State-of-the-art analysis of EUCountries H2 strategies (D1.1)

D 1.1 State-of-the-art analysis of EUCountries H2 strategies Ref. Ares(2024)4634306 - 27/06/2024 2 D 1.1 State-of-the-art analysis of EUCountries H2 strategies DELIVERABLE TYPE Report MONTH AND DATE OF DELIVERABLE Month 13, 26/06/2024 WORK PACKAGE WP 1 LEADER TWEED DISSEMINATION LEVEL Public AUTHORS ENVI, TWEED PROGRAMMA HORIZON EUROPE GRANT AGREEMENT 101111933 START Jun.2023 DURATION 24 Months 3 Contributors NAME ORGANISATION Marianna Franchino, Ilaria Schiavi ENVI Simon Habran, Alexis Poddighe TWEED Maria Panadero CNH2 Żaneta Kłostowska RIGP Miroslava Tzekova BH2C Peer Reviews NAME ORGANISATION Lali van Zuydam IMI Maria Panadero CNH2 Revision History The information and views set out in this report are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of the European Union, neither the European Union Institutions and Bodies nor any person acting on their behalf. VERSION DATE REVIEWER MODIFICATIONS 01 13/06/2024 Marianna Franchino (ENVI) First draft (internal version v04) before submission 02 25/06/2024 Ilaria Schiavi (ENVI) Review of comments and final version 4 Index of Contents 1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 11 2 The European Context .................................................................................................................... 12 3 EU Member States approaches: HYPOP Countries .................................................................. 13 3.1 Belgium ...................................................................................................................................... 13 3.1.1 National Strategy ................................................................................................................................ 13 3.1.2 Regional Policies and Projects .......................................................................................................... 16 3.1.2.1 Flemish Region ............................................................................................................. 16 3.1.2.2 Walloon Region ........................................................................................................... 17 3.1.2.3 Brussels-Capital ........................................................................................................... 18 3.2 Bulgaria ...................................................................................................................................... 18 3.2.1 National Strategy ................................................................................................................................ 18 3.2.2 Regional Policies ................................................................................................................................. 19 3.2.3 Project and local initiatives ............................................................................................................... 20 3.3 Italy ............................................................................................................................................. 23 3.3.1 National Strategy ................................................................................................................................ 23 3.3.2 Regional Policies ................................................................................................................................. 27 3.3.2.1 Piedmont Region Strategy ......................................................................................... 27 3.3.2.2 Apulia Region Strategy ............................................................................................... 27 3.3.2.3 Regional Public Engagement Initiatives .................................................................. 28 3.3.3 Projects and local initiatives ............................................................................................................. 28 3.4 Poland ........................................................................................................................................ 34 3.4.1 National Strategy ................................................................................................................................ 34 3.4.2 Regional Policies ................................................................................................................................. 35 3.4.2.1 Wielkopolska Region .................................................................................................. 35 3.4.2.2 Pomeranian Region ..................................................................................................... 37 3.4.3 Project and local initiatives ............................................................................................................... 38 3.4.4 Public engagement initiatives .......................................................................................................... 44 3.5 Spain ........................................................................................................................................... 51 3.5.1 National Strategy ................................................................................................................................ 51 3.5.2 Regional Policies ................................................................................................................................. 52 3.5.3 Projects and local initiatives ............................................................................................................. 54 4 EU Member States approaches: frontrunner countries ........................................................... 59 4.1 France......................................................................................................................................... 59 4.1.1 Relevant Projects and initiatives ...................................................................................................... 61 5 4.1.1.1 National projects ......................................................................................................... 61 4.1.1.2 Regional Projects ......................................................................................................... 63 4.1.2 Public engagement ............................................................................................................................. 65 4.2 Germany .................................................................................................................................... 65 4.2.1 Relevant projects ................................................................................................................................ 67 4.2.1.1 Regional initiatives ...................................................................................................... 67 4.2.1.2 Technology development and Innovation and Research projects .................... 67 4.2.2 Involvement of the public ................................................................................................................. 69 4.3 Netherlands............................................................................................................................... 69 4.3.1 Relevant projects ................................................................................................................................ 70 4.3.1.1 CAPEX and OPEX Subsidised Projects ................................................................... 70 4.3.1.2 Hydrogen Valleys in the Netherlands and Regional projects ............................. 71 4.3.2 Public engagement ............................................................................................................................. 74 4.4 Switzerland ................................................................................................................................ 75 4.4.1 2030-2035 Outlook ........................................................................................................................... 76 4.4.2 2050 Outlook ...................................................................................................................................... 77 5 EU member States Approaches: EU-13 countries .................................................................... 79 5.1 Croatia ........................................................................................................................................ 79 5.2 Cyprus ........................................................................................................................................ 82 5.3 Czech Republic ......................................................................................................................... 83 5.4 Estonia........................................................................................................................................ 84 5.5 Hungary ..................................................................................................................................... 85 5.6 Latvia .......................................................................................................................................... 87 5.7 Lithuania .................................................................................................................................... 90 5.8 Malta .......................................................................................................................................... 94 5.9 Romania ..................................................................................................................................... 95 5.10 Slovakia ...................................................................................................................................... 97 5.11 Slovenia ...................................................................................................................................... 99 6 EU and other neighbour countries collaboration .................................................................... 101 6.1 Hydrogen implementation in Ukraine ............................................................................... 101 7 State-of-the-art analysis of EU-countries H2 strategies........................................................ 106 7.1 Methodology (PESTLE method as reference): questions from the PESTLE method to drive the analysis. ............................................................................................................................... 