The inaugural edition of World of Hydrogen Expo 2026 clearly showed that the sector in Central and Eastern Europe is still in the process of building its structure – both from a technological and business perspective.
From a technology standpoint, the full value chain is already largely in place – from electrolysers and hydrogen production, through compression and storage, to industrial and transport applications. At the same time, the market remains in an adaptation phase – technologies are ready, but viable business models are still evolving, and the key challenge today is no longer the technology itself, but its economic and operational justification.
R&D Future Solutions was represented at the event by Konrad Han – Hydrogen Technologies Advisor and President of the Institute of Hydrogen Technologies. His observations confirm that hydrogen markets across Europe are beginning to open up and develop, but are still in an early “market validation” phase, particularly in terms of scalable deployment.
From R&DC perspective, a system-based approach remains essential – hydrogen does not function as a standalone solution, but as part of a broader energy system requiring the integration of technologies, infrastructure, and operational models. It is at this level that its real role in the energy transition will ultimately be defined.