“Developing hydrogen production methods strengthens energy security” – European Hydrogen Research Award to Filipp Temerov
The the Young Hydrogen Scientist Award 2025 was awarded to University of Oulu’s researcher Dr. Filipp Temerov at a ceremony on 24 November, during the Clean Hydrogen Partnership Research Days in Brussels.
Hydrogen Europe Research (HER) is the European association representing the research community within the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, a key EU public–private initiative supporting research and innovation to accelerate the development of clean hydrogen technologies. Through this platform, Europe unites universities, research organizations, and industry to deliver the next generation of hydrogen solutions aligned with the EU’s Green Deal and REPowerEU objectives.
Temerov has an extensive understanding of the state of hydrogen research in Europe. He sees the urgent need for new solutions not only for civilian life but also from a security perspective: “Developing alternative methods for hydrogen production enhances society’s energy resilience and security.”
However, the hydrogen production methods becoming common in hydrogen production plants require enormous amounts of energy. At the University of Oulu, various methods are being developed to produce hydrogen cleanly and with low electricity consumption, such as using a solar hydrogen reactor.
"For example, we are currently developing printable solar hydrogen films that are prevented from freezing by antifreeze," Temerov mentions. A solar hydrogen panel resembles a normal solar panel, but it contains water. Water molecules are broken down into hydrogen and oxygen directly by sunlight, without electricity.
In addition to the new recognition, Temerov was recently selected as a Cross-Border Ambassador within the European Commission’s Border Focal Point Network, representing Finland and the Arctic region. This appointment highlights his role in fostering cross-border cooperation and innovation across the Nordic region.
“These recognitions are not just about individual achievement, but about demonstrating how high-impact hydrogen research can emerge from the Arctic North,” says Temerov. “The University of Oulu provides an exceptional environment with strong research infrastructure, open collaboration culture, and active participation in European networks such as Hydrogen Europe Research and the Clean Hydrogen Partnership. This makes it possible to turn bold ideas into real technological progress.”
Dr. Temerov leads the H2BRIDGE project (Interreg Aurora), which develops scalable photocatalytic printed panels for solar hydrogen production. The project connects partners from Finland and Sweden (Luleå University of Technology), aiming to make hydrogen generation more efficient, local, and sustainable—especially under Nordic light conditions. An important element of H2BRIDGE is its inclusive, community-oriented approach, engaging with Sámi communities to explore how clean energy technologies can be developed in harmony with Arctic livelihoods and cultures.
He also coordinates the Hydrogen Future as a Climate Change Solution H2FUTURE (Research Council of Finland) programme at the University of Oulu, a research initiative which brings together experts across disciplines to advance hydrogen technologies and sustainable steelmaking. Through this initiative, the University of Oulu contributes to building Finland’s and Europe’s hydrogen competence from fundamental science to industrial innovation.
The University of Oulu has become one of the key research hubs for hydrogen and green transition technologies in Northern Europe. The university coordinates more than 60 hydrogen-related projects with a total funding volume exceeding 64 million euros. These projects cover the full hydrogen value chain — from production and storage to utilization, materials, circular economy, and education.
With state-of-the-art research infrastructure, active participation in European research networks and strong collaboration with industry and regional partners, the University of Oulu is uniquely positioned to shape the future of sustainable energy in the Arctic and beyond.