LAUNCH2 targets hydrogen supply chain

The LAUNCH2 alliance was unveiled during the World Hydrogen Summit & Exhibition 2026 in Rotterdam, bringing together the Port of Rotterdam Authority, the municipalities of Rotterdam and Schiedam, the Province of South Holland, InnovationQuarter, TU Delft, TNO and Smart Delta Drechtsteden.

It’s an initiative which aims to support companies developing projects across the hydrogen supply chain by improving access to knowledge, testing facilities, partners and port infrastructure.

Better network

LAUNCH2 has been established to strengthen the regional hydrogen network and accelerate the wider energy transition in the Rotterdam port cluster.

The programme will connect companies, public authorities and knowledge institutions while supporting innovation and industrial scale-up projects designed to reinforce Rotterdam’s position as a European hydrogen hub.

Among the projects already supported through the initiative is the FLIE-SubZero Rotterdam pilot hall for industrial electrification. LAUNCH2 is also backing the development of a circular iron fuel facility by RIFT in Rotterdam, with InnovationQuarter providing funding through the Rotterdam Energy Transition Fund.

Earlier this month, RIFT selected the Port of Rotterdam for a commercial-scale circular iron fuel production facility using low-carbon hydrogen to convert iron oxide into reusable industrial fuel.

The development adds to wider alternative fuel activity across Rotterdam, including expanding hydrogen infrastructure, industrial decarbonisation projects and investment in low-carbon energy systems supporting Europe’s long-term energy transition.