The Western Development Commission (WDC) welcomed partners and stakeholders to Galway for the GH2M (Green Hydrogen Mobility) Interregional Policy Learning Exchange, bringing together European regions to explore how hydrogen can support cleaner transport and logistics.
Hosted at Galway Chamber, the event forms part of the GH2M project, which aims to accelerate the adoption of hydrogen solutions across Europe by sharing knowledge, experience and policy approaches between regions.
The day opened with welcoming remarks from Ian Brannigan, Head of Regional Development at the WDC, alongside a welcome from Stara Zagora Regional Economic Development Agency, the GH2M project lead partner. Participants also heard an introduction to the SH2amrock project from Pau Farràs of the University of Galway, highlighting research and innovation underway in Ireland to support the development of hydrogen as a low carbon energy option.
The programme included a guided site visit to the Port of Galway, where participants explored the potential role hydrogen could play in port activity and maritime logistics in the future. The visit provided an opportunity to consider how emerging energy solutions could support cleaner operations across transport and supply chains, particularly in settings where reducing emissions can be more challenging.
A stakeholder exchange session followed, featuring insights from organisations working on hydrogen innovation, infrastructure and logistics across Europe. Speakers included Sander Bijkerk of Drenthe Hydrogen Valley, Josef Drázský of Gasnet’s Training Facility, Donegal County Council, which presented on the Green Hydra Project, and contributions from Aer Arann, Atlantic Technological University, and ESB on research, innovation and the role renewable hydrogen could play in supporting a secure, reliable low carbon energy system.
The exchange forms part of a two-day programme bringing together GH2M partners and regional stakeholders to discuss practical challenges and opportunities in using hydrogen across urban, industrial and commercial logistics. Through dialogue and shared learning, the project aims to help regions develop policies and supports that enable the move towards cleaner transport systems.
Hosting the exchange in Galway provides an opportunity to connect stakeholders in the West and North West of Ireland with European partners working on hydrogen innovation, helping identify opportunities for sustainable transport, infrastructure development and enterprise growth. It also reflects the WDC’s focus on sustainable regional development through innovation, partnership and international collaboration, supporting the transition to a more resilient, low carbon regional economy.