106 7.1.1 PESTLE Analysis focus ..................................................................................................................... 106 7.2 EU-Countries H2 strategies analysis ................................................................................. 107 7.2.1 Political aspects ................................................................................................................................. 107 6 7.2.2 Economic aspects ............................................................................................................................. 111 7.2.3 Socio-cultural aspects ...................................................................................................................... 112 7.2.4 Technological aspects ...................................................................................................................... 114 7.2.5 Legal aspects ...................................................................................................................................... 122 7.2.6 Environmental aspects ..................................................................................................................... 123 8 Conclusions ..................................................................................................................................... 125 9 Appendix A: Full PESTLE analysis of selected Countries ....................................................... 127 9.1 Belgium .................................................................................................................................... 127 9.1.1 Political Aspects ................................................................................................................................ 127 9.1.2 Economic aspects ............................................................................................................................. 131 9.1.3 Socio-cultural aspect ........................................................................................................................ 135 9.1.4 Technological aspect ........................................................................................................................ 136 9.1.5 Legal aspects ...................................................................................................................................... 137 9.1.6 Environmental aspect....................................................................................................................... 139 9.2 France....................................................................................................................................... 141 9.2.1 Political aspects ................................................................................................................................. 141 9.2.2 Economic aspects ............................................................................................................................. 144 9.2.3 Socio-Cultural aspect ....................................................................................................................... 145 9.2.4 Technological aspects ...................................................................................................................... 146 9.2.5 Legal aspects ...................................................................................................................................... 149 9.2.6 Environmental aspects ..................................................................................................................... 152 9.3 Germany .................................................................................................................................. 154 9.3.1 Political aspects ................................................................................................................................. 154 9.3.2 Economic aspects ............................................................................................................................. 155 9.3.3 Socio-Cultural aspects ..................................................................................................................... 158 9.3.4 Technological aspect ........................................................................................................................ 159 9.3.5 Legal aspects ...................................................................................................................................... 161 9.3.6 Environmental aspects ..................................................................................................................... 163 9.4 Netherlands............................................................................................................................. 165 9.4.1 Political aspects ................................................................................................................................. 165 9.4.2 Economic aspects ............................................................................................................................. 169 9.4.3 Socio-Cultural aspects ..................................................................................................................... 174 9.4.4 Technological aspects ...................................................................................................................... 174 9.4.5 Legal aspects ...................................................................................................................................... 177 9.4.6 Environmental aspects ..................................................................................................................... 178 7 Index of Tables Table 1 Schematic description of Polish Hydrogen Valleys............................................................. 39 Table 2 Local Cluster, association or initiatives.................................................................................. 53 Table 3 Main key players of the hydrogen value chain detected during the HYPOP study ... 116 Table 4 R&D Labs ................................................................................................................................... 118 Table 5 Projects of Common Interest of the European Union...................................................... 119 Table 6 Status implementation of legal and regulatory framework for the green hydrogen certification scheme (GO) ..................................................................................................................... 123 Table 7 Coverage of roles for the certification of GO of H2 in the regions and at federal level in Belgium ................................................................................................................................................ 137 Table 8 Wind and Solar contribution to the energy mix ................................................................ 140 Index of Figures Figure 1 Scheme of the certification life cycle ................................................................................... 16 Figure 2 First H2 refuelling station in Sofia. ....................................................................................... 21 Figure 3 Electrolyser and boiler installation in school. ..................................................................... 22 Figure 4 Hydrogen buses and refuelling station in Bolzano. .......................................................... 31 Figure 5 H-ZEB Student House in Benevento, Università di Sannio (Italy) ................................. 33 Figure 6 Paparazzi TV programme, 27/04/2023 Talking about hydrogen .................................. 34 Figure 7 Hydrogen valleys in Poland .................................................................................................... 38 Figure 8 Degree of involvement of the company in energy transformation................................ 46 Figure 9 Energy transition measures taken (N=179 (companies that have taken energy transition measures - more than one answer could be selected) ................................................... 47 Figure 10 Reasons for not undertaking energy transition activities (N=70 companies that have not undertaken do not intend to undertake energy transition activities - more than one answer could be selected) ...................................................................................................................... 47 Figure 11 What would have to happen for a firm to undertake an energy transformation? (N=70 companies that have not and do not intend to undertake energy transformation activities - more than one answer could be selected) ....................................................................... 48 Figure 12 What would the funds received for the energy transition be invested in (N=350 - more than one answer could be selected) ........................................................................................... 48 Figure 13 Familiarity with regional hydrogen initiatives - N=53 (firms that were or are interested in using hydrogen). More than one answer could be selected. ................................... 50 Figure 14 Perception of potential and opportunities to join the hydrogen value chain - N=38 (firms that see such an opportunity). More than one answer could be selected. ....................... 50 Figure 15 Main obstacles and barriers facing the development of the hydrogen economy - N=53 (firms that were or are interested in using hydrogen). More than one answer could be selected. ..................................................................................................................................................... 51 Figure 16. Autonomous communities of Spain. ................................................................................. 53 Figure 17. Green Hysland project in Mallorca (Balearic Islands, Spain). Source: https://greenhysland.eu ......................................................................................................................... 55 Figure 18. Headline about a dissemination activity carried out by EMT. Source: https://www.emtpalma.cat/ .................................................................................................................. 55 8 Figure 19. H2Ports project. Source: https://h2ports.eu/ ................................................................ 