European Hydrogen Week 2025

EU Hydrogen Week 2025

29 Sept – 3 Oct 2025 | Brussels, Belgium

Carlos Javier Navarro Espada

Technical and Policy Advisor, Government of Aragon. Regions representative in HE Board.

GOVERNMENT OF ARAGON

Spain

10 profile visitsSpeaker

Strategic advisor in energy and innovation, expert in hydrogen technologies, and industrial development at regional and European levels.

My organisation

The Government of Aragon is the institution that exercises executive and administrative power in the Autonomous Community of Aragon, Spain. It is responsible for implementing regional laws, managing public services, and promoting the economic, social, and cultural development of the territory. Headed by the President of Aragon and composed of ministries ("departments"), the Government oversees areas such as health, education, finance, industry, social policies, infrastructure, environment, and emergency management. It also represents the community in its relations with the central government of Spain, other autonomous communities, and international institutions. As the main executive authority of the region, the Government of Aragon works to guarantee the well-being of its citizens, the balanced development of its provinces (Zaragoza, Huesca, and Teruel), and the preservation of its historical and cultural identity. The Government of Aragon and Hydrogen The Government of Aragon promotes the use of hydrogen as an energy vector through the Aragon Hydrogen Foundation, which collaborates with companies and research centers to develop projects and strategies such as the Hydrogen Master Plan, and represents the region at Hydrogen Europe. Aragon’s commitment to hydrogen is based on its excellent fit and synergies with the region’s industrial strengths, including its immense potential in renewables, logistics, infrastructure, geostrategic location, and R&D&I teams. The goal is to decarbonize the economy, drive innovation, and position Aragon as a leader throughout the value chain within this strategic sector. Initiatives of the Government of Aragon related to hydrogen Aragon Hydrogen Foundation: The Government of Aragon promoted the creation of this non-profit foundation in 2003, with the support of industry and entities from various sectors. Hydrogen Master Plan: The Foundation, in collaboration with the Government of Aragon, developed the first Hydrogen Master Plan among European regions, which defines the strategic lines and actions for the development of renewable hydrogen in the region. The 2021-2025 Plan is the fourth, following those of 2007, 2012, and 2016. Representation in Hydrogen Europe: The representative of the European regions on the Hydrogen Europe Board of Directors is the one proposed by the Government of Aragon in 2022 and re-elected in June 2025, thus promoting public-private collaboration at the European level. The representative of Aragon on the Board of Directors of Hydrogen Europe is Javier Navarro Espada, trustee and deputy to the President of the Aragon Hydrogen Foundation, representative at the Regional Pillar of Hydrogen Europe, and a member of the Hydrogen Think Tank created by Sedigas (the Spanish gas sector employers' association), among other support roles in institutions involved in this field in which Aragon participates. Project promotion: The Government declares as projects of regional interest those related to the production and use of hydrogen. As an indicator of Aragon’s potential, and without being exhaustive, currently 17% of the projects financed by the European Hydrogen Bank across Europe are based in Aragon, and the Aragon Hydrogen Foundation is the entity participating in the most Hydrogen Valleys in all of Europe. Participation in international events: Aragon has expressed its commitment to hydrogen at international forums such as the European Hydrogen Week in Brussels and the Dubai Climate Summit (COP28), and among many other events, hosted the WHEC 2016 (World Hydrogen Energy Conference) and the first edition of the European Hydrogen Energy Conference held in Spain (EHEC 2005), among many other events. Objectives and strategies Decarbonization: Promote the adoption of hydrogen as an essential tool for the decarbonization of the economy. Competitiveness: Increase the competitiveness and future projection of Aragonese companies through collaboration, innovation, and the development of products and services related to the entire hydrogen value chain. Renewable Hydrogen: Promote the use of hydrogen produced from renewable energy sources (wind and solar) to achieve climate neutrality. Energy Sovereignty: Strengthen energy sovereignty through the development of mature technology and the reduction of hydrogen production costs.
Read more

About me

With over 38 years in public service, Carlos Javier Navarro Espada has led top-level roles in industry, energy, and environmental administration. He holds a Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering, complemented by advanced training in environmental management, risk prevention, and executive leadership. For more than 22 years, he served as Director General of Industry for the Government of Aragón, driving key initiatives in industrial development and energy transition.

His work in renewable energy began in 1992, and in 2003 he became one of the pioneers of hydrogen technologies in Spain. He played a central role in founding the Fundación Hidrógeno Aragón, where he served as Vice President for 16 years. Today, he is Advisor to its Presidency, ensuring strategic alignment with regional policies. He has shaped four Regional Hydrogen Master Plans and contributed to European hydrogen strategies. He also advises on strategic investments and innovation projects with cross-border relevance.

Since 2022, he has represented Aragón on the Board of Hydrogen Europe. In 2025, he was re-elected until 2028, a recognition of his leadership and continued impact in the sector

My organisation

GOVERNMENT OF ARAGON

Social media

Skills

  • Strategic public policy advisor
  • Expert in hydrogen technologies
  • High-level public administration
  • Board member Hydrogen Europe
  • Industrial policy development
  • Experience in EU hydrogen valleys
  • Advisor in regional innovation
  • Technical standardization expert
  • Cross-border collaboration expert
  • Public-private partnership builder

Interests

  • Hydrogen Technologies
  • Industrial Innovation
  • Public policy strategy
  • European Cooperation
  • Environmental protection
  • Cross-Border Projects
  • sustainable industry
  • EU hydrogen initiatives
  • Public-private synergy
  • regional development

Speaker sessions (1)

Wednesday, 1 October 2025

10:20 - 11:20

Hydrogen Valleys: regions meet industry Event

Location:B2B Forum - Silver HallTrack:B2BForum