Infrastructure: The launchpad of hydrogen's future
Blog Post | 16.10.2025 | 4 min read | Raul Montano
Green hydrogen is no longer just a buzzword—it’s rapidly becoming a foundation of the global energy transition. At World Hydrogen Week 2025 in Copenhagen, the message was clear: if we want hydrogen to deliver on its promise, we need to get serious about infrastructure.
The event brought together a dynamic community focused on turning hydrogen from vision into reality. Not only did the event stand out for its practical, solutions-driven discussions and exceptional networking, but it also highlighted how cross-sector collaboration is key to advancing the hydrogen economy. Hydrogen’s big opportunity—and its hurdle.
Hydrogen can decarbonize hard to abate industries, power long-haul transport, and store renewable energy for when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing.
But the excitement around hydrogen is matched by a sobering reality: without robust infrastructure—reliable grids, advanced power conversion, and clear certification—projects risk delays and uncertainty.
At World Hydrogen Week 2025, I saw firsthand how crucial infrastructure readiness is to unlocking hydrogen investments. The conversations made it clear: leveraging existing assets can speed up deployment and keep costs down. There was a strong consensus that a holistic approach—integrating both electrons and molecules—is essential for real system integration. But what truly stood out was the shared belief that collaboration across sectors and borders isn’t just helpful, it’s the key to making hydrogen a success.
Hitachi Energy: Turning vision into action
Throughout the event we brought together experts and innovators to discuss how infrastructure can unlock hydrogen’s full potential. I had the chance to join a panel on “Infrastructure Readiness: The Cornerstone for Hydrogen FIDs,” where we tackled real-world challenges, most notably:
Are our grids ready for the demands of renewables and hydrogen?
How do we ensure cross-border energy exchange?
Who pays for grid upgrades and how do we build investor confidence?
Building blocks for success
Scaling green hydrogen requires:
- Immense renewable energy buildouts, especially offshore wind
- What we do: Hitachi Energy delivers advanced grid integration solutions and HVDC (high-voltage direct current) systems that connect large-scale renewable generation—onshore and offshore—to the grid. Our expertise ensures reliable, efficient transmission of wind and solar power to hydrogen production sites.
- What does this matter to you? Without robust grid connections, renewable energy can’t reach electrolyzers at scale. Our solutions help unlock the full potential of green hydrogen by making clean energy available where and when it’s needed.
- 🔗 See how we do it
- Stable, harmonics-free electricity for large-scale electrolyzers
- What we do: We provide power quality systems, transformers, and converters designed for the unique demands of electrolyzers. Our technologies ensure stable, harmonics-free electricity—critical for efficient, reliable hydrogen production.
- What does this matter to you? Power disturbances or harmonics can damage sensitive electrolyzer equipment and reduce efficiency. Our solutions protect your investment and maximize hydrogen output.
- 🔗 See how we do it
- Interoperable systems for cross-border energy flows
- What we do: Hitachi Energy enables seamless cross-border energy exchange with digital substations, flexible interconnectors, and advanced control systems. We help ensure interoperability and regulatory compliance for international hydrogen value chains.
- What does this matter to you? Hydrogen’s promise depends on moving energy across regions and borders. Our systems make it possible to scale projects beyond local markets.
- 🔗 See how we do it
- Digital platforms for flexible, intelligent energy management
- What we do: Our digital platforms—like Energy Management Systems (EMS), digital twins, and predictive analytics—enable real-time monitoring, optimization, and predictive maintenance across the hydrogen value chain.
- What does this matter to you? Digitalization de-risks operations, boosts investor confidence, and ensures projects run efficiently and safely from day one.
- 🔗 See how we do it
Miss any of these, and hydrogen’s potential remains out of reach.
From Grid to Stack: a complete approach
Our “Grid-to-Stack” concept at Hitachi Energy means supporting every stage:
Planning: Feasibility studies, digital twins, and advisory services
Construction: Modular grid connections and power quality systems
Operation: Predictive analytics, cybersecurity, and energy management
This end-to-end approach ensures that every link in the hydrogen value chain is strong.
And Digitalization is THE confidence booster
Digital transformation isn’t just a trend—it’s essential. Real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and intelligent energy management help de-risk operations and give investors the confidence to back hydrogen projects.
The bottom line? Infrastructure isn’t just the backbone of hydrogen’s future—it’s the launchpad. As World Hydrogen Week 2025 made clear, the time to invest is now. At Hitachi Energy, we’re proud to help build the systems that will power a net-zero world. Speak with our team today and let’s drive the future of hydrogen, together.