56 Figure 20. Publication about H2Ports project public demonstration. Source: https://h2ports.eu/ .................................................................................................................................. 57 Figure 21. Iberdrola plant in Puertollano (Castilla-La Mancha, Spain). Source: https://www.iberdrola.com.................................................................................................................... 58 Figure 22 Scenarios for hydrogen use ................................................................................................. 60 Figure 23projections of green hydrogen demand ............................................................................. 60 Figure 24 French hydrogen ecosystem ............................................................................................... 61 Figure 25 Spanish Hydrogen Backbone and EU connection ........................................................... 63 Figure 26 The MAT consortium ............................................................................................................ 64 Figure 27 Expected uses of hydrogen .................................................................................................. 66 Figure 28 Dutch Hydrogen Roadmap .................................................................................................. 69 Figure 29 Schem of the H2 Fifty installation ...................................................................................... 72 Figure 30 Port of Rotterdam hydrogen hub ....................................................................................... 73 Figure 31 H2 Filling Stations in Switzerland (Marc 2024), H2 Mobility Switzerland Association ...................................................................................................................................................................... 76 Figure 32 The European Hydrogen Backbone (EHB) map ............................................................... 77 Figure 33 Hydrogen Perspective to 2050, Scenario Zero ............................................................... 78 Figure 34 Source: Hydrogen European Observatory - Map of strategies adoption status across European countries ................................................................................................................... 108 Figure 35 H2 Strategy Implementation in HYPOP’s study countries (both HYPOP Partner and Target Countries) .................................................................................................................................... 108 Figure 36 Target Production by 2030 (GW) for electrolysers installed in HYPOP’s study countries (both HYPOP Partner and Target Countries) ................................................................. 109 Figure 37 H2 sectors highlighted in the main objectives of national strategies/roadmap of HYPOP’s study countries (both HYPOP Partner and Target Countries) .................................... 110 Figure 38 European Hydrogen Backbone map ................................................................................ 111 Figure 39 Total nr of countries (HYPOP’s study countries ) with planned infrastructure by category. ................................................................................................................................................... 120 Figure 40 Source : Hydrogen Valleys, Mission Innovation Platform with focus on Europe (https://h2v.eu/hydrogen-valleys ). .................................................................................................... 122 Figure 41 Nr of countries favouring different types of low-carbon hydrogen .......................... 124 Figure 42The four pillars of The Belgian strategy ........................................................................... 127 Figure 43 Sustainable hydrogen projects in Belgium ...................................................................... 130 Figure 44 Belgian ecosystem ............................................................................................................... 133 Figure 45 RFNBO certification scheme ............................................................................................. 138 Figure 46 Source France Hydrogene, project capacity by type of H2 technology ................... 147 Figure 47 Hydrogen refuelling stations capacity manufacturing and demand .......................... 148 Figure 48 Hydrogen production by final use sector........................................................................ 149 Figure 49 CO2eq emissions by sector in 2022 ................................................................................ 153 Figure 50 Hydrogen projects in Germany, general overview........................................................ 157 Figure 51 Industrial scale green hydrogen and decarbonisation .................................................. 160 Figure 52 Emission of greenhouse gases covered by the UN Framework Convention on Climate ...................................................................................................................................................... 164 Figure 53 Dutch investments by hydrogen field ............................................................................. 173 Figure 54 Possible hydrogen transmission network in 2030 ........................................................ 175 9 Partners short names ENVI Environment Park Spa IMI Institute For Methods Innovation IME Fundacion IMDEA Energia APRE Agenzia per la Promozione della Ricerca Europea CNH2 Centro Nacional Del Hidrogeno RIGP Regionalna Izba Gospodarcza Pomorza CLUSTER TWEED Cluster Tweed BH2C Balkanski Vodoroden Klaster Abbrevations INECP Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan CCS Carbon Capture and Storage CCUS Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage FCH Fuel Cells Hydrogen GO Guarantee of Origin H2V Hydrogen Valley HRFS Hydrogen Refuelling Station H-ZEB Hydrogen - Zero Energy Building IPCEI Important Projects of Common European Interest LCOH Levelized Cost of Hydrogen LOHC Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers NRRP National Recovery and Resilience Plan PEM Protone Exchange Membrane PESTLE Political, Economic, Socio-cultural, Technological, Legal, and Environmental analsys RED Renewable Energy Directive RES Renewable Energy Source RFNBO Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin SMR Steam Methane Reforming SO Solide Oxide 16 Figure 1 Scheme of the certification life cycle The full Belgian Federal policy framework and support, analysed with the PESTLE method, is described in Appendix A. 3.1.2 Regional Policies and Projects 3.1.2.1 Flemish Region Significant investment subsidizes a portfolio of projects focusing on developing an industrial value chain for hydrogen production, transport, storage, and applications in the Flanders. Special attention is also given to hydrogen importation, as domestic production will not be able to meet demand. Through this approach, the Flemish government intends to ensure a stable and affordable supply and guarantee continuity in applications. Green hydrogen is produced through electrolysis using local green electricity, facilitated by the electrical grid and green electricity purchase contracts. Flanders contributes to the goal of the National Energy and Climate Plan (INECP) of increasing renewable electricity production in Belgium by 2030. The portfolio of projects targets both large corporations and SMEs but aims for a broad impact on the ecosystem beyond individual company benefits. Cooperation with knowledge institutions and other social actors is also emphasized. The project spans from January 1, 2021, to July 31, 2026. Flanders has initiated several key projects to support its hydrogen economy. Here are some examples of project that Flemish initiatives include: • HyoffWind : Focused on producing green hydrogen from offshore wind power, this project looks to capitalize on Flanders' strategic position along the North Sea to generate hydrogen for industrial and transportation use, aiming to reduce CO2 emissions significantly. 17 • Power-to-Gas Limburg : A collaboration between local governments and industry to establish a power-to-gas facility in Limburg. This project is designed to convert excess renewable energy into green hydrogen, thereby balancing the grid and supplying clean energy for local industries. • Hydrogen Logistic Hub : The development of a logistics hub in the Port of Antwerp, one of Europe's largest ports, to facilitate the import, storage, and distribution of hydrogen. This initiative supports the ambition to make the Flemish region a central node in the international hydrogen supply chain. • Hydrogen Education and Innovation Center : Aiming to bolster knowledge and innovation in hydrogen technology, this center collaborates with universities, research institutions, and industry partners to accelerate the development of hydrogen solutions and skilled workforce in Flanders. 3.1.2.2 Walloon Region Wallonia is dedicating nearly 88 millions euros to two projects selected by the European Commission, focusing on cutting-edge innovation to bring technological leadership and increased competitiveness globally. • Columbus Project A partnership between ENGIE and Carmeuse (through TECforLime), Columbus aims to capture CO₂ from an innovative lime kiln and combine it with green hydrogen to produce e-methane, a high-quality renewable synthetic gas. This gas will be injected into the gas network or used in industries or as an alternative fuel in transportation. Columbus is expected to prevent up to 162,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually and pave the way for larger future projects in the lime sector and other high CO₂ industries. The advantage of e-methane is its compatibility with the existing gas network, requiring no modifications to production tools. • John Cockerill Project Conducted partly in France (Aspach, Alsace) and Seraing, John Cockerill is already a key player in pressurized alkaline electrolyzers crucial for the decarbonized hydrogen value chain. The company aims to establish an industrial-scale test facility to evaluate the overall performance of configurations and materials from laboratory tests. Agreement with the EIB The Region has also signed a cooperation agreement with the European Investment Bank to finance project through loans. The EIB generally supports projects up to 50% with loans. This agreement reinforces the already strong relationship between the EIB and Wallonia. Examples of local green Hydrogen Projects: 1) WalHyco : Local green hydrogen production (5 MW) from wind turbines and solar panels. Hydrogen will be sold to a DATS recharging station in Ollignies, supplying at least 22 trucks (1200 kg/day). ABInbev and Spadel are project partners. 