GHIAA Holds Its 8th General Assembly on the Sidelines of World Hydrogen EXPO / H2 MEET 2025 in Korea
Author: Mikaa (米高) Blugeon-Mered
Senior Researcher on Hydrogen geopolitics, global markets & strategies | Board Member | Strategic Advisor | Serious Games Developer | Author & Public Speaker
Canada Research Chair in Clean Hydrogen
Around ten days ago, on the sidelines of World Hydrogen EXPO / H2 MEET 2025, the 8th General Assembly of the Global Hydrogen Industrial Associations Alliance (GHIAA) was held in the Republic of Korea. The meeting was organized by H2 Korea, a co-founder of the Alliance and its Secretariat since 2021.
This marked the third consecutive year in which the GHIAA General Assembly was convened alongside a major international hydrogen event, reflecting the Alliance’s growing role in connecting national hydrogen associations worldwide.
Rapid Expansion in Membership and Global Reach
GHIAA is currently chaired by the Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA, United States). The Alliance now brings together 30 members from 29 countries, in addition to Hydrogen Europe.
During the 8th General Assembly, GHIAA welcomed several new members:
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GH2 India
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H2 Perú, Asociación Peruana de Hidrógeno
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Vietnam ASEAN Hydrogen Club
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Malaysia Hydrogen Association
This expansion highlights the increasing engagement of emerging and developing economies in hydrogen, as well as the rising demand for structured collaboration among industry associations.
A Practical Exchange Platform for National Hydrogen Associations
Unlike many international forums that focus primarily on high-level policy statements or governmental commitments, GHIAA serves as a hands-on exchange platform for national hydrogen associations, addressing operational and strategic issues rarely discussed elsewhere.
Key topics addressed within GHIAA include:
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How to build and consolidate national hydrogen ecosystems
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Assessments of real market conditions based on on-the-ground industry mapping
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Regulatory, scaling, and industrial support pitfalls to avoid
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Best practices for strengthening and professionalising national hydrogen associations
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Development of practical tools to connect hydrogen suppliers and buyers
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Inter-association cooperation models to accelerate bilateral and multilateral business exchanges
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Strengthening links between research institutions and industry
An Emerging Model of Inter-Associative Industrial Diplomacy
Although GHIAA remains relatively unknown to the general public and even to some hydrogen industry leaders, it is increasingly seen as a valuable observatory of inter-associative industrial diplomacy at the global level.
By operating beyond official governmental narratives, GHIAA offers insights into the real state of hydrogen market development and norm-setting, as experienced by the national associations that work daily to structure the sector.
France’s Participation and the Road Ahead
Within GHIAA, France is represented by France Hydrogène. The General Assembly provides an opportunity for associations from Europe, Asia, the Americas, and other regions to deepen mutual understanding, share experiences, and explore long-term cooperation.
Following the successful organisation of the 2024 GHIAA General Assembly at Hyvolution Paris, the Alliance confirmed its future hosting roadmap:
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Spain will host the General Assembly in 2026
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Hyvolution Paris 2027 will once again host the GHIAA General Assembly, marking the Alliance’s return to France with increased ambition and participation
The Growing Importance of Inter-Associative Cooperation
The evolution of GHIAA demonstrates that inter-associative cooperation is becoming a key pillar of global hydrogen development, complementing governmental diplomacy and corporate partnerships.
As the hydrogen sector remains in an early stage of market formation, maintaining structured, experience-based dialogue among national industry associations is increasingly recognised as essential for accelerating market development, improving policy design, and supporting the long-term growth of the global hydrogen value chain.
