Global CEOs urge governments to accelerate hydrogen deployment to strengthen energy resilience
Hydrogen Council has launched a new CEO-led call-to-action titled “Hydrogen for a Resilient World”, urging governments to accelerate hydrogen deployment as a strategic pillar for strengthening global energy security, industrial resilience and long-term decarbonisation.
The announcement was made during the International Hydrogen Trade Forum Ministerial-CEO Roundtable in Rotterdam, where more than two dozen chief executives and senior government representatives from major energy importing and exporting countries met under the chairmanship of the Netherlands’ Minister for Climate and Green Growth, Stientje van Veldhoven. The discussions focused on the role of hydrogen in supporting more secure and diversified energy systems amid ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainty.
The initiative positions hydrogen as a key enabler of deep and secure electrification, complementing renewable power systems and helping to stabilise energy supply chains across industry and society. Industry leaders involved in the initiative said hydrogen technologies are already technically ready for scale, but require stronger policy frameworks to unlock investment and deployment at pace.
François Jackow, Chief Executive of Air Liquide and co-chair of the Hydrogen Council, said the current energy crisis highlights the need to accelerate hydrogen adoption as part of a more diversified and resilient energy mix. He stressed that while the technology is available, consistent and pragmatic policy support is needed to drive large-scale deployment.
The call-to-action outlines three priority areas for governments. It urges the inclusion of hydrogen in emergency energy security measures, the creation of stable demand mechanisms such as contracts for difference, offtake guarantees and public procurement schemes, and increased investment in critical infrastructure including electrolysers, storage facilities, pipelines, port terminals and cross-border transport networks.
The Council also emphasised the importance of coordinated infrastructure development to connect emerging production hubs with industrial demand centres, enabling hydrogen to move across borders and support global supply chains. It highlighted that expanding infrastructure will be essential to scaling low-carbon hydrogen markets and ensuring affordability.
Petra Schwager of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) said hydrogen development should prioritise local value creation and inclusive economic benefits, noting that well-designed projects can drive industrial growth, job creation and economic diversification while supporting climate goals.
The Hydrogen Council said it stands ready to continue working with governments and international partners through upcoming global energy forums to translate the call-to-action into concrete policy measures and accelerate the scale-up of hydrogen as a core component of future energy systems.
