Companies and individuals driving progress in the hydrogen sector were recognised at the World Hydrogen Awards 2026, held in Rotterdam alongside the opening day of the World Hydrogen Summit & Exhibition at the Ahoy Rotterdam complex.

The event celebrates innovation and leadership across the global hydrogen economy.

Winners were selected through a two-stage process, with nominations reviewed and shortlisted by the World Hydrogen Advisory Board, followed by a public vote that attracted more than 3,000 participants.

 The awards span seven categories covering technology, infrastructure, transport, leadership and system integration.

A major winner was REFHYNE 2, a 100-megawatt proton-exchange membrane electrolyser located at the Shell Energy and Chemicals Park Rheinland in Germany.

The project secured both the Clean Hydrogen Project and Industrial Application awards, recognising its role in advancing large-scale renewable hydrogen production and its application within refinery operations.

Individual recognition went to Priya Aryabhumi of Shell, named Future Hydrogen Leader for her work on the Holland Hydrogen I project.

The Hydrogen Transport award was presented to Air Products for its development of liquid hydrogen transport infrastructure, supporting expanding mobility and logistics applications.

The Port of Rotterdam was named Port of the Future for its efforts in establishing hydrogen import, distribution and bunkering capabilities.

The Person of the Year award was presented to Beau Broen of New Energy Coalition for his contribution to hydrogen development.

In addition, Valmet Automation and Nordic Ren-Gas jointly received the System Innovator award for advancing integration of hydrogen technologies across energy systems.

Organisers said the awards reflect accelerating global momentum in hydrogen development as governments and industry seek scalable solutions to support energy transition goals.

 The three-day summit is expected to bring together more than 10,000 delegates, focusing on stimulating hydrogen demand and strengthening its role in global energy security.

Chris Hugall, World Hydrogen Summit Event Director, said: “The World Hydrogen Awards mark the end of a busy and successful first day of the World Hydrogen Summit in Rotterdam. Celebrating outstanding achievements and innovation from those leading the transition to a cleaner future, the awards recognise the organisations, projects and individuals who are truly making a difference in the hydrogen economy. We want to extend our congratulations to each of the award winners, alongside the other finalists, who have all demonstrated drive, vision and ambition for the future of our industry.”

Chris continued: “The Summit has brought together governments, industry leaders, investors and innovators from across the globe to discuss how hydrogen technologies are progressing and the critical role they will play in accelerating the global energy transition, and we look forward to seeing how the conversations started here in Rotterdam will help shape hydrogen projects around the world.” -OGN/ TradeArabia News Service