Collaboration Is Key: Why the Hydrogen Supply Chain Needs Specialist Manufacturers

Photo Credit: Laura Mueller

Published: 20th February 2026 | Issue 103

As hydrogen projects move from pilot schemes to large-scale deployment, one message is becoming increasingly clear: successful hydrogen infrastructure cannot be delivered in silos. Collaboration across the entire value chain is essential and specialist manufacturers, including valve and actuator experts, play a critical role far earlier in the project lifecycle than is often recognised.

Hydrogen presents unique technical and operational challenges. Issues such as embrittlement, leakage, extreme pressures and stringent safety requirements mean that components cannot simply be “adapted” from conventional applications. Early involvement from specialist suppliers is therefore vital to ensure systems are designed with the realities of hydrogen service in mind from the outset. For valve and actuator manufacturers, this means contributing expertise during concept and design phases, rather than being engaged only at the procurement stage.

Industry forums play a key role in enabling this collaboration, and Hydrogen Technology World Expo has established itself as a focal point for the global hydrogen community. Taking place from October 20–22, 2026 at Hamburg Messe, Germany, the event brings together the entire hydrogen value chain, from technology developers and EPCs to component manufacturers and end users. As the world’s largest hydrogen trade fair, it provides a rare environment where meaningful technical conversations can happen across disciplines and sectors.

Hydrogen Technology World Expo: https://www.hydrogen-worldexpo.com/

Photo Credit: Laura Mueller

What sets the event apart is not simply its scale, but the quality of personnel in attendance rather than sheer quantity. Engineers, decision-makers and technical specialists come with a shared focus on problem-solving, collaboration and advancing hydrogen technologies safely and efficiently. For specialist manufacturers, this creates an ideal setting to engage with partners, exchange knowledge and position themselves at the heart of future hydrogen projects.

What This Means for BVAA Members

For BVAA members, the shift towards greater collaboration in hydrogen projects highlights the value of early engagement and specialist expertise. As the sector develops, valve and actuator manufacturers have an opportunity to move beyond a traditional supplier role and position themselves as trusted technical partners within the hydrogen value chain. Early involvement with OEMs and EPCs allows members to influence design decisions, demonstrate their capabilities and build stronger, long-term relationships in this rapidly growing market.

For BVAA members, this shift represents both a challenge and an opportunity. It demands deeper engagement with project partners and a proactive role within the supply chain, but it also reinforces the value of specialist knowledge, engineering capability and manufacturing excellence. In a rapidly developing sector, trusted expertise is as critical as technology itself.

As the hydrogen economy continues to evolve, collaboration will remain the cornerstone of progress and specialist manufacturers will be central to making it work.

This year, the BVAA is proud to be exhibiting on Stand 5F46.

British Valve and Actuator Association

Telephone:	01295 221270
Email:	enquiry@bvaa.org.uk
Website:	www.bvaa.org.uk
	More information on the British Valve and Actuator Association BVAA Member Directory Page