2) H2C-Mouscron : A major potato product manufacturer, Mydibel Fresh, generates biomethane from waste and has cogeneration units. The project will use surplus electricity for water electrolysis, with the hydrogen fueling about fifteen vehicles (trucks, tractors, garbage trucks). 18 3) W2T (Wind2Truck) : Establishment of a 1.25 MW water electrolysis station in Leuzeen-Hainaut, including compression, storage of produced hydrogen, and distribution to fuel 10 hydrogen fuel cell trucks. 4) ZELLIE : Local production of 5 MW green hydrogen at the Renory site (Liège) to decarbonize two barges operating between Liège and Antwerp and other heavy logistic uses (heavy-duty trucks) where direct electrification is not feasible. 5) HaYrport® In collaboration with John Cockerill, HaYrport® hydrogen production and distribution site is being set up at Liege Airport to produce nearly 200 kg of hydrogen per day from electricity, sufficient to fuel several vehicles at the airport, including buses and handling equipment. The facilities are expected to be operational in 2023. 3.1.2.3 Brussels-Capital The Brussels-Capital Region has tailored its hydrogen strategy to suit its urban context, emphasizing the transition towards sustainable mobility and the integration of clean energy solutions. This strategy, while less focused on hydrogen production, plays an evident role in demonstrating the application of hydrogen technologies in an urban setting and aligns with broader goals to reduce emissions and enhance air quality. Strategic focus area are: • Sustainable mobility • Energy transition • Public-private partnership While specific large-scale hydrogen projects are more common in other Belgian regions, Brussels has undertaken initiatives to explore and utilize hydrogen technology: 1) Hydrogen-Powered Buses: The public transportation authority, STIB/MIVB, has initiated tests of hydrogen-powered buses within its fleet. These tests evaluate the operational viability and environmental advantage of incorporating hydrogen buses in urban public transportation. 2) Hydrogen Refuelling infrastructure: Effort to establish hydrogen refuelling stations in Brussels support the adoption of FCVs. This infrastructure is essential for the practical use of hydrogen in transportation, enabling the refuelling of buses, cars, and service vehicles powered by hydrogen. 3) Research and development: Brussels collaborates with local universities and research centres to investigate the potential roles of hydrogen in urban energy systems. These studies focus on stationary power uses and energy storage applications for hydrogen. 3.2 Bulgaria 3.2.1 National Strategy Currently, the hydrogen sector in Bulgaria is facing a growing interest thanks to private companies’ initiatives and ongoing EU projects. Nevertheless, a national hydrogen strategy has not have been drafted yet, while a roadmap identifies first steps for the development of the sector in the short period 2023-2026. The document “Hydrogen Future for Bulgaria” 3 has 3 https://strategy.bg/StrategicDocuments/View.aspx?lang=bg-BG&Id=1624 19 been published by the Ministry of Innovation and Growth within the Bulgarian NRRP framework. Bulgaria is strategically located in proximity of three important Mediterranean corridors for the hydrogen market, across the North Sea and the Southeast 4 . Therefore, it is extremely relevant to fix implementation objectives for the sector and to start setting up a regulatory framework. Main focus areas are transport and industry sector, where primary goal is to proceed on the transition towards green hydrogen production and use in hard-to-abate industry. Reference documents for the hydrogen roadmap have been the National Development Programme BULGARIA 2030, the Long-Term Climate Change Mitigation Strategy 2050 of the Republic of Bulgaria, the Integrated Energy and Climate Plan of the Republic of Bulgaria/IPEC (forthcoming update June 2023) mainly. The document also refers to European best practices and EU directives for future regulation development. Although the high interest into the hydrogen mobility, a specific document for the transport sector transition towards hydrogen is still not available. Two Ordinances give the rules to guide the terms and conditions for the transportation of dangerous goods and for the safe operation and technical supervision of equipment under pressure. Moreover, the Electricity system operator together with the Regional Inspection for Environment and Water are analyzing the sites where it will be possible to build Hydrogen refuelling stations. Medium term objectives (2023-2026) The roadmap plans a gradual hydrogen penetration in the transport and in the industry, petrochemical and chemical mainly. • Promoting the consistent end effective introduction of technologies for the production, transportation and use of green hydrogen in industry, energy and transport • Supporting research and innovation • Creating conditions for education for new professions and workplaces, an informed user and an administrative environment related to hydrogen technologies Measures to promote production have been also identified: • Quotas to replace the use of grey hydrogen with green until 2030 • Creation of Hydrogen valleys • Development of a guide to help hydrogen projects • Stimulation of the hydrogen transport sector 3.2.2 Regional Policies Considering the lack of an official national strategy and territorial configuration, official regional strategies have not been identified so far. However, local initiatives, private companies and/or public-private partnerships support the hydrogen economy development as described in the next section. 4 Report “Assessment of the potential for the development of hydrogen technologies in Bulgaria from 2022 goals” 20 3.2.3 Project and local initiatives A number of EU and local projects, both with private and public support are currently ongoing. The BH2C - Balkan Hydrogen Cluster (HYPOP’s partner) and the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences are two examples of active entities in the country, proving support to the hydrogen sector development. Other initiatives include: • Technological transfer through Competence Center projects; • Hydrogen valleys promotion; • EU and local projects with companies/international entities; • Educational projects with public/private partnership; • Collaborations with cross-border countries (e.g. Turkey). The Bulgarian Academy of Sciences is promoting two research projects dedicated to new green energy technologies: EPLUS and HITMOBIL are Competence Center projects (Operational Program "Science and Education for Smart Growth” fundings) promoting research on hydrogen storage and application. At the moment, two national hydrogen valleys are under planning in the municipalities of Stara Zagora and Chelopech. The hydrogen valley will allow each municipality to produce ecologically clean fuel for its own needs and will allow to optimize its energy costs in the budget, as well as provide energy and infrastructure for heating, cooling, production of electrical energy and balancing capacities, also allowing to ensure consumption of fuel for green public transport. Other two hydrogen valleys are under study involving private entities, such as the BH2C. The first H2 refuelling station has also just been installed in Sofia (May 2024). The HRS is launched within the framework of HITMOBIL Centre of Competence 5 project led by the IEES-BAS organisation: in the Field Laboratory 6 “Integrated Energy Systems”, where researchers explore pre-industrial scale energy production from renewables; hydrogen stations and vehicles have been also a focus. The demo HRS installed is composed of an electrolyser with 8 kg/day hydrogen production capacity, enabling the recharging of 1 car per day. The hydrogen produced on-site flows directly into the hydrogen charging station where it is compressed to the necessary pressure for refuelling. The station has two charging outlets – at 350 bar and 700 bar pressure. The two standard pressures cover the charging capabilities of cars, light trucks and trucks, and the use of high-pressure buffer tanks allows vehicles to be charged within minutes. For higher consumption, the hydrogen charging station has the ability to use hydrogen from bottle bundles, i.e. produced elsewhere. The Bulgarian Academy of Science, involved in the project, owns one car that will be used to test the station during this first year. In the next future, other 4 stations are planned. 5 https://hitmobil.iees.bas.bg/bg 21 Figure 2 First H2 refuelling station in Sofia. The BH2C is also involved in several educational activities at different levels, from webinar and specific courses to round table and local/internal projects: • Lessons/educational courses in high school, universities. Collaborations with Ministry of Education; • Cross-border collaborations with Uzbekistan/Turkey on green transition in Turkey in line with the Green Deal; they are dedicated to university, municipalities, industry; 22 • Dissemination and awareness activities with local public authorities (school projects mentioned below) or through different communication channels. For instance, a podcast on hydrogen is planned in September; • Preparation of educational material for safety of hydrogen technologies oriented towards the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Fire safety and protection of the population, National police, employees of the Emergency Medical Center. Another example of demo technology installation, involving the local community, is the heating boiler in one local school in proximity to Sofia. A 5 kW PV panel on the school’s roof generates energy for hydrogen production through a 5kW electrolyser; the hydrogen is then used to feed a 25kW prototype boiler directly (blending at the inlet only). The results were very successful, considering an energy cost reduction of 80% in the first year, followed by an annual average of 40% reduction. Figure 3 Electrolyser and boiler installation in school. 