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Competition Overview                                     Climate change is a global consensus that all of humanity must address together, and hydrogen energy plays an irreplaceable role in the global energy transition. As a clean and efficient energy source, hydrogen energy has vast and rich application scenarios in sectors such as transportation, chemicals, energy storage, and metallurgy. Currently, hydrogen energy is at a critical stage, transitioning from research and development to industrialization. In response to the global energy strategy transformation, the International Hydrogen Energy Center (IHEC) aims to address key challenges in the hydrogen energy industry and promote the development and application of cutting-edge technologies. IHEC connects world-class international and domestic innovative enterprises and R&D teams, and organizes ‘Hydrogen Innovation, Empowering the Future’ —the International Hydrogen Energy Innovation Pioneer Competition.The International Hydrogen Energy Innovation Pioneer Competition is a global innovation competition focusing on three key areas: hydrogen energy and its applications, new materials, and the digitalization and intelligence of the hydrogen energy industry chain. The competition aims to discover and nurture projects that are innovative, practical, and commercially viable.This competition is organized by IHEC, under the guidance of UNIDO. It invites project submissions from startups, technology companies, and university teams around the world. The competition selects outstanding projects that demonstrate unique innovation, commercial potential, and sustainability. Through the international cooperation network of UNIDO, selected projects will receive opportunities for global collaboration, international project promotion, funding support, policy backing, and industry resource connections. The goal is to foster globally leading future unicorn enterprises in the hydrogen energy industry. The International Hydrogen Energy Center                               The International Hydrogen Energy Center (IHEC) in China is a technology innovation center with global influence in the field of hydrogen energy. It is launched by Beijing Tsinghua Industrial R&D Institute (BTIRDI) in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), with support from the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Economy and Information Technology and the China International Center for Economic and Technical Exchanges. IHEC is dedicated to addressing the key challenges in the development of the hydrogen energy industry. Through publishing industry reports, conducting cutting-edge research, developing core technologies, and nurturing leading enterprises, IHEC aims to create a global hub for hydrogen energy technology innovation. In strategic collaboration with leading hydrogen energy enterprises worldwide, IHEC is actively engaged in large-scale application demonstrations across key sectors, including hydrogen transportation, hydrogen metallurgy, and hydrogen chemicals, accelerating the promotion and application of hydrogen energy. Focus Areas for Submissions                                         Hydrogen and Hydrogen-related Technologies and Equipment, including, but not limited to, novel and efficient low-cost hydrogen production technologies; advanced hydrogen storage solutions; the production and utilization of hydrogen-based fuels and chemicals; integration of hydrogen energy with industrial sectors (such as power generation, chemicals, metallurgy); and hydrogen safety monitoring technologies.New Materials, including, but not limited to, novel polymer materials, inorganic non-metallic materials, catalytic materials, functional membrane materials, and other innovative materials for hydrogen applications.Digitalization and Intelligence of Hydrogen Energy, including, but not limited to, innovative solutions for cost reduction, efficiency enhancement, and safety improvements based on technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, and artificial intelligence. Eligible Participants                                     Leveraging the cooperation network of UNIDO, the competition invites startups, technology companies, and university teams from around the world to participate.For projects with a registered company: The company’s first round of funding must have occurred after January 1, 2019, and the company valuation must not exceed 700 million RMB or 100 million USD.For projects without a registered company: The project should have a certain level of technological maturity and commercial feasibility, with a clear and comprehensive description of its technology application scenarios and market potential. The project must also present a clear future plan for the commercialization of the technology.Participants must be the founders or core members of the participating teams. Competition Schedule                                     ✅ January 2025 to March 2025:  Project Collection and Registration✅ April 2025: Online Preliminary Screening and Evaluation✅ May 2025: Offline Final (Beijing, China) Support and Rewards                                   Market PromotionFirst Place: The winner will receive the opportunity to speak at the Blue Zone events and hydrogen energy side events at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30, Brazil).Top Three: The top three winners will be granted a full-year free exhibition opportunity at IHEC exhibition hall, along with a speaking slot at the 2025 International Hydrogen Energy Center Industry Forum.All Finalist Projects: All projects that reach the final stage will be included in the IHEC Pioneer Technology Database and will be showcased and shared globally.Industry SupportConnecting with Leading Global Enterprises: Facilitation of connections with internationally leading companies in the hydrogen energy sector and their upstream and downstream resources.Space SupportOffice and Lab Space in Beijing: Provision of competitively priced office space, scarce laboratory resources, and factory facilities in Beijing, with the possibility of offering free space services to selected projects.Financial SupportDiverse and Professional Investment Services: A range of investment and financing services, including investment roadshow connections, direct investments from internal funds, cooperative venture capital, and technology-backed loans.Policy SupportAssistance with Government Support: Support in applying for relevant policies and qualification certifications from the Beijing Municipal Government. Contact Information                                     For any inquiries, please contact us through the following methods:✅ Phone: +86 10-82355885✅ Email: wangxue@hycentre.org.cn✅ Website of the International Hydrogen Energy Center (hycentre.org.cn) Application Method                                     ✅ Please follow the link below to download the registration form.✅ Submit the completed registration form and business plan to the email address: IHEC@hycentre.org.cn by March 30, 2025.

