As Europe strives for climate neutrality by 2050, hydrogen is increasingly recognized as a crucial pillar in the energy transition. Its versatility enables the decarbonization of sectors that are difficult to electrify, such as heavy industry, logistics, and long-haul transport. Beyond its environmental benefits, hydrogen plays a strategic role in energy independence, technological innovation, and sustainable economic growth. These topics will take center stage at Drive Forward 2025, where hydrogen will be a key focus across multiple sessions.
Drive Forward 2025: The Role of Hydrogen in Decarbonizing Europe’s Mobility System
9 April 2025 I 13:30 – 14:25
Hydrogen is essential for reducing emissions in mobility, particularly in heavy-duty transport, and has a significant impact on the Dutch energy landscape. Solid oxide fuel cells and cost-effective hydrogen storage are critical technologies for widespread adoption, but further innovation is needed to make hydrogen a viable and affordable energy source.
This session focuses on developing a hydrogen ecosystem for heavy-duty transport, bringing together industry experts from DAF Trucks, TNO, Westport Fuel Systems, and Bosal Nederland. Topics include hydrogen combustion engines as an alternative to battery-electric trucks and the challenges surrounding hydrogen production, storage, and infrastructure. The session is organized by the Green Transport Delta – Hydrogen | RAI Vereniging project.
Key Themes
In 2023, global CO₂ emissions reached 37 Gt, with 22% originating from transport. The European Green Deal has set ambitious reduction targets to align with the +1.5°C scenario of COP21. Europe is committed to hydrogen development as a means to achieve energy independence and carbon neutrality.
While battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) will dominate passenger transport, most trucks cannot rely solely on BEV technology. BEVs, fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), and hydrogen internal combustion engines (H2-ICEs) each serve distinct applications. Hydrogen engines are particularly well-suited for cost-effective, long-distance, high-load transport. This breakout session will explore the necessary steps to integrate hydrogen into Europe’s mobility system.
Participating Organizations and Speakers
During this session, industry experts will share their insights on the future of hydrogen in mobility. TNO will outline why hydrogen plays a crucial role in the sustainability of transport and its impact on the Netherlands. DAF Trucks will present the latest developments in hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks and the challenges that come with them. Bosal Nederland will introduce the potential of solid oxide fuel cells, an innovative technology that plays a key role in the future energy system. Westport Fuel Systems will examine the practical aspects of hydrogen storage, addressing both technical challenges and cost implications. Together, these presentations provide an in-depth exploration of the opportunities and obstacles on the road to an emission-free future.
Additionally, key regulatory and infrastructure challenges will be discussed, including:
- The Subsidy Scheme for Hydrogen in Mobility (SWIM)
- Access of hydrogen trucks to zero-emission zones
- The benefits of a centralized hydrogen refueling infrastructure
This session will also examine how larger hydrogen tanks in trucks can significantly extend driving range.
Speakers
- Jack Bloem – Business Developer at TNO. In this role, he initiates collaborations between TNO, governments, and industry partners focused on the development of combustion engines for renewable fuels such as hydrogen, methanol, and ammonia.
- Marc Horsten – Supervisor Project Management Engine Development at DAF Trucks. He leads projects such as the Green Transport Delta – Hydrogen project, in which industry partners collaborate on the development of hydrogen solutions for mobility applications.
- Ted Straten – Vice President Technology, Strategy, and New Business at Bosal Nederland. He is responsible for technology development, strategic planning, and identifying new business opportunities within the company.
- Bas ten Broeke – Technology Director Heavy-Duty at Westport Fuel Systems. He focuses on technological innovations for heavy-duty vehicles, including hydrogen solutions such as H₂ HPDI™ and H₂ DF.
Freek de Bruijn (RAI Automotive Industry NL) will moderate the session, which will consist of four ten-minute presentations followed by an interactive Q&A.
Green SKHy H2 Seminar: Building a Hydrogen-Ready Workforce
Following Drive Forward 2025, the hydrogen conversation continues at the Green SKHy Large-Scale Hydrogen Event on April 10. Green SKHy is dedicated to developing a highly skilled, hydrogen-ready workforce to support Europe’s energy transition.
This event will cover:
- Training and certification programs for hydrogen professionals
- Technical skills for implementing hydrogen solutions in industrial applications
- Regulatory frameworks shaping the future of hydrogen technology
Led by Maury Clement, Project Lead at Green SKHy, the project will include contributions from experts at Technifutur, the University of Groningen, Summa Automotive, and the University of Luxembourg.
Join the Hydrogen Discussion at Drive Forward 2025 & Green SKHy
Date: 9 & 10 April 2025
Location: Automotive Campus, Helmond
Reserve your spot for 9 April 2025 via www.driveforward.nl
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