Location: OREA Hotel Pyramida, Praha
Date: 11–13 March 2026
Project Manager: Kristýna Zwiefelhofer

INTRODUCTION
In mid-March, Prague became the hub of the European hydrogen sector thanks to the 16th International Hydrogen Days 2026 conference. Over 263 participants, researchers, and company representatives gathered at the OREA Hotel Pyramida under the apt motto “Hydrogen at a Crossroads: Courage to Continue”. This prestigious event, traditionally overseen by Professor Karel Bouzek in cooperation with the HYTEP platform, confirmed its role as a key meeting point for those shaping the future of energy, transport, and decarbonisation in the Central European region.

PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMME
The professional programme was divided into several key streams. The initial sessions focused on a critical assessment of the current market situation, with the opening presentation offering a “reality check” of the European hydrogen landscape. Subsequent panel discussions featuring representatives of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic, ORLEN Unipetrol, ČEZ, and many other prominent industry leaders addressed the crucial question of whether current European regulations truly support or rather hinder hydrogen investments.

Great interest was also generated by presentations focusing on the development of the European hydrogen backbone and the role of nuclear energy in hydrogen production within the Czech Republic. These were complemented by practical implementation case studies, including the use of hydrogen in heavy-duty transport, exemplified by Tatra trucks, and experiences with industrial-scale electrolyser installations. Once again, an attractive feature of the event was the accompanying exhibition, where participants could view a real hydrogen-powered car right on site. The entire programme was underscored by a traditionally strong scientific section presenting the latest findings in materials research, electrochemistry, and energy storage. The first day programme seamlessly transitioned into an early evening poster session, providing a space for detailed discussions on innovations in PEM electrolysis and new certification methods for low-carbon hydrogen.

SOCIAL PROGRAMME
The programme was complemented by a rich social offering, allowing participants to strengthen professional relationships in a friendly atmosphere. Wednesday evening was dedicated to the conference dinner right at the OREA Hotel Pyramida, where guests exchanged their initial impressions of the lectures over excellent cuisine. The second conference day culminated in a gala reception titled “Connecting good energies”, held at the Liaison Office of the Free State of Saxony in the Lesser Town (Malá Strana). This networking evening, organised in cooperation with the HZwo cluster, was held in the spirit of cross-border cooperation between the Czech Republic and Saxony, offering an ideal setting for further developing the ideas presented in the lecture halls during the day. The joint gathering confirmed that informal dialogue is just as important for building a European hydrogen platform as scientific research.

CONCLUSION
The 16th Hydrogen Days 2026 confirmed that, despite current economic and regulatory challenges, there is a strong and determined community ready to push the boundaries of clean technologies towards a sustainable and energy-independent future. Participants left with the knowledge that Prague remains a focal point for the development of the hydrogen economy. Our thanks go to all participants for their active involvement, the speakers for their inspiring contributions, and the entire organising team led by Project Manager Kristýna Zwiefelhofer, as well as our partners, for the professional preparation and smooth running of this significant international event.