Brussels: During the European Hydrogen Week, UNIDO and Clean Hydrogen Mission of Mission Innovation signed a Joint Declaration to strengthen collaboration in advancing hydrogen technologies and solutions. 𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:✅ 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒄𝒉 & 𝑰𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 – Identifying and promoting cutting-edge hydrogen technologies.✅ 𝑮𝒍𝒐𝒃𝒂𝒍 𝑪𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 – Enhancing dialogues between hydrogen pioneer countries and developing countries.✅ 𝑪𝒂𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝑩𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 – Creating training materials and organising joint webinars.✅ 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒔 & 𝑷𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒔 – Supporting enabling regulatory frameworks. ✅ 𝑨𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑹𝒂𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 – Disseminating knowledge on clean hydrogen and its application in hard-to-abate industries in emerging economies.✅ 𝑨𝒄𝒄𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 – Sharing expertise on financing mechanisms and internationally funded technical assistance/innovation initiatives.By fostering the dissemination of innovations to developing countries and economies in transition, the cooperation aims to make clean hydrogen solutions more accessible and scalable—driving sustainable industrial development while aligning efforts with global climate goals.The declaration was signed on behalf of UNIDO by Christophe Yvetot and on behalf of Mission Innovation by Piero Venturi. 

We are committed to empowering partner countries to leverage green hydrogen and ammonia for sustainable industrial development - including the fertiliser industry.At the World Without Hunger Conference in Addis Ababa (November 5-7, 2024), our team hosted a side event on green ammonia and low-carbon fertilizers, highlighting the critical role of sustainable agriculture in ensuring food security across Africa.Our work includes green ammonia training sessions (for example, this year, we organized training with Groupe Chimique Tunisien in Gabès) and a planned study to assess the economic viability and industrial potential of green ammonia and low-carbon fertilizers across the African continent. These efforts are part of our broader mission to support clean hydrogen application in industry.Why Low-Carbon Fertilizer Can Be A Game-Changer:60% of Africa's population relies on agriculture, so affordable fertilizers are crucial for food security.Fertilizer production accounts for up to 2% of global GHG emissions; green ammonia can reduce these by around 90%.Africa faces a 5-million-metric-ton fertilizer shortfall annually; localized green ammonia can help bridge this gap sustainably.What We Can Achieve:Low-Carbon Fertilizer Production: Helping reduce agriculture's carbon footprint by advancing green ammonia from renewable sources.Supporting Local Industrialization: Empowering partner countries to develop their own fertilizer industries, reducing import dependency and promoting sustainable agriculture.Strengthening Food Security: Integrating green ammonia strengthens food systems and boosts low-carbon agriculture.One notable partnership is our collaboration with the Daures Green Hydrogen Village in Namibia, a pilot project focused on green ammonia and low-carbon fertilizers, demonstrating local application potential and scalability.UNIDO also envisages working closely with Moroccan fertilizer producer OCP Group to explore green ammonia and low-carbon fertilizer solutions.With these ongoing efforts and future initiatives, UNIDO's Global Programme for Hydrogen in Industry can help pave the way for low-carbon fertilizer and more climate-friendly agriculture across Africa.  We recently launched our Clean Hydrogen Solution page: Green Ammonia for Low Carbon Fertilizer | UNIDO

Rabat: The official launch of our Green Climate Fund (GCF) Readiness Project marks a significant milestone in Morocco’s journey toward a sustainable, low-carbon future. This UNIDO's initiative aims to accelerate Morocco’s transition to green hydrogen, with a particular focus on decarbonizing the steel industry—a critical sector in the country’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45.5% by 2030, as outlined in its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).The project aligns with Morocco’s Green Hydrogen Roadmap and broader national strategies, positioning the country as a future leader in the global green hydrogen market.As part of the launch, the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development of Morocco and UNIDO hosted the workshop “Developing an Industrial Policy for Green Hydrogen in Morocco” with participation from key national stakeholders.The first session introduced UNIDO’s Policy Toolkit, emphasizing downstream market creation strategies linked to the new “Morocco Offer.” Discussions explored policy options to strengthen Morocco’s green hydrogen value chain, including investment, demand creation, and infrastructure development.The second session focused on the GCF project’s studies on green hydrogen application in Morocco’s steel industry, providing a platform for stakeholders to share insights on existing policies and identify development opportunities.Following the workshop, the first Steering Committee meeting was convened. The Committee approved the project’s work plan, laying a solid foundation for the next steps in implementation. Discussions underscored the importance of coordinated efforts among all partners to advance Morocco's green hydrogen ambitions. 