23 3.3 Italy 3.3.1 National Strategy In 2020, Italy moved a step forward the hydrogen sector development, identifying two type of hydrogen strategies: the preliminary guidelines for the industrial strategy “Strategia Nazionale Idrogeno -Linee Guida Preliminari” (SNI) 6 and the research and development strategy “Strategia Italiana Ricerca Idrogeno” (SIRI) 7 . The Italian Hydrogen Strategy Preliminary Guidelines identifies the main implementation areas, targets and hydrogen role in the national decarbonisation strategy with outlook to 2030 and 2050. The document has been proposed by the two ministries: MISE (Italian Ministry for Enterprise and Made in Italy) and MASE (Italian Ministry for Environment and Energy Security) respectively, with the support of industry representatives, such as the Italian Association on Hydrogen (H2IT), CNR - States Representative Group in the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, ENEA - Clean Hydrogen Alliance. A period of public consultancy, whose results are still pending, was also open from 24 November until 21 December 2020 8 . The hydrogen preliminary guidelines should have paved the way for the definition of the official Italian Hydrogen Strategy in 2021, but a final document has not been issued as yet and Italy does not have an official national hydrogen strategy at the moment. The Italian guidelines refer to several EU documents, such as the EU Hydrogen Strategy “A hydrogen strategy for a climate-neutral Europe”, the Clean Hydrogen Partnership SRIA, the European Hydrogen Backbone (EHB), and the “Ten-Year Network Development Plan (TYNDP) – ENTSOG & ENTSOE (July 2020). The Italian Hydrogen Strategy Preliminary Guidelines identifies the main focus areas for the hydrogen use sector development in the coming years: • Trucks for long-run mobility, linked to the development of an extensive network of refuelling stations. • Trains. In Italy, there is still an elevated presence of diesel trains in some regions (e.g. Sardinia, Sicily, Piemonte), and the target is to convert half of the national lines, currently running on diesel, to hydrogen by 2030. • Chemicals and petrochemicals industry, where H2 is already produced from natural gas. It represents, therefore, an ideal sector where to start investing into the production of H2 from renewables. • Mixing H2 in the natural gas grid. The strategy also aims to convert the production gradually from grey to green hydrogen, considering different RES combinations. With last update of EU strategy in early 2024, new 6 https://www.mise.gov.it/images/stories/documenti/Strategia_Nazionale_Idrogeno_Linee_guida_prelim inari_nov20.pdf 7 https://www.miur.gov.it/documents/20182/2312362/Prime.indicazioniSIRI.pdf/ 8 https://www.mise.gov.it/index.php/it/notizie-stampa/avviata-la-consultazione-pubblica-dellastrategia-nazionale-sull-idrogeno 24 future perspectives could be traced in the hydrogen production coming from the definition of the “low-carbon hydrogen” under revision. The preliminary guidelines are aligned with two other important strategic documents, the INECP 9 and the Long-Term Strategy 2050 10 . The strategy identifies the main steps for the hydrogen sector development with two main goals reference up to 2030 and 2050, in accordance with the European context. 2030 Outlook The main targets to 2030 with respect to hydrogen development, as identified in the preliminary guidelines, refer to: • 2% of hydrogen penetration in the final demand. • 2% trucks for long-run mobility and 200.000 hydrogen vehicles expected • Contribution to a reduction of 8 Mtons of CO2. • 5 GW of hydrogen production via electrolysis. • Up to 10 billion euro of investments on hydrogen, partially coming from ad hoc hydrogen funding resources • Estimated contribution to the GNP of 27 billion EUR. • Creation of 200.000 temporary jobs, and at least 10.000 permanent jobs. In the medium term, hydrogen will find applications in some sectors, such as chemistry, mobility and oil refineries, but also in blending solution in the gas grid. 2050 Outlook A clear long-term action plan has not been identified, but the guidelines elaborate a future scenario to 2050 according to some expectations and economy development. In 2050, hydrogen will be already enough integrated into the society, allowing its use implementation in some specific sectors. Costs reduction, ready infrastructures, and the positive effect of CO2 emissions reduction, will be also an important push to move forward hydrogen: • 20% of hydrogen penetration in the final demand. • Mobility: 80% trucks for long-run mobility; company fleets and long journeys might find in hydrogen vehicles a good solution; • Aviation and Maritime Transports: synthetic fuels in the aviation and maritime industries are under study and in future they will get ready to be used to decarbonise the sector. Indeed, it is forecast the e-fuel will become more competitive compared to the biofuels for their independence to raw materials availabilities. • Industrial sector: application in high temperature industrial processes with T>1000°C, like concrete or steel industries; • Residential and commercial heating: hydrogen boilers can be a valid alternative to biomethane boilers, competitive for both economic and technical aspects; the natural gas grid network will need to be ready to guarantee the hydrogen distribution at that time; 9 https://energy.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2020-02/it_final_INECP_main_en_0.pdf 10 https://www.mase.gov.it/pagina/nlts-national-long-term-strategy 25 • Electric energy production: the excess renewable electricity can be converted into hydrogen and used as fuel in the backup electric generation with turbines (albeit with low efficiency), or locally to produce electricity with fuel cells for industrial uses. Hydrogen penetration in the long-term scenario is affected by several factors, such as costs and other competitive alternative technological solutions, even though its high decarbonisation potential. In order to support the hydrogen sector, the strategy will need to be focused on the electrolysers capacity implementation to reduce green hydrogen production costs, to boost pilot projects for the gradual deployment of FCH technology into the society. R&D Objectives In parallel to the industrial strategy, the “Strategia Italiana Ricerca Idrogeno” (SIRI) defines main priorities and guidelines for the R&D objectives towards next years. Main focus areas are here summarised: • Hydrogen production: main focus will be green hydrogen production technologies, as defined by the preliminary guidelines; electrolysis and renewable hydrogen by electrolysis and hydrogen production by biomass will be investigated mainly: • Transport, storage and distribution: main hydrogen storage solution where the research will focus on is the ammonia liquid carrier. Regarding the HRS, cost reduction and safety conditions are the main key-factors, therefore, compressed hydrogen has been identified as main option for road and rail transport in refuelling stations at 350 and 700 bars. Further studies will be held to support he blending procedure of hydrogen into the natural gas existing network, considering that the current infrastructures need a proper upgrade to allow the blending and to reach target over the current limits of 2% (expected 20%). • Final uses: important focus will be on mobility (heavy duty vehicles, ships, trains and aviation with liquid hydrogen carriers, synthetic fuels and e-fuels) and stationary applications (replace natural gas boilers with renewable hydrogen fed CHP units using stationary fuel cells). In parallel, the R&D strategy will focus on cross-cutting issues, that are of high importance supporting the entire process of hydrogen deployment. Safety, regulations, system of guarantee of origin, as well as education and training, are the main topics. Investments, legal and economic aspects Several fundings resources have been identified to subsidise the development’s measures in the sector: European funds, such as the Next Generation EU (2021-2027), the Innovation Fund (2020-2030), “Piano Operativo Nazionale 2021-2027 (2020-2027); National funds, such as the IPCEI programme “Fondo Sviluppo e Coesione” (2021-2027), Mission Innovation and “Fondo Crescita Sostenibile” for innovation and sustainable growth respectively (2020-2021), “CleanTech” and “Ricerca Sistema Elettrico Nazionale” fundings for the technologies (20222033). The preliminary guidelines foresee an overall investment of 10 billion euros from 2020 to 2030 in order to achieve the above-mentioned targets, distributed as follows: 5-7 billion euros for the H2 production; 2-3 billion euros for the H2 infrastructure; 1 billion euros for research. 32 hydrogen in ports. In Italy 25 ports have been identified such as Genova, La Spezia and Trieste with the main objective to reach carbon neutrality by 2030 29 • Alstom Group is an international company leader on smart and sustainable mobility; in Italy the division of Alstom Ferroviaria is involved for vehicle, components, infrastructure production of train sector. Initiatives for hydrogen trains applications are underway in Lombardy and Apulia, as specified in chapter 3.2); • Enel is a company leader in the energy production and distribution in Italy. Example of interest into the hydrogen sector is its participation to the IPCEI Hy2Use project: in partnership with ENI (public company for integrated energy) under the Joint Venture “South Italy Green Hydrogen”, the two companies aim to install two PEM electrolysers for green hydrogen production in two industrial sites; one electrolyser of 20 MW in the biorefinery located in Gela (Sicily), managed by ENI, the second one of 10 MW in the refinery located in Taranto (Puglia), managed by ENEL 30 • Snam is an Italian energy infrastructure company, leader of gas transport and storage. It has several R&D projects where its involved to investigate the hydrogen use and production, it’s investigating the hydrogen blending into the national gas grid 31 • Edison is an Italian electric utility company. Example of its engagement in the field is Alboran Project: 3 green hydrogen plant in South of Italy (Puglia) with 220 MW capacity and supported by FV energy (380 MW). progetto Alboran 32 • IVECO, leader company on commercial vehicles production, aims to bring hydrogenelectric trucks into the market. Public engagement initiatives • “Zero Emission Services for a Decarbonised Alpine Economy”, LIFEalps Project 33 : European project (LIFE Programme) in South Tyrol for emission-free mobility using both electric and hydrogen vehicles. The pilot project supports the South Tyrol Climate Plan with goal to become carbon-neutral by 2040. Focus on mobility sector is due to environmental and public health reasons. The declared aim of the LIFEalps project is to transform South Tyrol into a model region for emission-free mobility. During the project, started in 2019, infrastructure and pilot fleets have been implemented to support the emission-free urban mobility in Bolzano, even though hydrogen buses and e-buses already exist in the region. In parallel, social awareness and perceptions of citizens and drivers have been assessed during the project. A small sample of citizens has been interviewed: a medium level of awareness has been depicted, informative campaigns have been used to inform more the users about the type of buses used and also education should be improved to better explain economic 29 (https://www.themeditelegraph.com/it/shipping/2024/01/25/news/idrogeno_verde_barche_italia_pri ma_rete_mondo-14020075/ ). 