ABOUT HEFC 2025

The Asia-Pacific region is home to some of the largest and fastest-growing economies in the world, at the forefront of efforts to reduce carbon footprints and transition to a low-carbon future. Supported by favorable policies and incentives, several countries have set ambitious targets for green hydrogen deployment and net zero carbon emissions, with Taiwan poised to lead the global shift toward sustainable energy. As the demand for clean energy continues to surge, the Asia-Pacific region presents significant opportunities and research directions for developing a robust hydrogen and fuel cell industry. This growth is fueled by abundant renewable energy resources and strong government support.

According to a report from IRENA, the cost of renewable hydrogen is expected to decrease significantly due to economies of scale and falling renewable energy costs, making it likely that green hydrogen will replace fossil hydrogen within the next decade. Currently, green hydrogen accounts for only 1% of the hydrogen market, but its potential for growth is substantial. If green hydrogen were to achieve a 100% market share, the market size could expand eightfold, with production levels projected to reach 800 times their current levels by 2050.

The European Union is at the forefront of transitioning to a zero-carbon economy and recognizes the necessity of developing a robust hydrogen industry to achieve low-carbon solutions in industry, transportation, and heating. In July 2020, the EU announced its hydrogen strategy to reach 40 GW of renewable hydrogen electrolysis capacity by 2030 and produce 10 million tons of renewable hydrogen. Achieving this goal is estimated to require an investment of €24 billion to €42 billion.

In Taiwan, the government acknowledges the importance of developing hydrogen energy as part of building a sustainable energy system and achieving net-zero emissions. National Sun Yat-sen University will collaborate with the Taiwan Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Society to hold an International Hydrogen Energy and Fuel Cell Academic Conference from June 18-20, 2025. This event aims to gather domestic and international experts and scholars to advance Taiwan's progress in smart green energy. The conference will discuss recent research outcomes and invite renowned international scholars to showcase Taiwan's research capabilities and understand global developments.

Additionally, this academic symposium will emphasize talent cultivation by providing insights into relevant policy improvements, research focuses, and training programs. The conference aims to strengthen Taiwan's foundational research, applied research, technology development, and commercial applications in the field of hydrogen energy and fuel cells while promoting collaboration among government entities, industry players, and academic institutions to drive technological advancements and business applications.