Australia’s hydrogen sector is being encouraged to take part in the World Hydrogen Summit 2026, the largest international event dedicated to hydrogen development and trade. The summit will be held in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, from 19 to 21 May 2026, attracting around 15,000 exhibition attendees, 2,000 delegates, and more than 350 speakers from across government, research, and industry.
Austrade’s upcoming webinar, Global hydrogen partnership opportunities: World Hydrogen Summit 2026, will outline how Australian companies can participate as part of Team Australia at the event. The session will explain the registration process, describe what the Australian presence at WHS will involve, and outline business matching opportunities during the summit.
Opening doors to European markets
The World Hydrogen Summit brings together ministers, CEOs, and technical leaders to share insights into real-world hydrogen projects and industry challenges. It provides opportunities for networking, business development, and learning about the transition from feasibility studies to project delivery and trade.
Australian participation will enable local companies to connect with global partners working on infrastructure, certification, financing, and demand creation for hydrogen. Delegates will also have access to exclusive networking functions, including the World Hydrogen Awards, as well as a broader European market visit program led by Austrade before the summit. This program aims to help participants understand local market conditions and build contacts with potential European partners.
Who should attend
The webinar and delegation are aimed at Australian hydrogen equipment, technology, and service providers offering industry-ready solutions across the hydrogen supply chain—such as generation, storage, transformation, and transport. It also welcomes Australian research organisations involved in new energy solutions relevant to Europe’s clean energy transition.
Guidance from Austrade and AHC
Speakers include Catherine Hill, Austrade’s Trade and Investment Commissioner for the Netherlands, Nordics, and Baltics. Hill brings more than 15 years of experience in international business and investment across circular economy and low-carbon sectors.
Dr Fiona Simon, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Hydrogen Council (AHC) will discuss the opportunities for Australian companies to engage with international partners across the hydrogen value chain and to connect with organisations moving projects from concept to commercial operation.
The path to WHS 2026
As the global hydrogen industry moves from planning to implementation, WHS 2026 will serve as a forum for sharing lessons from real-world projects and strategies for scaling up. Australian companies joining the delegation will have the chance to connect directly with decision-makers, strengthen their understanding of the European market, and identify export and partnership opportunities that can help grow Australia’s hydrogen capabilities at home and abroad.
