“We are increasingly realising that batteries cannot solve everything,” says De Bruijn. “For heavy-duty transport, shipping, generators and long-haul applications, hydrogen is not an alternative; it is a necessity.”
Technological progress across multiple applications
One of the most significant developments in 2025 was the advancement of hydrogen engines and systems across a broad range of applications. New hydrogen-powered solutions were developed for heavy-duty trucks, maritime transport and generator sets, demonstrating the growing technological maturity of hydrogen-based propulsion.
At the same time, important steps were taken in standardisation and safety. New protocols and norms were established to enable fast, safe and efficient hydrogen refuelling for trucks, laying essential groundwork for large-scale deployment.
“Without clear standards and refuelling protocols, scaling is impossible,” De Bruijn explains. “These developments are critical enablers for the next phase of hydrogen mobility.”
Strategic focus: GTD-H, Green SKHy and IH-MIE
Within the Hydrogen Program, several initiatives played a central role in 2025. The Green Transport Delta – Hydrogen (GTD-H*) project continued to be a cornerstone, alongside Green SKHy and the launch of the IH-MIE project, which also introduces cascade funding mechanisms to accelerate innovation and adoption.
“GTD-H has shown what is possible when the entire value chain comes together,” says De Bruijn. “But now is the moment to move from pilots to scale.”
Building a hydrogen ecosystem through collaboration
Beyond technological results, one of the most valuable outcomes of the hydrogen program has been the formation of a strong and diverse hydrogen consortium. Large companies, SMEs, startups and knowledge institutions are now structurally connected through short communication lines and shared ambitions.
“The creation of this consortium is an important result in itself,” De Bruijn emphasises. “It strengthens integrated value chain collaboration, from hydrogen production to application in vehicles, and continues to deliver value far beyond individual projects.”
This ecosystem approach enables companies to find each other more easily, exchange knowledge faster and collaborate more effectively, both within and outside RAI Automotive Industry NL activities.
Challenges: balancing batteries and hydrogen
One of the key challenges in recent years has been the strong policy and market focus on battery-electric mobility. While fully justified, this focus sometimes overshadowed hydrogen’s role in segments where electrification reaches its limits.
“2025 marked a shift in mindset,” De Bruijn notes. “There is growing awareness that we need multiple solutions to achieve a fully decarbonised transport system.”
Looking ahead to 2026: from momentum to implementation
For 2026, De Bruijn expects hydrogen to gain renewed momentum. As the limitations of an electricity-only approach become clearer, hydrogen is increasingly seen as a crucial pillar in achieving CO₂ neutrality by 2050.
“Hydrogen will play a decisive role in the coming years,” he says. “The challenge now is to move decisively towards large-scale implementation.”
The Hydrogen Program will therefore focus strongly on scaling up GTD-H, transitioning from demonstration projects to serious, market-ready deployment.
A clear message to the hydrogen community
De Bruijn closes with a clear call to action for members active in hydrogen mobility:
“Keep innovating, investing and believing,” he concludes. “We remain fully committed to working closely with our members and government partners to put hydrogen firmly back on the agenda. Now is the time to accelerate.”
