Over the past ten years, the hydrogen sector has developed at remarkable speed: research and early pilot projects have been joined by industrial applications in energy, transport and storage, while new value chains and markets are taking shape. Tartu Hydrogen Days has served as a meeting place for this progress, bringing together researchers, businesses, policymakers and the next generation of hydrogen professionals.
The programme of the 10th Tartu Hydrogen Days traces this journey through the past, present and future. The first day looks back at the development of the sector, its early pilot projects and key lessons, presents today’s industrial applications and explores how scientific advances reach the market. The second day looks ahead to the opportunities offered by next-generation electrolysis and materials science, the role of informed local communities and long-term strategy, and the ideas brought forward by a new generation.
“From Molecules to Markets” captures this entire journey – from scientific foundations to solutions already in use and the next stage of development.
The conference will take place on October 8–9 at the University of Tartu Physicum and Library. Come celebrate an important milestone with us and take part in the region’s most influential energy conference!
Register for the conference:
Please fill out the form below to secure your participation in this important event. The organizer reserves the right to make changes to the schedule.
Important information:
Day 1 of the conference is in Estonian, with English interpretation.
Day 2 of the conference is in Estonian; the EXPO is in Estonian and English.
View the agenda:
Day 1: 08.10.2026
The Past and Present of Hydrogen
Focus: Knowledge base and past achievements
Location: UT Physicum (W. Ostwaldi 1)
Day 1 of the conference is in Estonian, with English interpretation.
SCHEDULE AND SESSIONS
11:30–12:00 | Arrival and welcome coffee
Registration in the atrium of the Physicum.
Opening remarks: Formal opening remarks will be delivered by Toomas Asser, Rector of the University of Tartu.
12:00–13:30 | SESSION I: Historical overview and 10 years of development
How Tartu and Estonia made it onto the hydrogen technology map. The first pilot projects and lessons learned.
- Keynote speaker: Enn Lust – Professor of Physical Chemistry at the University of Tartu.
Academician Enn Lust is one of Estonia’s most influential energy technology scientists and a long-standing driver of hydrogen research. He is Professor and Head of the Chair of Physical Chemistry at the University of Tartu, has published more than 420 scientific papers, supervised 50 of doctoral and many master’s theses and received two Estonian national research awards. His work spans electrochemistry, energy storage, supercapacitors, fuel cells and hydrogen technologies, connecting internationally recognised research with practical technology development and Estonia’s long-term energy choices.
- Enn Õunpuu (Elcogen AS)
- Kaido Tammeveski (University of Tartu)
- Priit Ilomets (Hydrogen Valley Estonia / AS Metrosert)
13:45–14:15 | Networking coffee break
Discussions on the topics of the first session.
14:15–15:45 | SESSION II: Current state and industrial application
Ongoing projects in Estonia and around the world (energy, transport, storage). Cooperation with the private sector – hydrogen as a real fuel.
- Keynote speaker: Adwin Martens – Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of WaterstofNet.
Adwin Martens has helped shape the Benelux hydrogen ecosystem from its earliest stages. He founded WaterstofNet in 2009 and led the organisation for fourteen years, initiating and supporting dozens of pioneering demonstration projects and building an ecosystem of more than 150 industrial partners. As Chief Strategy Officer, he now focuses on the partnerships and projects needed to turn hydrogen strategies into industrial deployment. His experience offers a practical view of what it takes to move from individual pilot projects to a functioning hydrogen ecosystem.
- Craig M. Knight (Co-Founder, Horizon Fuel Cell, HYZON Inc.)
- Riinu Härmas (Destiny Energy)
16:00–17:30 | SESSION III: From science to market
Panel discussion and debates with speakers on the commercialization of scientific achievements.
- Keynote speaker: Aivars Starikovs – Board Member of Hydrogen Europe and the Latvian Hydrogen Association.
Aivars Starikovs is one of the Baltic region’s most experienced hydrogen leaders. Almost 20 years in the sector, he has worked at the intersection of policy, infrastructure, research and market deployment. He also advises the President of the Latvian Academy of Sciences on energy and alternative fuels. His experience spans international cooperation, hydrogen infrastructure business plans and joint procurement initiatives for fuel-cell buses, giving him a hands-on perspective on how regional ambitions can be turned into investable and deployable projects.
- Kush Chadha (PowerUP Fuel Cells OÜ)
- Rainer Küngas (Stargate Hydrogen Solutions OÜ)
- Bodo Groß (Saarländische Wasserstoffagentur GmbH)
Day 2: 09.10.2026
The Future of Hydrogen and EXPO
Focus: Innovation and practical solutions
Location: UT Library
Day 2 of the conference is in Estonian; the EXPO is in Estonian and English.
SCHEDULE AND SESSIONS
09:30–10:00 | Morning coffee
Gathering in the library’s conference hall.
Opening remarks: Formal opening remarks will be delivered by Urmas Klaas, Mayor of Tartu.
10:00–11:30 | SESSION IV: Future technologies
Next-generation electrolysis and materials science.
- Keynote speaker: Ove Oll – Research Fellow in Physical Chemistry, University of Tartu.
Ove Oll is a physical chemist whose work focuses on technologies shaping the transition towards a low-carbon energy system. His research spans electrochemistry, hydrogen technologies, energy storage and conversion, as well as new methods for extracting and producing rare-earth metals—critical materials for many next-generation technologies. Alongside his research, he has played an active role in bringing science, business and public discussion together around hydrogen and future energy solutions in Estonia. His expertise includes emerging energy technologies, their practical applications and the scientific advances needed to move them from the laboratory into wider use.
- Jüri-Mikk Udam (Utilitas OÜ)
- Silver Sepp (H2Electro OÜ)
- Ilona Oja Acik (Tallinn University of Technology)
11:45–13:15 | SESSION V: Aware local communities, strategy, and policy
How to reach a functioning hydrogen economy through engagement and strategies?
- Keynote speaker: Elo Ellermaa – Head of the Public Relations Department, Estonian Ministry of Finance.
Elo Ellermaa is an experienced communications strategist whose career spans journalism, the energy sector and strategic advisory. As a long-time journalist and news presenter at Estonian Public Broadcasting, she developed a strong understanding of how complex issues gain public attention and become meaningful to wider audiences. She has since worked in communications at Elering, Ignitis Estonia and META Advisory. Her expertise includes strategic communication, marketing and engaging informed communities around complex topics and emerging technologies. Additionally, she has extensive hands-on experience in crisis communication – ranging from developing crisis communication plans and conducting specialized training to managing real-time crisis situations.
- Hele-Mai Metsal (Tallinna Sadam) projects H2Value ja H2Deri@BSP
- Kaspars Liepins (H2 Latvia) project HYCODUQ
- Hans-Markus Kalmer (Ministry of Climate)
13:15–14:30 | Lunch and the official opening of the EXPO
14:30–15:30 | Student competition final
On October 7th, Student Day will feature a hydrogen hackathon co-organized by the University of Tartu and TalTech. Talented young students will tackle practical hydrogen technology challenges to bring fresh ideas and youthful R&D energy to the entire sector. The top solutions and student projects developed during the hackathon will be presented and evaluated at the conference’s final competition.
- Pitching: Each team has 3 minutes to present their solution.
- Voting: Participants vote via an app or with paper ballots.
- Winner’s presentation: The best team presents their full solution (15 min).
15:30–15:45 | Stretch break
Coffee and a final energy boost before the end of the EXPO.
15:30–17:00 | EXPO visiting time and demo presentations
For questions regarding the conference, please contact Ly Lepik:
ly.lepik@metrosert.ee
+372 5359 7656
Organizers
