The World Hydrogen Summit in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, saw a pivotal keynote from Werner Ponikwar, CEO of thyssenkrupp nucera, as he delivered a candid and sobering assessment of the green hydrogen (H₂) industry’s present state and future potential. With clarity and conviction, Ponikwar offered a powerful call for realism, accountability, and focused investment in proven technologies—particularly electrolysis—during a time of shifting expectations and intensified scrutiny.

Ponikwar opened his address by acknowledging the changing tone around green H₂. Once hailed as a universal solution to the energy transition, he declared bluntly: “The hype around green H₂ is over.” He noted that earlier projections of over 5 terawatts of electrolyzer demand within 10 yr to 15 yr were unrealistic and called for an end to “wishful thinking.”

Instead, he emphasized the importance of making grounded decisions based on technological readiness and market needs. “We’ve entered a new phase of reality,” he said, highlighting the need to scale what actually delivers results rather than continuing to chase speculative ambitions.

Electrolysis as the backbone of decarbonization. Despite tempering expectations, Ponikwar underscored his enduring belief in the transformative potential of green H₂—particularly when generated via electrolysis. He pointed to the more than 100 MMtpy of gray H₂ produced using fossil fuels and the minimum of 1,000 gigawatts of electrolyzer capacity needed to replace that with green H₂.

While acknowledging current project delays and cancellations, he insisted that electrolysis remains a cornerstone of any viable long-term strategy for industrial decarbonization. “We all need a sustainable future, and the decarbonization of industries is essential to achieving that,” he said.

The pragmatic path forward. A central theme in Ponikwar’s speech was pragmatism. He argued that governments and industry leaders must prioritize technologies that are scalable, adaptable, and capable of delivering measurable climate benefits. Electrolysis, he noted, offers inherent flexibility—it can start with less-than-perfect green inputs and still transition to fully renewable sources later without overhauling the infrastructure.

“Electrolyzers play a pivotal role in enhancing energy security, reducing imports, and achieving our decarbonization goals,” Ponikwar explained. He cited the development of H₂ supply chains independent of fossil fuels as key to Europe’s energy sovereignty and resilience.

Addressing calls for technological neutrality in policy circles, particularly within the context of the EU’s Clean Industrial Deal, Ponikwar issued a strong counterpoint. While supporting openness to innovation, he cautioned against equating all technologies—especially fossil-based ones—as equally viable.

“The call for technology neutrality implies that all high-tech technologies are equally viable. But in practice, it becomes evident that certain approaches…do not contribute equally to our climate and economic goals.” He stressed that public funds should support those technologies that demonstrate scalable and sustainable impact.

thyssenkrupp nucera’s active role. Ponikwar also highlighted thyssenkrupp nucera’s contributions to decarbonization projects already underway. These include collaborations on CO₂-free steel production and the development of low-carbon synthetic fuels, both of which rely heavily on clean H₂ as a feedstock.

“Ultimately, the color of H₂ is not the issue,” he concluded. “It’s about massively scaling up the technologies that we aim to rely on in the long term.”

Ponikwar’s keynote did more than frame the state of the H₂ industry—it reset expectations. In urging the industry to prioritize practical impact over lofty promises, he carved out a vision rooted in technological rigor and long-term sustainability. As Europe and the world navigate the next phase of the energy transition, his message echoed with a powerful clarity: green H₂’s success depends not on blind optimism, but on bold pragmatism.