The Hydrogen Hustle: Europe’s Makers Fight Back

Leading electrolyser manufacturers form the E4E coalition, urging the EU to back "Made in Europe" standards before global competitors close the gap

17 Apr 2026

Europe’s hydrogen pioneers are tired of waiting for the market to catch up to their ambition. In a rare show of unity, six of the continent’s biggest electrolyser manufacturers recently launched Electrolysers for Europe. This coalition, featuring names like ITM Power and Thyssenkrupp Nucera, is no longer asking nicely for a level playing field. They are demanding that Brussels protect the industry before it follows the same path as the decimated European solar sector.

The math behind their frustration is simple. Since 2020, these companies have boosted production capacity tenfold. Yet, while the factories are ready, the actual deployment on the ground is stalling. The European Union is currently missing its own installation targets by a wide margin. Over fifty projects were scrapped in the last year and a half alone, leaving manufacturers with empty order books and expensive overhead.

The group’s manifesto focuses on three pillars: local procurement rules, faster permitting, and real incentives to get projects financed. They want a "Made in Europe" stamp to carry actual weight in funding decisions. This is not just about pride; it is about survival against Chinese competitors who benefit from massive state subsidies and lower energy costs. China is closing the gap at a pace that has European executives looking over their shoulders.

There is a lot at stake for the regional economy. The coalition estimates that a thriving domestic sector could generate 200 billion euros in export revenue and support a million jobs by 2040. However, those numbers remain purely theoretical if the policy landscape does not change. As the European Commission prepares to revise its hydrogen strategy, the industry is making its final stand.

The message from the manufacturers is clear. Europe can either lead the clean industrial revolution or end up importing it. This year will determine if the continent remains a global powerhouse or becomes just another customer for foreign technology.