30 (https://www.enelgreenpower.com/it/media/press/2022/10/idrogeno-verde-ipcei-hy2use-egp-enigela-taranto ); 31 https://www.snam.it/it/media/news-e-comunicati-stampa/comunicati-stampa/2020/snam-testacon-baker-hughes-la-prima-turbina-ibrida-a-idrogeno-al-mondo-per-una-rete-gas.html 32 (https://www.edison.it/it/edison-e-snam-insieme-saipem-e-alboran-il-progetto-green-hydrogenvalley-puglia ); 33 https://www.life-alps.eu/en/ 33 and environmental advantages or safety issues 34 . Positive and enthusiastic position was then highlighted by the bus driver that experienced the low-emissions buses directly (SASA company) 35 . • Living Lab H-ZEB (Hydrogen Zero Emission Building) : the Student House of the Università del Sannio (Benevento) is pioneer in the installation of a hydrogen powered microgenerator in a real-scale building, becoming the first Living Lab of H-ZEB in Europe. The Student House was already nZEB (Net Zero Energy Building) when in 2022, a microgenerator composed of a Solide Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) powered with 100% pure hydrogen was installed. The FC supply the building with electric energy and heat. The house is also integrated with a domotics system that allow the energy monitoring and device operation constantly. The project involved the company STRESS and University of Sannio in the framework of SMART CASE project 36 on innovation solutions for energy consumption optimisation. Support also received by H2IT, the Italian Hydrogen Association. Figure 5 H-ZEB Student House in Benevento, Università di Sannio (Italy) Other initiatives on hydrogen public engagement are present in Italy at local level, coming from scientific associations, research centres, universities with informative and educational objectives. Some examples are here reported: Centro Scienza, association based in Turin for the technological and scientific promotion through events, workshops, festival 37 ; Festival della Scienza, annual festival dedicated to the science and open to public, schools, families 38 Università di Torino and HYCARE Project 39 : research and innovation project for hydrogen 34 Deliverable D17, Public awareness and acceptance of the zero emission services, LIFEalps project, July 2022 35 Deliverable D17, Driver and maintenance team satisfaction with public mobility, LIFEalps project, July 2022 36 http://www.stress-scarl.com/en/innovation/projects/smart-case.html 37 https://www.centroscienza.it/mission.php 38 https://www.festivalscienza.it/ 39 https://hycare-project.eu/ 34 storage; one dissemination activity was the hydrogen introduction and explanation during a TV radio show know at national level 40 . Figure 6 Paparazzi TV programme, 27/04/2023 Talking about hydrogen 3.4 Poland 3.4.1 National Strategy The Polish Hydrogen Strategy to 2030 with an Outlook to 2040 41 (PSW) is a strategic document that defines the main objectives for the development of the hydrogen economy in Poland and the directions of activities necessary to achieve them. The vision and overarching goal of the PSW is to create a Polish hydrogen industry and its development for achieving climate neutrality and maintaining the competitiveness of the Polish economy. The document identifies 6 specific objectives: - Objective 1 - implementation of hydrogen technologies in the power and heating industries; - Objective 2 - use of hydrogen as an alternative fuel in transportation; - Objective 3 - support to the decarbonization of industry; - Objective 4 - production of hydrogen in new installations; - Objective 5 - efficient and safe transmission, distribution and storage of hydrogen; - Objective 6 – creation of a stable regulatory environment. Implementation of the PSW goals will help accelerate the decarbonization of the most energy-intensive sectors. Its provisions will allow for low-emissions hydrogen production on an industrial scale and a gradual move toward building a zero-carbon economy in Poland. The PSW identifies a total of 44 actions that will enable the achievement of its goals. The effects of the actions identified in the PSW will support the achievement of climate and energy goals, decarbonize hydrogen production, minimize the negative socio-economic effects of moving away from coal-based energy, increase the share of RES in the Polish energy mix, and remove regulatory barriers to hydrogen market development. 40 https://www.raiplay.it/video/2023/04/Paparazzi-Puntata-del-27-04-2023-c9fff5f0-9a5f-4988a7c2-d1c3be674cca.html. 41 Polish Hydrogen Strategy Until 2030 summary, Ministry of Climate and Environment. 35 Implementation of the measures specified in the PSW will support the development of Poland's various regions through, among other things, the creation of hydrogen valleys within them, which will allow the construction of a value chain related to the hydrogen economy such as production, transportation, storage and final industrial application of hydrogen. Among other things, the valleys will host R&D&I and investment projects that will contribute to cooperation between local, national and foreign stakeholders. The PSW also defines horizontal activities concerning the use of Polish R&D potential in the field of hydrogen technologies and the development of production facilities for hydrogenpowered vehicles and components necessary for the hydrogen economy. PSW supports all methods of lowand zero-emission hydrogen production with an indication of: water electrolysis process, biomass gasification, fermentation or pyrolysis technology, biogas steam reforming, biomethane steam reforming, waste gasification, thermal processing or pyrolysis, waste gases, hydrocarbon steam reforming using CO2 capture and storage (CCS/CCU) technology, coal gasification using CCS/CCU technology, IGCC technology, and IGFC technology. The indicators for achieving the goals of the PSW by 2030 will be: • - Installed capacity for low-carbon hydrogen production: 50 MW by 2025 and 2GW by 2030; • - Number of hydrogen valleys: at least 5; • - Number of hydrogen buses in service: 100-250 by 2025 and 800-1000 by 2030; • - Number of hydrogen stations: min. 32 by 2025; • - Conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding for the construction of a hydrogen economy (concluded on 14.10.2021); • - Creation of the Hydrogen Valleys Innovation Ecosystem; • - Establishment of a Hydrogen Technology Center. The PSW is consistent with national strategic documents on energy and climate: Strategy for Responsible Development, Poland's Energy Policy until 2040 and the National Energy and Climate Plan. The PSW is a development of the goals set out in the above documents and assumes the implementation of hydrogen technologies in energy, heating, transportation and industry. 3.4.2 Regional Policies 3.4.2.1 Wielkopolska Region The Wielkopolska Hydrogen Development Strategy to 2030 with an Outlook to 2040 42 is a comprehensive document that outlines plans to implement and develop hydrogen technologies in the Wielkopolska region to achieve the goals of decarbonization and sustainable development. The strategy outlines an ambitious plan for the development of the hydrogen economy in Wielkopolska, with the intention of transforming the region into a leader in hydrogen technology. The implementation of this strategy is expected to bring 42 http://iw.org.pl/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/The-Strategy-for-the-development-of-hydrogenWielopolska-until-2030-with-a-perspective-until-2040-summary.pdf 36 significant environmental, economic and social benefits by reducing emissions, increasing energy independence and improving the region's competitiveness and quality of life. Vision, mission and strategic goals: the strategy defines the vision of Wielkopolska as a region using hydrogen as a widely available energy carrier, replacing fossil fuels, and produced from low-carbon and safe sources. The strategy's mission is to create conditions for the development of the entire hydrogen economy value chain, using local resources, skills and geographic location. The strategy has two main reference dates: - 2030: Short-term goal for the strategy, in which Wielkopolska plans to achieve significant production and use of low-carbon hydrogen. - 2040: Long-term perspective for the strategy, in which the region aims to further increase hydrogen production and use, strengthen its leadership in the hydrogen economy, and fully implement planned measures. The main strategic objectives include: 1. implementation of lowand zero-emission methods of hydrogen production and development of storage and distribution infrastructure. 2. Introduction of hydrogen into widespread applications, especially in public transportation. 3. Raising the level of knowledge about hydrogen and its importance in the energy transition. 4. promoting Wielkopolska as a leader in the development of the hydrogen economy. Targets: - 40 thousand tons: projected production of low-carbon hydrogen in Wielkopolska in 2030. - 150 thousand tons: projected production of low-carbon hydrogen in 2040. - 500 thousand tons per year: potential maximum production of low-carbon hydrogen in Greater Poland, based on the existing resource base and opportunities for renewable development. - 2.6 Mt per year: potential reduction in CO2 emissions from the implementation of the hydrogen economy in specific areas Key areas of operation: Wielkopolska's industrial potential is one of the main areas of focus. The region has significant opportunities for hydrogen market development due to its strong industrial sector, strategic location and initiatives such as the Wielkopolska Hydrogen Platform. Challenges and barriers: The strategy recognizes various barriers to the development of the hydrogen market, such as regulatory complexity, dependence on the pace of development of renewable energy sources, and the risk of over-regulating the market. Overcoming these barriers is expected to be key to achieving the strategy's goals. 