Fueling the Future with Hydrogen: An Interview with Dr. Veziroglu

Biography

Ayfer Veziroglu has graduated from the Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey, with a B.S. Degree in International Business in 1999. Subsequently, she enrolled at the Industrial Engineering Department of the University of Miami, U.S.A., and graduated with an M.S. Degree in Management of Technology in 2004. She pursued her Doctorate in Hydrogen Powered Transportation Systems and received her Ph.D. from the Instituto Superior Técnico, Lisbon, Portugal, in 2013. Her Ph.D. Thesis involved a strategy for acceptance of hydrogen energy in the transport sector. Utilizing the System Dynamics Modelling, she investigated the three major countries of the world, i.e., U.S.A., China, and India as for the introduction of hydrogen powered transportation.
Dr. Ayfer Veziroglu has authored and/or co-authored forty-eight publications, including 20 papers in peer reviewed journals, 19 papers in conference proceedings, one book chapter, and five books, and edited and/or co-edited three conference proceedings, all mostly on hydrogen energy. She has also given several invited talks at conferences and universities.
For the last fifteen years, Dr. Ayfer Veziroglu has been contributing to the International Association for Hydrogen Energy (IAHE) in various capacities, as the IAHE Comptroller since 2002, as the Trustee and Financial Officer for the IAHE-TNV-Trust since 2007 and as the IAHE Board Director (USA) since 2009, also Executive Vice President and assisting Dr. V with his Presidential Duties for the last few years.

 

 

• Future: You’ve been a prominent voice in the hydrogen energy field for years. How do you envision the global hydrogen economy evolving over the next decade?

Dr. Veziroglu: Over the next decade, we will witness significant changes as hydrogen becomes essential to global decarbonization efforts. With climate change effects intensifying, countries rich in solar and wind resources are likely to emerge as key hydrogen suppliers. Improvements in technology and cost reductions will enhance hydrogen’s accessibility and scalability. Policies and carbon taxes will create a level playing field for hydrogen against fossil fuels, while international agreements will strengthen its global market.
Hydrogen fuel cells are expected to gain traction in long-haul trucking, maritime shipping, and aviation, offering solutions in areas where battery electrification may struggle. Industries such as steel, cement, chemicals, and refining are poised to adopt hydrogen as a cleaner alternative. Governments are encouraged to incentivize hydrogen use in industrial applications, and innovations in carriers like ammonia may facilitate hydrogen trade.

• Future: In your experience with the International Association for Hydrogen Energy (IAHE), what have been the most significant breakthroughs in hydrogen fuel technology in recent years?

Dr. Veziroglu: Honda’s fuel cell system is the most significant breakthrough. It is three times the power density, ensuring that hydrogen-powered vehicles can deliver a more robust performance. Additionally, it is engineered to be twice as durable, promising longevity and reliability on the road. Best of all, it is 50% more cost-effective to produce, making it a game-changer in the quest for sustainable transportation. With these advancements, Honda is significantly advancing the potential of hydrogen-powered vehicles, paving the way for a cleaner future. Alongside Honda, BYD’s new hydrogen-powered bus is transforming transportation. Each vehicle uses BYD’s battery-electric platform in combination with hydrogen fuel cell technology, eliminating the need for traditional plug-in charging.

 

• Future: Many countries are now drafting hydrogen strategies. What policy frameworks or international collaborations do you believe are essential to accelerate hydrogen adoption globally?

Dr. Veziroglu: I believe that international collaborations are crucial. We all share the same atmosphere, and every country is affected by it. If only one nation or a few nations change their energy production methods, it will not significantly contribute to the global fight against climate change. Additionally, sharing technology and research internationally can help countries adopt best practices and accelerate the deployment of solutions like production efficiency, energy storage, and advancements in fuel cells. Government incentives, such as tax credits and funding for research and infrastructure development, can further encourage investment in hydrogen technologies.

 

• Future: The International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, founded by Professor Turhan Nejat Veziroğlu (almost 50 years ago), was one of the first journals in the world dedicated to hydrogen research. How has the journal’s evolution reflected the growth of the hydrogen field over the decades, and what does continuing that legacy mean to you personally and professionally?

Dr. Veziroglu: Fifty years ago, there were no scientific journals dedicated to hydrogen energy, which prompted Dr. T. Nejat Veziroglu to establish a journal. Let me share the story of our publication. Dr. Veziroglu signed a contract with Robert Maxwell, the owner of Pergamon Press, and the first issue of the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy (IJHE) was printed in 1976. Initially, the journal published four issues per year. As demand grew, Dr. Veziroglu decided to increase the frequency to six issues per year. After Elsevier acquired Pergamon Press, IJHE signed a contract with Elsevier, and since then, we have continued our partnership with them. We have more than 40 editors and the journal publishes more papers every year. The journal provided scientists working on hydrogen energy a platform to track advancements in the field and publish their research, facilitating the exchange of information. In an era before the internet, this journal gathered scientists from around the world under one roof, allowing them to share and discuss their ideas. As a result, these discussions led to the development of new concepts over the years, contributing to the journal’s rapid growth.
Personally and professionally, continuing Dr. Veziroglu’s legacy gives me a sense of purpose and connection. Having lived with Dr. Veziroglu for 27 years and worked alongside him for 23 years, I feel a deep responsibility to uphold and extend his influence. He was a visionary, and I have witnessed many of his predictions come to fruition over time. Dr. Veziroglu consistently emphasized that hydrogen would play a central role in energy security, sustainability, and climate change mitigation. He also stressed the importance of education and international cooperation, inspiring generations of scientists and engineers to explore the potential of hydrogen.
To honor his legacy, I have donated $250,000 to the University of Miami College of Engineering. This gift establishes the Dr. T. Nejat Veziroglu Endowed Fellowship for Ph.D. students in mechanical and aerospace engineering who focus on hydrogen energy and related fields, celebrating Veziroglu’s pioneering research and contributions to the field.

