Europe’s Hydrogen Alliance Takes Shape

Hopium and Pegase plan hydrogen systems to power Europe’s hospitals, ports, and data hubs

28 Oct 2025

French hydrogen developer Hopium and engineering firm Pegase System are in talks to establish a joint venture aimed at providing hydrogen-based power systems for hospitals, data centres, and maritime operations across Europe.

Announced in early October, the discussions mark a strategic shift for Hopium, which is known for its high-performance hydrogen fuel cells designed for vehicles. The company is expanding into stationary energy systems, a move it says will allow hydrogen to play a broader role in Europe’s clean-energy transition.

Pegase System, which specialises in power electronics and system integration, plans to design modular hydrogen units for practical deployment. The partnership reflects a growing trend among hydrogen technology companies to diversify beyond transport as adoption in that sector advances more slowly than expected.

“Hopium’s strategic pivot mirrors a key industry evolution,” said Julien Moreau, an energy analyst at H2 Europe Insights. “Hydrogen technology is moving from the prototype phase into scalable, practical applications.”

Hydrogen-based energy systems are seen as particularly suited to sectors that require constant, low-carbon power supply. Hospitals need reliable backup generation, data centres depend on stable electricity, and ports face pressure to cut emissions. Fuel-cell systems can meet these needs while producing only water vapour as a byproduct.

The potential venture aligns with the European Union’s broader ambition to build a self-sufficient hydrogen economy and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels. EU governments have pledged billions of euros to support hydrogen production, storage, and infrastructure.

However, industry experts note that the technology still faces challenges, including high production costs and limited distribution networks. By combining Hopium’s fuel-cell expertise with Pegase’s engineering experience, the partners aim to deliver one of Europe’s first integrated hydrogen power platforms.

If realised, the collaboration could signal a shift in how hydrogen contributes to Europe’s energy system, less as a transport fuel and more as a foundation for clean, reliable electricity in critical infrastructure.