LAUNCH2 Alliance Formed to Accelerate Hydrogen Innovation in Rotterdam Region
A new hydrogen partnership aimed at accelerating clean energy innovation and industrial deployment has officially launched in the Netherlands during the World Hydrogen Summit & Exhibition 2026 in Rotterdam.
Known as LAUNCH2, the alliance brings together regional governments, research institutions and economic development organisations to strengthen hydrogen development across the Rotterdam region and support the growth of integrated hydrogen supply chains.
The partnership includes the Port of Rotterdam Authority, the municipalities of Rotterdam and Schiedam, the Province of South Holland, InnovationQuarter, TU Delft, TNO and Smart Delta Drechtsteden. The organisations say the initiative is designed to improve coordination between industry, public authorities and research bodies while helping companies access infrastructure, expertise, testing facilities and commercialisation support.
LAUNCH2 aims to reinforce Rotterdam’s position as a leading European hydrogen hub by supporting innovation, connecting stakeholders and accelerating the scale-up of emerging technologies. Companies involved in hydrogen projects will be able to use the platform to identify collaboration opportunities, gain access to technical knowledge and explore pilot and demonstration facilities.
The alliance also seeks to improve cohesion between existing hydrogen initiatives already underway across the region. Among the projects highlighted under the LAUNCH2 framework is the FLIE-SubZero Rotterdam pilot hall for industrial electrification, which is being developed through collaboration between PlatformZero, TNO and the Port of Rotterdam Authority. The Province of South Holland has supported the project through infrastructure funding.
Another example is the development of a circular iron fuel facility by clean technology company RIFT in Rotterdam. InnovationQuarter has provided financial support for the project through the Rotterdam Energy Transition Fund, helping advance the technology from pilot stage towards commercial deployment.
Representatives from the participating organisations said the initiative is intended to create a more focused and effective approach to hydrogen ecosystem development by linking regional expertise, infrastructure investment and industrial demand.
The launch of LAUNCH2 reflects broader efforts across Europe to establish regional hydrogen clusters capable of supporting industrial decarbonisation, clean energy production and innovation-led economic growth. Rotterdam, which already hosts one of Europe’s largest industrial and energy hubs, is positioning itself as a central gateway for hydrogen imports, production and distribution within north-west Europe.