37 3.4.2.2 Pomeranian Region The information is taken from the Strategy for the development of Pomerania's hydrogen economy until 2030 with an outlook to 2040 43 Vision and mission: The Pomeranian region aims to become a leader in the production and use of green hydrogen, supporting the energy transition and decarbonization of the local economy. The goal is to increase energy security, as well as improve the region's prosperity through sustainable and innovative use of natural resources. The Pomeranian region is betting on innovation and sustainable development as part of its hydrogen strategy. Implementation of this strategy can contribute not only to the economic growth of the region, but also to improving the quality of life of residents and increasing energy security. The strategy calls for significant investments in infrastructure, education and technology to make Pomerania a leader in the European hydrogen economy by 2040. Strategic objectives 1 Green hydrogen production: The province plans to develop green hydrogen production using local renewable energy sources. By 2030, infrastructure is to be in place to produce 100,000 tons of green hydrogen per year. 2. Infrastructure and distribution: Expansion of the hydrogen infrastructure network, including hydrogen refuelling stations and storage systems, to enable widespread use of hydrogen in public and private transportation. 3. Innovation and technology: Investment in research and development of hydrogen technology, cooperation with local universities and research centres. 4. Education and public awareness: Educational programs and campaigns to raise awareness of the benefits of hydrogen and its applications. Milestones -2025: Commissioning of first green hydrogen production facilities and first refuelling stations. - 2030: Achieve production capacity of 100,000 tons of green hydrogen per year; 30% of city buses powered by hydrogen. - 2040: Full integration of hydrogen in local energy systems; Pomerania recognized as one of the leading hydrogen technology centers in Europe. Challenges and barriers - Technological: To provide advanced and economically viable technologies for hydrogen production and storage. - Regulatory: Adapting local and national regulations to new hydrogen-based technologies and business models. 43 https://4cf.pl/wpcontent/uploads/pdf/Pomorskie%20na%20lekkim%20gazie_raport%20ko%C5%84cowy.pdf 38 - Financial: Securing stable financing for infrastructure and research projects. 3.4.3 Project and local initiatives At national level, a hydrogen valleys Innovation ecosystem can be identified. This is shown in the figure below and described further, highlighting geographical coverage, stakeholders and specialisations amongst other characteristics. Figure 7 Hydrogen valleys in Poland 39 Table 1 Schematic description of Polish Hydrogen Valleys NAME FORM HQ AREA OF OPERATION STAKEHOLDERS HYDROGEN PRODUCTION SPECIALISATION The Łaszczyński Brothers' Central Hydrogen Valley association Kielce Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, Łódź Voivodeship, northern part of Podkarpackie Voivodeship (Tarnobrzeg, Stalowa Wola) and southern part of Mazowieckie Voivodeship (Radom, Kozienice) Świętokrzyska Grupa Przemysłowa Industria S.A., ENEA Połaniec, ML System S.A., Łódź SEZ, Energia Europark Mielec, Rolls Royce SMR, Kielce University of Technology, Institute of Power Engineering, regional governments, ARP S.A., Gaz System, Central Office of Measures up to 250 MW of electrolyser capacity clean hydrogen production, decarbonization of logistics, energy, public transport, rail transport, hydrogen production from nuclear energy Lower Silesian Hydrogen Valley association Wroclaw Lower Silesian Voivodeship, Opole Voivodeship, southern part of Lubuskie Voivodeship, southern part of Greater Poland Voivodeship, Wałbrzych, Zgorzelec, Kędzierzyn Koźle, Głogów, Wrocław agglomeration KGHM Polska Miedź, Grupa Azoty Kędzierzyn-Koźle, ARP S.A., Toyota Motor Manufacturing Poland, Total Energies, Linde Gas Polska, Wrocław University of Technology, University of Wrocław, Promet-Plast, Polska Spółka Gazownictwa, GazSystem, Z-Klaster, Lower Silesian Marshal's Office, Wałbrzych SEZ, Legnica SEZ, Euro-Park Kobierzyce 1700 tH2/year hydrogen storage, hydrogen trigeneration, chemical industry, metallurgical industry, green copper, hydrogen in gas networks, hydrogen in public transport, hydrogen in logistics, hydrogen in river transport, hydrogen barges, Oder Waterway, agrophotovoltaics, hydrogen agricultural machinery, development of the hydrogen technology innovation ecosystem on the Polish-Czech-German border 40 NAME FORM HQ AREA OF OPERATION STAKEHOLDERS HYDROGEN PRODUCTION SPECIALISATION Mazovian Hydrogen Valley Cluster Płock northern part of the Mazowieckie Voivodeship, KuyavianPomeranian Voivodeship, Płock, Włocławek, Ostrołęka Orlen Group, ARP S.A., BGK, Toyota Motor Europe, Institute of Power Engineering, National Energy Conservation Agency, Warsaw University of Technology, University of Warsaw, Polish Chamber of Chemical Industry, Siemens Energy, AGH University of Science and Technology, Gaz System, Polish Gas Company no data production of synthetic fuels, petrochemical industry, CO2 capture, chemical industry, river transport, hydrogen in public transport, production of hydrogen buses, use of hydrogen locomotive in industry, hydrogen trailers West Pomeranian Hydrogen Valley association in the process of being formed Szczecin West Pomeranian Voivodeship, Szczecin, Police, Wałcz West Pomeranian University of Technology, Maritime University of Technology, Koszalin University of Technology, Port Police, Port of SzczecinŚwinoujście, Grupa Azoty Police, Enea, IDA S.A. no data production of green ammonia, construction and use of infrastructure for ammonia import through ammonia terminals, chemical industry, maritime transport Wielkopolska Hydrogen Valley advisory council to the Marshal of the Voivodeship Poznan Wielkopolskie Voivodeship, Śrem, Piła, Konin and Poznań Wielkopolska Marshal's Office, ZE PAK, Solaris, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan University of Technology, City of Śrem, City of Piła, Poznań – Ławica Airport 10 MW electrolyser capacity hydrogen in housing, hydrogen in air transport, hydrogen public transport, energy, clean hydrogen production, bus production 41 NAME FORM HQ AREA OF OPERATION STAKEHOLDERS HYDROGEN PRODUCTION SPECIALISATION SilesianMałopolska Hydrogen Valley association Katowice Silesian and Lesser Poland Voivodeships, Metropolis GZM, Cracow Orlen Południe, Polenergia, Columbus, Silesian University of Technology, Institute of Fuels, Technology and Energy, AGH University of Science and Technology, KOMAG, Grupa Azoty Tarnów, JSW Nowe Projekt, Katowice SEZ, Arcelor Mittal, IDA Katowice branch, Silesian Marshal's Office, Małopolska Marshal's Office 350 tH2 per year of lowcarbon hydrogen green glycol, green steel, low-carbon hydrogen production, decarbonisation of public transport Subcarpathian Hydrogen Valley association Rzeszów Subcarpathian Voivodeship, Sanok, Rzeszów, Mielec Aviation Valley Rzeszów University of Technology, Polenergia Nowa Sarzyna, Autosan, ML System, Subcarpathian Marshal's Office, ARP Tarnobrzeg Branch, Institute of Power Engineering 5 MW electrolyser production of zeroemission hydrogen, hydrogen in heating and energy, hydrogen buses, hydrogen in public transport Pomeranian Hydrogen Valley Chamber of Commerce/Cluster Gdansk Pomeranian Voivodeship, Gdynia, Gdańsk, Wejherowo Pomeranian Marshal's Office, Sescom, Gdańsk University of Technology, Nexus, Hydrogen Technology Cluster, ASE Group No data hydrogen in public transport, hydrogen storage, production of clean hydrogen from offshore energy, production of electrolysers 48 Figure 11 What would have to happen for a firm to undertake an energy transformation? (N=70 companies that have not and do not intend to undertake energy transformation activities - more than one answer could be selected) Figure 12 What would the funds received for the energy transition be invested in (N=350 - more than one answer could be selected) Knowledge of legal regulations on energy and climate policy 49 • - Nearly half of the surveyed firm representatives (46%) are not familiar with any of the listed legal regulations on energy and climate policy • energy and climate policy. • - 16% of firm representatives know or have heard of the Polish Hydrogen Strategy. • - Regulations are mainly perceived in terms of opportunities or neutrally the biggest fear of related threats is the Fit for 55 package (26% of firms perceive it as a threat). The place of hydrogen in enterprise operations: • - 15% of firms were interested in using hydrogen in the energy transformation of the enterprise • - Most (75%) agree that the development of the hydrogen economy is an opportunity for the region, it is worth investing in hydrogen, it can play an important role in the transformation of enterprises, and the region can be an important player within the national and international value chain • - 10% of enterprises see potential and opportunity for themselves to become part of the hydrogen value chain - primarily at the hydrogen utilization stage. • - Lack of infrastructure is considered the main barrier to the development of the hydrogen economy; however, other obstacles such as deficits in the development of the electricity system, lack of dedicated regulation or decarbonization strategies were considered equally serious. • - Relatively little concern is associated with the ability to produce enough hydrogen. • - Respondents do not see the risk of protests and public concerns as a significant barrier to the development of the hydrogen economy. 50 Figure 13 Familiarity with regional hydrogen initiatives - N=53 (firms that were or are interested in using hydrogen). More than one answer could be selected. Figure 14 Perception of potential and opportunities to join the hydrogen value chain - N=38 (firms that see such an opportunity). More than one answer could be selected. 51 Figure 15 Main obstacles and barriers facing the development of the hydrogen economy - N=53 (firms that were or are interested in using hydrogen). More than one answer could be selected. 