Ways to accelerate hydrogen technology investments and applications are sought at the University of Tartu’s Hydrogen Day

The University of Tartu Institute of Chemistry invites all interested to the eighth Hydrogen Day titled “Hydrogen Now: Accelerating Investments and Applications”, starting on 18 October at 9:00. The event is held in the University of Tartu Physicum (W. Ostwaldi 1), lecture hall 106.

In the rapidly developing renewable energy market, it is increasingly important to diversify energy storage options. According to Ove Oll, a Research Fellow in Physical Chemistry at the University of Tartu, green hydrogen is one of the best solutions for preventing energy production losses, stabilising electricity prices and promoting the domestic energy economy. “The application of hydrogen as a raw material for the chemical industry, as a fuel for heavy transport or as a source of backup energy will help us achieve climate goals while ensuring the competitiveness of the local economy and reducing dependence on fossil resources from third countries,” Oll explained.

Besides international developments, this year’s conference discusses the tangible new hydrogen technology applications in Estonia. For example, Alexela will open two public hydrogen filling stations at the beginning of next year, making hydrogen more accessible to the transport sector.

Several experts in the field will speak at the Hydrogen Day. Opening addresses will be delivered by Toomas Asser, Rector of the University of Tartu, and Indrek Tulp, Head of the Applied Research Center at AS Metrosert. Antti Arasto, an expert at the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, gives an overview of the opportunities and challenges of implementing the hydrogen strategy. Martins Brinins from MP Industries OÜ, a company developing renewable energy and green hydrogen solutions, shares practical experiences on hydrogen production and applications. Assistant Professor Allan Niidu of the Virumaa College of Tallinn University of Technology talks about hydrogen-related collaboration opportunities in the context of transitioning to a more sustainable economic model in Ida-Viru County.

Besides research and technology topics, the Hydrogen Day features discussions on the role of Estonia and other Baltic countries in developing hydrogen technologies and integrating them into industrial processes. A panel discussion chaired by Marek Alliksoo, the Hydrogen Valley Estonia consortium representative, addresses the importance of hydrogen in ensuring energy security.

Participation in the Hydrogen Day is free, but pre-registration is required. The first part of the conference is in English, the second in Estonian. Simultaneous interpretation into English is provided during the Estonian part. The presentations can also be followed in Zoom.

Hydrogen Day is organised by the University of Tartu Institute of Chemistry in cooperation with Hydrogen Valley Estonia and the Applied Research Center of AS Metrosert.

The agenda and registration information are available on the websites of the University of Tartu and Hydrogen Valley Estonia.

Further information and media queries: Organisers of UT Hydrogen Day

Ove Oll, Research Fellow in Physical Chemistry, University of Tartu, ove.oll@ut.ee

Ly Lepik, Project Manager, Hydrogen Valley Estonia, ly.lepik@h2est.ee