Japan and the Netherlands strengthened their hydrogen collaboration with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Japan Hydrogen Association (JH2A) and NLHydrogen at the Energy Transition Conference at the Expo Salon in Osaka Expo on September 22, 2025.

MoU Signing Details

Hiroshi Fukushima, Executive Director of JH2A, and Marcel Galjee, President of NLHydrogen, signed the agreement in the presence of Sophie Hermans, the Dutch minister for Climate and Green Growth. The MoU signing was part of a broader Dutch economic mission focused on energy transition, sustainability, and the circular economy in Japan, organized on the occasion of the World Expo 2025 in Osaka.

The mission featured hydrogen as one of the key topics, reflecting the importance both countries place on hydrogen technology development and collaboration.

Cooperation Framework

The Memorandum of Understanding establishes an exchange of information between the two organizations across four key areas. The agreement covers technology sharing, focusing on best practices and state-of-the-art technologies, and projects between the two nations. Value chain development represents another crucial component, addressing how separate projects and technologies can be connected in value chains and how to match supply, demand, and required infrastructure.

The MoU also encompasses discussions on policy frameworks, examining how government parties in both countries can facilitate the development of technology and value chains. Additionally, the agreement includes coordination on the development of global standards, demonstrating both organizations' commitment to establishing international benchmarks for the hydrogen industry.

Japan's Hydrogen Leadership

Japan has established itself as one of the frontrunners in hydrogen technology through consistent investment from private parties and robust government support. The country now serves as a leader in the development of hydrogen technologies and value chains, providing a strong foundation for expanded cooperation with the Netherlands. The partnership builds on a long-standing hydrogen cooperation between Japan and the Netherlands, with the new MoU representing a strengthening of these existing ties.

Industry Perspective

Marcel Galjee reflected on the progress he has witnessed in Japan's hydrogen sector, noting his previous visit to the country during a Dutch economic mission in 2019. He expressed enthusiasm about seeing the plans and pilots from that earlier period come to fruition. Galjee emphasized Japan's consistent commitment to hydrogen as exactly what is needed to achieve meaningful progress in the sector.

He stated that NLHydrogen looks forward to working together with JH2A on their shared mission, highlighting the collaborative nature of the partnership moving forward. The agreement establishes a formal framework for ongoing cooperation between two nations that have both made substantial investments in the development of hydrogen technology and infrastructure.

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