Navigating Sustainable Hydrogen in Times of Uncertainty

Date and Time: 20 March 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM (CET)
Place: Online, Zoom-Link will be sent following registration of the following-link
Registration here
 

Background 

Renewable and low-carbon hydrogen are critical for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors, and their rapid scale-up is essential to address the climate crisis. In addition, hydrogen can contribute to energy independence, thereby supporting Europe’s resilience. This transition also offers significant opportunities for value creation, particularly in countries with abundant renewable energy resources. However, hydrogen production is also associated with environmental and social risks. To mobilize investment and secure the support of all relevant actors, it is essential to realize opportunities throughout the value chain, while effectively managing the associated risks.

Objectives 

In this webinar, the Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) will present tangible options for strengthening governance to ensure sustainability along the hydrogen value chain, while simultaneously contributing to the acceleration of the hydrogen ramp-up. The recommendations build on a comprehensive review of existing sustainability requirements in the hydrogen sector. They highlight opportunities for promoting a more coherent and effective governance framework to support a sustainable ramp-up of hydrogen to meet climate and resilience objectives.

Agenda 

Welcome: Meik Clemens Laufer, Unit Hydrogen Diplomacy, Geopolitics of Energy Transition, German Federal Foreign Office
Presentation of forthcoming RIFS Policy Brief “Enabling a Sustainable Hydrogen Ramp-Up: Governance Options for Increased Coherence and Effectiveness” by Max Rischer, RIFS 

Roundtable Discussion with: 

• Lukas Wernert, Head of Unit Hydrogen Diplomacy, DG ENER (pending confirmation)
• Daniel Fraile, Chief Policy & Market Officer, Hydrogen Europe (pending confirmation)
• Frank Sibert, Senior Advisor Sustainable Advisory & Business, BNP Paribas (pending confirmation)
• Timo Bollerhey, Chief Executive Officer, HintCo GmbH (pending confirmation)
• Additional Speakers to be announced

Moderation: Rainer Quitzow, RIFS 

The research conducted by RIFS Potsdam and this event were supported by the German Federal Foreign Office within the project ‘Geopolitics of the Energy Transformation: Sustainability Governance in the Hydrogen Sector’ (GET Sustainable Hydrogen).