international hydrogen market. By combining our complementary expertise in regulatory frameworks, technology development, and trade policies, our collaboration will not only advance hydrogen technologies but also set the stage for a comprehensive and integrated hydrogen economy.”

A business delegation of European hydrogen executives is accompanying Commissioner Kadri Simson at the forum, further emphasising the commitment to foster direct industry connections and collaborative opportunities. Japan’s External Trade Organisation (JETRO) witnessed the signing and has expressed strong support for this cooperation between Japanese and European industry associations.

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About Hydrogen Europe

Hydrogen Europe is the European association representing the interest of the hydrogen industry and its stakeholders and promoting hydrogen as an enabler of a zero-emission society. With more than 500+ members, including 25+ EU regions and 30+ national associations, we encompass the entire value chain of the European hydrogen and fuel cell ecosystem. Our vision is to propel global carbon neutrality by accelerating European hydrogen industry.

About the Japan Hydrogen Association (JH2A)
The Japan Hydrogen Association (JH2A) is a national organisation, representing the interests of the entire hydrogen supply chain with 453 members, including Japan’s hydrogen industry, academia, and other hydrogen related stakeholders. Launched in December 2020, by nine major Japanese companies, including Toyota Motor Corporation, Iwatani Corporation, and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, among others, JH2A aims to promote the development of a hydrogen society in Japan by fostering public and private alliances and creating regulatory frameworks to support hydrogen initiatives. JH2A’s mission is to combat global warming by realising a hydrogen society in Japan. For more information, visit www.japanh2association.jp.

About JETRO
The Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) is a government-related organisation that works to promote mutual trade and investment between Japan and the rest of the world. JETRO offers support and information to foreign businesses looking to invest in Japan, and Japanese businesses looking to expand overseas. For more information, visit www.jetro.go.jp/en/.

About the EU-Japan Hydrogen Business Forum
The EU-Japan Hydrogen Business Forum provides a collaborative environment to foster synergies and exchange innovative ideas between senior European and Japanese policymakers and business leaders. This event aims to advance the rapid development and rollout of hydrogen technologies and other related sustainable energy solutions. With matching sessions to create real business-to-business connections and opportunities to take part in the development of European and Japanese hydrogen policies, this forum helps to shape the future of global hydrogen markets.