 

 

• Future: Given your academic background in hydrogen-powered transportation systems, what do you see as the most promising advancements in hydrogen mobility today?

Dr. Veziroglu: In recent years, there have been some truly exciting advancements in hydrogen mobility! This innovative approach utilizes hydrogen as a clean fuel source for transportation, making it an excellent option for our environment. The transportation industry is becoming more efficient and sustainable than ever before. BYD has established itself as one of the foremost electric vehicle manufacturers globally and has swiftly ascended to a leading position in the battery-electric bus sector, with over 40,000 units currently in operation across North America, South America, Asia, and Europe. The company has also secured a significant foothold in the high-tech industry, earning recognition for its production of high-efficiency vehicles that integrate innovation with sustainability. Recently, BYD has been making headlines not only for its growth but also for being the Chinese brand that many credit with surpassing Tesla in certain parts of Europe. During my Ph.D. studies, I concluded that China would take the lead in the hydrogen transportation sector. The shift towards hydrogen is not only about reducing greenhouse gas emissions; it also aims to decrease our dependence on traditional fossil fuels, which is great news for our planet.

 

• Future: Hydrogen often faces criticism over production costs and infrastructure challenges. What are IAHE’s strategic priorities to overcome these barriers?

Dr. Veziroglu: Over the years, I have traveled and attended many conferences with Dr. Veziroglu. During these events, I often heard the same questions regarding production costs. We need to update our knowledge, as technology is changing and affecting production costs.
The 45V Tax Credit under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provides up to $3 per kilogram for clean hydrogen production, which is driving investment in both green and blue hydrogen projects. Additionally, the Department of Energy (DOE) has launched initiatives like Hydrogen Earthshot, which aims to reduce the cost of green hydrogen to $1 per kilogram within the next decade.
There is also a new finding related to natural hydrogen, which can be extracted from the ground similarly to natural gas. Our strategy is to educate people about these new technological developments and the associated cost reductions.

 

• Future: How do you see green hydrogen competing with other energy storage and fuel technologies, such as batteries and synthetic fuels?

Dr. Veziroglu: When comparing fuel cells and electric batteries, electric batteries are generally more efficient than fuel cells because they experience energy loss during the conversion process. The hydrogen infrastructure is still under development and may take another decade to mature. In contrast, batteries and synthetic fuels can be easily integrated into the current system. From an environmental perspective, hydrogen is more favorable than batteries and synthetic fuels. Green hydrogen could make heavy-duty vehicles and industrial applications more economical and environmentally friendly.

With their nurturing qualities and dedication to sustainability, women have the potential to transform our world truly.

 

• Future: As a prominent woman leader in the global hydrogen energy community, what challenges and opportunities have you encountered throughout your journey, and how do you see the role of women evolving in advancing clean energy technologies and leadership in this field?

Dr. Veziroglu: In my community, the landscape has been shaped mainly by men, which brings some unique challenges as we navigate different perspectives. Engaging with them can sometimes be tricky, especially when new ideas are met with resistance. As a woman and a mother, I embrace the opportunity to multitask, seeing the world from a viewpoint that’s quite different from theirs. I’ve devoted myself to building connections, trusting that my strengths in communication and my appreciation for diverse cultures can help bridge gaps.
My intuition and ability to foster relationships have opened surprising doors for me. I enjoy creating a supportive network around me where everyone feels valued. I’m optimistic about the increasing number of women stepping into leadership roles within the clean energy sector. With their nurturing qualities and dedication to sustainability, women have the potential to transform our world truly. I believe, together, we can accelerate the transition to clean energy and pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.

 

• Future: What advice would you give young researchers or entrepreneurs looking to enter the hydrogen energy field?

Dr. Veziroglu: I advise young researchers and entrepreneurs to focus on acquiring more technical skills and continuously educating themselves. It’s important to stay updated on new technologies, build a strong network, and participate in relevant meetings and conferences. Trusting your instincts is also crucial. Additionally, think interdisciplinary, as the development of hydrogen energy requires contributions from various sectors, including policy, marketing, and new business models.

 

• Future: What personal or organizational milestones are you most excited about in the journey toward a hydrogen-powered future?

Dr. Veziroglu: I am looking forward to the years 2030 to 2050 as the world undergoes a significant transition. It’s encouraging to see many EU countries coming together to address the escalating environmental issues that impact us more each day. I’ve noticed that China is making great strides in developing hydrogen energy technologies and is actively constructing the necessary facilities. Additionally, India is also embracing innovations in hydrogen energy.
I remain hopeful about the efforts in the United States, where there are currently eight hydrogen hub projects. Notably, Utah boasts the largest industrial green hydrogen project in the world. Even if government budgets for these initiatives are reduced, I believe the industry will continue to push ahead with implementation. I am excited to see more incentives and support for hydrogen technologies emerging from both the US government and the private sector.