The contribution of power-to-gas technologies to achieve a carbon neutral economy by 2050 is gaining traction at European level. It opens new opportunities for the renewables sector at large and the solar industry in particular, expanding its contribution beyond the energy system, towards industrial, heating and transport sectors. Countries such as Japan or Australia have already initiated ambitious investments programs to produce hydrogen from solar energy – what about Europe? What is the true potential of solar-tohydrogen technologies and what are the most promising business models already reaching the market? What measures are needed to support the uptake of a competitive solar-to-hydrogen industry in Europe?

SolarPower Europe and the Austrian Federal Ministry of Sustainability and Tourism invite you to explore the future of solar-based hydrogen technologies and embark on a fascinating journey with leading European solar companies.

AGENDA

09:30-10:00 Welcome coffee
10:00-10:15 Introductory Remarks: Gerfried Gruber, Head of Department of Ministry of Sustainability and Tourism at Permanent Representation of Austria to the EU
10:15-11:30 Solar + hydrogen – projects from the ground

Moderator: Thierry Lepercq, CEO and founder Solairestream

Speakers:

• Maider Feunteun, Hydrogen Product Leader at Akuo Energy
• Martin Hackl, Global Director Business Units at Fronius
• Benedikt Herges, Senior Director for Energy at Siemens
• Luc Graré, Vice-President Sales and Marketing at NEL Hydrogen

Discussion and Q&A with the audience

11:30-12:45 Panel discussion

Input presentation: Renewable Hydrogen, a new opportunity for Europe’s Energy Transition

• Klaus Dieter Borchardt, Deputy Director-General, DG ENERGY

Moderator: Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO, Solar Power Europe

Speakers:

• Klaus Dieter Borchardt, Deputy Director-General, DG ENERGY
• Maider Feunteun, Hydrogen Product Leader at Akuo Energy
• Martin Hackl, Global Director Business Units at Fronius
• Benedikt Herges, Senior Director for Energy at Siemens
• Luc Graré, Vice-President Sales and Marketing at NEL Hydrogen
• Jorgo Chatzimarkakis*, CEO, Hydrogen Europe

Q&A with the audience

12:45-13:00 Wrap up and next steps

• Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO, SolarPower Europe

The meeting will be followed by a networking lunch.

(*invited)