Programme focused on climate, energy and national security

The most influential hydrogen event globally, the World Hydrogen Summit, is set to return to Rotterdam from 19–21 May 2026, bringing together thousands of attendees to explore the theme ‘Climate, Energy and National Security: Stimulating Hydrogen Demand to Meet Global Priorities’. 

Recognised globally as the premier platform for hydrogen policy, projects and investment, the Summit has become a cornerstone event for shaping the future of clean energy systems.  

Event director, Chris Hugall, has confirmed the initial speaker lineup for its upcoming edition which will bring together senior policymakers, global CEOs and industry leaders to address one of the most critical challenges facing the hydrogen sector today: accelerating demand at scale. 

Now in its seventh year, the event is taking place at a pivotal moment for the global hydrogen market, providing a platform for high-level discussion on how mandates, offtake incentives and industrial policy is accelerating demand across key sectors including steel, shipping, aviation, power generation, mobility, refining and fertilisers. 

The 2026 Summit will feature contributions from leading executives and decision-makers shaping the global hydrogen economy including: 

• H.E. Salim Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, Sultanate of Oman 

• Paro Konar, Director General for Major Decarbonisation Projects, Department for Energy Security & Net Zero, Government of United Kingdom 

• Dr Andrew Kerr, Director General for Net Zero, Government of Scotland 

• Carola Schouten, Mayor, City of Rotterdam   

• Boudewijn Siemons, Chief Executive Officer, Port of Rotterdam   

• Ivana Jemelkova, CEO, Hydrogen Council 

• Andrew Beard, President of Hydrogen, Shell 

• Frank Yu, Senior Vice President, Head of Hydrogen Product Line, Envision Energy 

• Alexander Tancock, CEO, InterContinental Energy 

• Maribel Rodríguez Olmo, Hydrogen Business Director, Repsol  

• Dr. David Burns, Vice President Clean Energy, Linde   

• Jason Mortimer, Senior Vice President, Global Commercial, Electric Hydrogen 

• Shena Britzen, Head of Hydrogen Program, Rheinmetall AG 

• Vibeke Rasmussen, SVP Product Management and Certification, Yara Clean Ammonia 

Speakers will share perspectives on project development, market activation, offtake structures and the policy frameworks required to enable long-term investment in clean hydrogen. 

Carola Schouten, Mayor of Rotterdam said:
“We are pleased to once again welcome the World Hydrogen Summit to Rotterdam. As a global energy and industrial hub, the city provides a natural platform for bringing together industry leaders, policymakers and innovators from around the world. 

For Rotterdam, hydrogen is essential to protecting jobs, supporting our industrial communities and ensuring a reliable energy system in a rapidly changing world. By building this ecosystem, we are creating a sustainable future not only for our own city, but for our neighbours across the continent who rely on Rotterdam as their vital energy link. 

Hosting the World Hydrogen Summit reflects the city’s commitment to practical solutions that deliver both climate progress and long-term stability.” 

Boudewijn Siemons, Chief Executive Officer, Port of Rotterdam, added 
“The transition to a CO2 -neutral energy system is not a choice between climate and prosperity — it is the path towards a thriving, secure and sustainable future. By placing hydrogen at the heart of this global conversation, the Summit inspires, showcases real progress, and encourages collaboration, helping to accelerate the development of a resilient, competitive, and secure hydrogen economy.” 

While hydrogen supply continues to expand globally, uncertain demand remains a key constraint. This year’s programme has been designed to address the fundamental questions facing the market: where hydrogen demand is emerging, and how are these sectors leading early deployment. 

The 2026 conference will feature dedicated sessions focused on lead markets already deploying hydrogen today. These sessions will examine sector-specific challenges, current project activity and how public and private stakeholders are working together to unlock demand. 

Following industry feedback, the World Hydrogen Summit has been reformatted to encourage deeper engagement and more focused discussion.  

World Hydrogen Summit Event Director, Chris Hugall explained:
“The conference is taking  place closer to the exhibition floor in a more intimate setting, the Summit will feature shorter, interview-style sessions designed to foster candid, data-driven conversations with industry leaders and policymakers. 

“The updated format aims to provide delegates with clearer insights into current market dynamics and the next steps for companies and governments advancing hydrogen deployment.  

“This new format will create space for more meaningful dialogue, informed debate and shared insight at a critical moment for the industry.” 

The exhibition floor will provide unparalleled opportunities for networking, partnership development and commercial engagement, which will include Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) and Energy Storage zones for the first time. This reflects the growing need for integrated hydrogen, carbon management solutions and energy storage to deliver secure energy supplies, meet climate targets and strengthen industrial competitiveness.  

The exhibition is supported by three dedicated tech stages hosting expert-led sessions, technology showcases and case studies from successful projects driving market breakthroughs despite macroeconomic challenges.  

Approximately 10,000 people and more than 550 exhibitors attended the 2025 edition of World Hydrogen Summit last May, which also hosted senior government representatives and ministers from dozens of countries including the Netherlands, Germany, Oman, Norway, Belgium, China and India.  

More speakers and further details of the programme will be announced in the coming months. 

Registration is now open. To secure your place at World Hydrogen Summit & Exhibition 2026, register here: Register for World Hydrogen Summit 2026 

KeyFacts Energy: Hydrogen news