The fund, led by Aster Capital, will support the development of key technologies and the emergence of Europe’s future hydrogen champions.
UFI HYDROGEN, a company of the UFI Group specializing in the development of innovative technologies across the green hydrogen value chain, has become a partner in the first European Technology Fund entirely dedicated to hydrogen.
The new Hydrogen Tech Fund, led by Aster Capital, aims to raise €150 million to support startups and technology companies active throughout the hydrogen value chain—from production via electrolysis (in its various configurations: PEM, AEM, SOEC, and alkaline/ALK) to technologies for storage, electrochemical compression, purification, distribution, and blending/deblending with existing networks.
The fund will also support the development of fuel cells for mobility and stationary applications, as well as solutions for converting hydrogen into high-value derivatives such as e-fuels, synthetic methane, and e-chemicals. Its goal is to accelerate the industrial scalability of the European hydrogen ecosystem, fostering the emergence of technology leaders and new integrated, competitive value chains along the entire pathway from green electrons to molecules.
“With over 35 billion dollars invested in low-carbon hydrogen over the past year,” said Marco Lazzaroni, CEO of UFI HYDROGEN, “the hydrogen sector is entering a phase of accelerated growth. The adoption of the EU’s RED III Directive has further strengthened this momentum by setting binding targets for the use of renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs). By 2030, at least 42% of the hydrogen used in industry and 5.5% of transport fuels must come from renewable hydrogen or its derivatives, including e-fuels.”
This regulatory clarity provides a solid framework for the expansion of green hydrogen, opening up opportunities in hard-to-abate sectors such as aviation (e-SAF), maritime transport (e-methanol), and heavy mobility (e-diesel). At the same time, the hydrogen value chain is rapidly evolving into a strategic industrial ecosystem.
“The new technology fund promoted by Aster Capital represents a unique opportunity to create a European hydrogen value chain capable of competing on a global scale,” continued Marco Lazzaroni. “Our company will contribute expertise and strategic vision, drawing on consolidated know-how in the development of MEA – membrane electrode assembly – technologies, the core engine of an integrated green hydrogen industrial ecosystem.”
“Aster has been investing for over 20 years in technologies driving the energy and industrial transition,” said Fabio Lancellotti, Partner at Aster Capital. “We are at a crucial moment to accelerate funding for the most promising technologies across the hydrogen, low-carbon molecules, and derivatives value chain, to equip European and international industries with the tools for a sustainable transition—especially in hard-to-abate sectors.”
Luigi Crema, President of Hydrogen Europe Research, commented: “Europe’s competitiveness depends on its ability to bring advanced, high-performance technologies to market. Investing in innovation today means strengthening industry, creating value and jobs, and consolidating Europe’s scientific excellence in the hydrogen sector.”
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