H2Uppp hosted a high-level forum at the Hydrogen Technology World Expo 2026.
The International Hydrogen Ramp-up Programme (H2Uppp) hosted a two-day forum at Hydrogen Technology World Expo in Hamburg from 20 to 21 October 2026. Representatives from government, industry, finance, research and international cooperation discussed the opportunities and challenges shaping the global hydrogen economy. The event brought together experiences from hydrogen projects and businesses in the Global South.
With an audience of 850, the diverse panel discussions at the H2Uppp Forum highlighted how technology providers from the Global North and renewable energy (RE) providers as well as project developers from the Global South can mutually benefit from working together to develop local and international green hydrogen markets.
Stephan Poth, Deputy Programme Director H2Uppp
Two days, one shared focus
Across ten sessions, participants examined market development, policy frameworks, investment conditions and international partnerships, as well as the practical steps needed to turn hydrogen ambitions into viable projects. A shared theme emerged: scaling up the market depends on reliable demand, viable business models, suitable infrastructure, access to finance and international collaboration. The sessions explored how these elements could work together and fostered dialogue among project developers, businesses, policymakers and finance partners. A total of 850 hydrogen professionals attended the H2Uppp Forum. Attendance at individual sessions ranged from 50 to 120 participants.
From pilots to markets
A highlight was the high-level session on moving the international hydrogen market from pilot projects to commercial scale. Speakers included Hanna Schumacher, Deputy Director-General for Hydrogen and Gas Infrastructure at Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy; Andreas Kuhlmann, Chairman of the Executive Board of the German Hydrogen Association (DWV); and Gustavo Gardini, Head of Global Partnerships at Deutsche Bahn E.C.O and cooperation partner of H2Uppp.
The discussion underscored the importance of clear policy direction, infrastructure development and coordination between public authorities and industry.
The panelists highlighted the role of early-stage support in building a pipeline of projects, alongside mechanisms such as Germany’s funding guidelines for international hydrogen projects. While businesses will ultimately shape the market, public support can help create the conditions for private investment – part particularly where markets are not yet established.
High level panel discussion on how pilots become markets. Jan-Niklas Beck (H2 Business Alliance), Hanna Schumacher (Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, BMWE), Andreas Kuhlmann (German Hydrogen Association, DWV), and Gustavo Gardini (Deutsche Bahn E.C.O (from left to right)
Strengthening demand was identified as a key priority, especially by securing long-term offtake. Speakers also stressed the importance of diversifying hydrogen supplies and building partnerships with countries able to produce affordable renewable hydrogen. For developers in the Global South, support from the outset can help turn pilot projects into viable ventures and connect them with technology providers and potential routes to markets in Europe.
New public-private partnerships announced
The session also marked the announcement of two new public-private partnership projects under H2Uppp, demonstrating how international cooperation can support the development of hydrogen markets and projects:
MARI-MAS is a proposed public-private partnership with Andritz. It aims to demonstrate Egypt’s potential to produce RFNBO-compliant e-methanol -especially for hard-to-abate sectors.
The FortaVerde project is a phased green hydrogen and ammonia project being developed in Pecém, Brazil by SM Ammonia HoldCo GmbH. It aims to use the region’s renewable resources and infrastructure to supply green Power-to-X products to Europe. The public-private partnership with H2Uppp will support project preparation through analysis, implementation plans and capacity-building.
Alain Bill (Andritz), Hanna Schumacher (Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy) and Stephan Poth (H2Uppp) announce the MARI-MAS PPP (from left) 
Jan-Christoph Block (SM Ammonia HoldCo GmbH), Hanna Schumacher (Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy) and Stephan Poth (H2Uppp) announce the FortaVerde PPP
Sustainable e-fuels and innovative solutions
The forum opened by examining how Brazil is advancing from e-fuels concepts towards concrete projects and business opportunities, leveraging renewable energy and industrial capabilities. The session highlighted project pathways, partnerships and investments need to connect Brazilian production with international markets.
In a fast-paced Tech Talk, companies presented innovative solutions that are currently assessed and tested in partnership with H2Uppp in countries of the Global South. Discussions highlighted the importance of aligning policy ambitions with market realities, strengthening international cooperation and creating the right conditions for hydrogen projects to progress from early planning to implementation. Participants also considered how different regions can contribute to the development of a more connected global hydrogen market.
Scaling hydrogen projects
A session on scaling hydrogen projects in emerging markets, co-hosted by VDMA and BDI, featured a lively and engaging panel discussion. Representatives from industry and other stakeholder groups debated the conditions needed to turn the growing pipeline of hydrogen projects into bankable investments. The exchange highlighted the importance of predictable frameworks, effective support mechanisms, stronger partnerships and a realistic approach to project development. The discussion made clear that advancing the hydrogen economy requires not only ambitious targets, but also investment conditions that give businesses the confidence to commit resources and move projects forward.
Navigating emerging market structures
Other panel discussions broadened the conversation to the role of technology providers and industrial value chains, the development of international hydrogen markets, and the practical challenges involved in bringing projects to fruition. Participants considered how businesses can navigate emerging market structures, build partnerships across borders and align technical capabilities with evolving demand. The discussions also addressed the role of financing and risk-sharing in mobilising investment, alongside the importance of collaboration between public institutions, private companies and other stakeholders.
International cooperation & reliable partnerships
Further sessions focused on international cooperation and the development of hydrogen ecosystems, highlighting the value of exchanging experience across markets and connecting project developers with potential partners. Discussions explored how local conditions, infrastructure needs and market maturity influence project design, and why approaches must be adapted to the circumstances of individual countries and regions. The programme also emphasised the importance of building capabilities and establishing reliable partnerships to support the long-term development of the sector.
Hydrogen transition
The final panel returned to the practical steps needed to move from ambition to implementation. Across the ten sessions, a consistent message emerged: the hydrogen transition depends on coordinated action across policy, industry, finance and international cooperation. Clear frameworks, infrastructure readiness, credible business models and strong partnerships will all be essential to turning project pipelines into operational projects and establishing sustainable hydrogen markets.
The H2Uppp Forum
Overall, the H2Uppp Forum provided a platform for exchanging perspectives, identifying shared challenges and strengthening connections across the hydrogen value chain. The contributions from government and industry, together with the announcement of new public-private partnership projects and the energetic debate during the VDMA-BDI session, reinforced the importance of translating international hydrogen ambitions into concrete, investable projects. Last but not least, coffee breaks allowed for numerous bilateral talks between participants that were introduced and met here through H2Uppp activities.
Photos: GIZ / Maximus Chatsky
