Europe’s energy sector is in the midst of a fundamental shift as governments, utilities, and technology providers accelerate the transition toward cleaner, decentralised energy systems. Among the most promising developments is the emergence of virtual hydrogen power plant platforms, which combine digital coordination with hydrogen-based generation and storage. These platforms are transforming the way energy is produced, distributed, and consumed across the region.
Traditional VPPs utilise advanced software to coordinate distributed renewable assets, such as solar, wind, and batteries, thereby balancing supply and demand in real-time. By incorporating hydrogen, these platforms gain a versatile and scalable energy carrier. Hydrogen enables surplus renewable power to be stored, stabilises grids, and provides backup during peak demand, strengthening Europe’s efforts to decarbonise while building system resilience.
Digital technologies underpin this evolution. IoT-enabled monitoring and advanced analytics allow operators to forecast energy flows, optimise hydrogen use, and orchestrate resources across multiple sites. Artificial intelligence adds another layer of efficiency by analysing consumption patterns, weather forecasts, and market signals to optimise dispatch. These innovations lower operational costs while enabling responsiveness that traditional grids cannot match.
Policy support is driving momentum. The European Union’s Green Deal and Hydrogen Strategy offer regulatory clarity and funding, while national programs in Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain are investing in pilots and infrastructure. Together, these efforts are transitioning virtual hydrogen platforms from early experiments to commercially viable solutions that can support Europe’s climate ambitions.
The convergence of hydrogen’s flexibility with digital coordination positions these platforms as a cornerstone of Europe’s energy future. Beyond helping to decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors, they showcase how digitalisation and clean energy can combine to deliver a more sustainable and reliable grid.
This edition features perspectives from Marcos Matijasevich, Head of Low Carbon Transition, Essar Oil (UK) and Dr. Tryggvi Thor Herbertsson, Global Head of Hydrogen Strategy and Partnership, QAIR Group. Their insights shed light on the opportunities and challenges facing the sector, offering valuable guidance for industry leaders navigating this transition. We hope these valuable insights featured in this edition will assist you in making informed decisions for your businesses.