Foz do Iguaçu, 3 October 2024 - The Brazilian Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) and the United Kingdom’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) jointly launched a public Call to identify proposals for Brazilian low-carbon industrial-hydrogen cluster projects.Brazilian companies and private sector organizations can submit their proposals for innovative low-carbon hydrogen projects to support the next phase of Brazil's National Hydrogen Strategy, accelerate industrial decarbonization and support the delivery of Brazil’s national climate and Energy Transition goals.This Expression of Interest is being supported by the Brazil-UK Hydrogen Hub (H2 Hub) – a sector-specific country platform launched in 2023 at COP28 whose secretariat is coordinated by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). Read the official Press Release here: Brazil-UK Partnership Launches Call for Brazilian Low Emission Industrial-Hydrogen Clusters | UNIDO 

At the World Hydrogen Summit in Rotterdam, UNIDO signed a Joint Declaration with IPHE (International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy). This declaration reaffirms the two organizations' commitment to collaborate to enhance hydrogen uptake, particularly in industry across developing and transitioning economies. The collaboration focuses on several key areas:✅ Awareness and Capacity Building: Boosting awareness and building skills in hydrogen use across industry, transport, and energy sectors.✅SDG Roadmap for Hydrogen: Using the SDG Roadmap to enhance the hydrogen economy's social value.✅Promotion of Hydrogen Technologies: Collaboratively promoting hydrogen technologies across various sectors.✅Pilot Projects and Industrial Decarbonization: Supporting pilot projects and facilitating hydrogen industrial cluster development to advance decarbonization.We are looking forward to our long-term cooperation!

UNIDO’s ‘Global Clean Hydrogen Programme’ (link) for 14.9 million USD and 141.5 million USD co-financing was approved in early February 2024 during the 66th GEF Council Meeting under the GEF-8 funding cycle. This follows shortly after another UNIDO project was approved under GEF-8 for ‘Green Hydrogen Energy Application Project’ (link) in China for $17.8 million USD and $178.6 million USD co-financing. Both projects are envisaged to mobilize further funds and public-private partnerships.Both the Global Clean Hydrogen Programme and the Green Hydrogen Energy Application Project fall under the UNIDO’s umbrella hydrogen initiative, the Global Programme for Hydrogen in Industry, which assists developing countries and transition economies in overcoming identified barriers in order to accelerate the local uptake of clean hydrogen for a low-carbon industrialization and encourage a just hydrogen transition.Over its five-year plan, the Global Clean Hydrogen Programme will enhance national institutional capacities, create enabling policy frameworks, improve technological readiness through capacity building, promote innovation, and design financial mechanisms and risk mitigation strategies. At the global level, the programme will foster collective learning through knowledge creation, sharing and exchange of good practices on clean hydrogen production and application. Country-specific technical assistance focusing on green hydrogen industrial clusters will be tailored and nationally implemented in Algeria, Ecuador, Egypt, Malaysia, Namibia, Nigeria, the Philippines, and South Africa. UNIDO will cooperate with further countries and invite them to join the programme.The ‘GEF-8 Green Hydrogen Energy Application Project’ in China will catalyse green hydrogen production and utilization with the goal of supporting the energy transition in Ningdong, Dalian and Shenyang. The project will develop policies, standards, regulations, and an information platform to promote a green hydrogen integrated supply chain as well as the demonstration of green hydrogen applied to industries and heavy-duty trucks. The project will also promote capacity building, knowledge dissemination and international cooperation. In its five-year lifetime, the project aims to mitigate 147 million tonnes of CO2 and benefit 50,000 local inhabitants in terms of green job creation.Through such programmes, UNIDO will further cooperate with key hydrogen stakeholders such as the European Commission, the World Bank, the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), and development finance institutions to leverage diverse resources, expertise, and convene key global stakeholders to upscale the hydrogen economy in developing countries and transition economies and accelerate hydrogen uptake at global level.

Our UNIDO team concluded a mission to South Africa, marking the launch of the two-year Green Climate Fund Readiness Programme. During the mission, the team engaged with key stakeholders to support South Africa in strengthening its institutional capacity for coordinating green hydrogen initiatives outlined in the Hydrogen Society Roadmap.Key Programme Partners:Department of Science and Innovation of South AfricaDepartment of Forestry, Fisheries and the EnvironmentDepartment of Trade, Industry and Competition