RWE’s Sopna Sury at an event in 2019
Hydrogen sector must build on COP28 progress
Strong international definition of hydrogen as well as certification of transport and infra-structure safety standards are vital for the development of a global market
A mention of hydrogen in the final COP28 agreement from the UAE will help instil long-term confidence and encourage investment in the sector, according to panellists on a webinar organised by trade association Hydrogen Europe. The text of the agreement calls for the acceleration of low-carbon hydrogen production—the first time hydrogen has been mentioned in a COP decision text. This will help the sector accelerate into the next phase of its development, according to Sopna Sury, chief operating officer for hydrogen at Germany’s RWE Generation. “It does help give a bit more momentum, and I think we will now see an acceleration of partnerships and announcements,” she said. COP28 also saw other
Also in this section
4 February 2026
Europe’s largest electrolyser manufacturers are losing patience with policymakers as sluggish growth in the green hydrogen sector undermines their decision to expand production capacity
2 February 2026
As a fertiliser feedstock, it is indispensable, but ammonia’s potential as a carbon-free energy carrier is also making it central to global decarbonisation strategies
28 January 2026
The development of hydrogen’s distribution system must speed up if the industry is to stand any chance of grabbing a meaningful slice of the low-carbon energy market
14 January 2026
Continent’s governments must seize the green hydrogen opportunity by refining policies and ramping up the development of supply chains and infrastructure
