Alicja Szemalikowska, BEng, MSc, a specialist in the Primary Processes Research Group at Łukasiewicz – GIT, attended Hydrogen Week in Brussels as a representative of the Silesian-Małopolska Hydrogen Valley and the Institute. The event provided an opportunity to explore the latest developments in hydrogen technologies, follow current market discussions and exchange experiences with representatives of the European hydrogen sector.
Hydrogen is considered one of the key elements of the energy transition, particularly in industrial sectors where reducing greenhouse gas emissions remains a major challenge. These include the steel and metallurgical industries, which are seeking technologies to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and lower the carbon footprint of production.
This is one of the areas of research pursued at Łukasiewicz – GIT. Alicja Szemalikowska works in the Primary Processes Research Group, which focuses on issues related to the use of hydrogen in metallurgical processes. An important research direction involves investigating the effects of hydrogen on materials and industrial processes, as well as assessing how materials behave when exposed to hydrogen.
Participation in Hydrogen Week also provided an opportunity to view the Institute’s research activities in a broader European context. Discussions during the event addressed ways to scale up hydrogen use, market development conditions, investment and the challenges involved in implementing low-emission technologies. Particular attention was paid to industrial decarbonisation, including the steel and metallurgical sectors.
For Łukasiewicz – GIT, participation in events of this kind offers an opportunity to compare its research priorities with the needs and expectations of European industry. It also creates opportunities to establish contacts and develop cooperation that can accelerate the implementation of hydrogen-based solutions.