3.5 Spain 3.5.1 National Strategy In October 2020, the Spanish Council of Ministers approved the hydrogen roadmap “Hydrogen Roadmap: A Commitment to Renewable Hydrogen 44 ” (Hoja de Ruta del Hidrógeno: una apuesta por el hidrógeno renovable) 45 developed by the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge. This 70-page document aims to boost the renewable hydrogen value chain, and for this purpose, it highlights the following items: • Importance of creating valleys and clusters • Potential of industries already using H2 (petrochemical, fertilizers, chemical products) • Use of hydrogen in areas where electrification is not the most efficient or viable option in the midterm -> Public transport, urban services, etc. • Evaluation and prioritisation of H2 as energy storage and heat sector decarbonization. • Boosting H2 solutions in islands and isolated energetic systems. 44 Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (Spanish Government), 2020. "Hydrogen Roadmap: A Commitment to Renewable Hydrogen 45 https://www.miteco.gob.es/en/ministerio/planes-estrategias/hidrogeno.html 52 The Spanish roadmap stablish two time horizons: 2030 and 2050. Taking into account the EU Hydrogen Strategy milestones, the Spanish goals cover both the hydrogen production and the sectors where hydrogen consumption is more likely to grow during the decade (mainly industry and mobility). For 2030, these are the national objectives: • Installing 4 GW of power based on electrolysis. These facilities will ideally be located next to the consumption locations so as to minimize costs of transport and storage. A partial goal of 300-600 MW installed for 2024 has also been set. • 25% of hydrogen consumed being allocated to industry (refineries and chemical industry), either as a feedstock or as an energy source. • In terms of transport, the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC) stablishes a 25% rate of renewable energy consumed in transport sector for 2030. For that purpose, the following milestones are forecasted for renewable hydrogen: o 100-150 public HRS, placed in easily accessible places and with a maximum distance of 250 km between each of them. o 150-200 FCEV buses allocated across the country, with special attention to urban buses in cities with more than 100000 inhabitants. o 5000-7500 FECV (light and heavy) for freight traffic. o 2 commercial train lines propelled by H2 in tracks currently not electrified. o Introduction of handling machinery based on renewable hydrogen fuel cells and refuelling point in the top five ports and airports in terms of freight and passenger volume respectively. • 8900 M€ invested in renewable energy production projects. • 4,6 Mton of CO2eq reduced. A periodic review of the roadmap and KPI monitoring will help to achieve these ambitious objectives. For 2030-2050, endeavours will focus on accomplishing maturity and great scale deployments. In 2050, the majority of the energy mix is expected to come from renewable energies, with H2 playing a key role in this milestone. The increase of renewable power installed will hopefully led to a drop of the renewable electricity prices, which will make hydrogen production competitive against other technologies, enhancing and accelerating its implementation. Interesting niches for the long term are the sectors hard to decarbonise (transport and industry), the stationary storage and the development of new applications of hydrogen in sectors such as aviation, maritime transport or high temperature industrial processes. 3.5.2 Regional Policies In Spain, there are many clusters and associations promoting hydrogen technologies. At national level, Spanish Hydrogen Association (AeH2), the Spanish Hydrogen Technology Platform (PTeH2) and Spanish Association of Fuel Cells (APPICE) stand out. Nevertheless, there are also clusters, associations and initiatives promoting hydrogen technologies which correspond to some of the 17 autonomous communities forming Spain. 53 Figure 16. Autonomous communities of Spain. These clusters are listed in the table below. Table 2 Local Cluster, association or initiatives Cluster, association or initiative Regions implied 1 (International) H2Med corridor Spain-Portugal + Spain-France 2 (International) Soi H2 Alex Spain (Extremadura) - Portugal 3 Spanish Hydrogen Association (AeH2) Spain (national level) 4 Spanish Association of Fuel Cells (APPICE) Spain (national level) 5 Spanish Hydrogen Technology Platform (PTeH2) Spain (national level) 6 Ebro Hydrogen Corridor Cataluña, Aragón, Navarra y País Vasco 7 (Transnational) Western Green Crane corridor Islas Baleares, Aragón, País Vasco, Castilla y León, Asturias 8 Castilian-Leonese Hydrogen Association Castilla y León 9 Galician H2 association Galicia 10 Green H2 sectoral association of the Murcia region Murcia 54 Cluster, association or initiative Regions implied 11 Extremadura H2 Valley Extremadura 12 H2ValleyCat Cataluña 13 Castile and Leon H2 Valley Castilla y León 14 GetHyGA initiative Aragón 15 Renewable H2 Valley of the Community of Madrid Madrid 16 Andalusian Green H2 Valley Andalucía 17 Basque H2 Corridor (BHC2) País Vasco 18 H2 Valencian H2 Cluster (HyVal) Valencia 19 Castilla la Mancha H2 Cluster Castilla la Mancha 20 Galician Renewable Energies Cluster Galicia 21 Catalonian Efficient Energy Cluster Cataluña 21 Andalusian H2 cluster Andalucía . 3.5.3 Projects and local initiatives Some of the most relevant and up-to-date projects regarding hydrogen and fuel cell technologies are: • Green Hysland in Palma de Mallorca (Balearic Islands) • H2Ports in the Port of Valencia (Valencia) • Iberdrola plant in Puertollano (Castilla-La Mancha) Green Hysland project Green Hysland project 46 aims to deploy a fully-functioning Hydrogen ecosystem in the island of Mallorca, Spain, turning the island into Europe’s first H2 hub in Southern Europe. This will be achieved by producing green hydrogen from solar energy and delivering it to the end users, such as the island’s tourism, transport, industry and energy sectors, including gas grid injection for green heat and power local end-use. 46 https://greenhysland.eu/ 55 Figure 17. Green Hysland project in Mallorca (Balearic Islands, Spain). Source: https://greenhysland.eu This Project started in 2021 and is currently in progress, being its final deadline December of 2025. In the past years, the deployments of the different elements of the valley have been developed at different paces. For example, the hydrogen buses have been already delivered in Palma de Mallorca to EMT, the public transport company in Mallorca. In fact, they have already been part of their dissemination campaigns about sustainable transport. Figure 18. Headline about a dissemination activity carried out by EMT. Source: https://www.emtpalma.cat/ Nevertheless, adding to this some technical issues faced, this has led to other headlines complaining about the production plant not functioning and public criticism in general. However, the upcoming development of the project and the public opinion studies that Green Hysland partners are carrying out between citizens and tourist will soon shed light on the actual public acceptance of this project. H2Ports The H2Ports Project 47 began in 2019 and it is being developed in the port of Valencia (Spain). Its objective is to deploy, demonstrate and validate innovative solutions based on FC 47 https://h2ports.eu/ 56 technologies in port terminals. More precisely, the project is involved in the testing of two prototypes: • a Reach Stacker (vehicle used for handling containers) to be tested in MSC Terminal Valencia (MSCTV). This prototype is the first machine of its type using hydrogen FC technologies for port handling real operation. • a Yard Tractor (tractor used to the internal transportation of goods) to be tested in Valencia Terminal Europa (part of Grimaldi’s group). Apart from this, a hydrogen mobile supply station has been designed ad hoc to guarantee the simultaneous supply of hydrogen at adequate conditions. Since the two prototypes are placed in different terminals of the port, the HRS must be flexible and mobile. It must be also taken into account that port handling equipment is not allowed to circulate outside the terminals area. For this reason, this supply station consists of a fixed part, located on the Xità quay, and a mobile part, which is used for refuelling. Figure 19. H2Ports project. Source: https://h2ports.eu/ At the moment, the prototype tests are being carried out. The end of this project is expected in December 2024. In the framework of this project, a public demonstration of the three pilots was hosted in November 2023. The even took place in the auditorium of the Port Authority of Valencia and then at MSCTV terminal and Valencia Terminal Europa (VALTE), terminal of the Grimaldi Group, where the participants were able to see the machines in operation. The test was observed by the more than 150 people attending the demonstration, who saw how the only residue of the hydrogen combustion was water droplets. 57 Figure 20. Publication about H2Ports project public demonstration. Source: https://h2ports.eu/ Iberdrola plant Iberdrola has set the largest green hydrogen plant for industrial use in Europe 48 . It is located in Puertollano (Castilla-La Mancha, Spain) and is intended to feed the nearby Fertiberia ammonia plant. Its capacities are: • A 100-MW photovoltaic plant • 20-MWh storage capacity in the form of lithium-ion batteries. • 20-MW electrolysis (one of the largest hydrogen production systems) In et figure below, a simplified graph of the system is shown. 48 https://www.iberdrola.com/about-us/what-we-do/green-hydrogen 64 The MAT consortium, consisting of McPhy, Atawey, and TSM, was in charge of providing 14 hydrogen stations and several electrolysers based on a framework contract. Within this consortium, McPhy technologies planned to equip five high-capacity hydrogen stations (McFilling 400/800 kg/day) and several next-generation electrolyzers. By replacing over 620,000 liters of fossil fuels and avoiding more than 1,500 tons of CO2 emissions annually, this project aimed to address climate challenges as set by the European Green Deal (achieving carbon neutrality by 2050) while demonstrating that economic development and environmental preservation can be compatible. Figure 26 The MAT consortium Normandy Hydrogen The region aims to strengthen the role of hydrogen in the Normandy energy transition while developing a robust industrial sector. The Normandy Hydrogen Plan, consisting of 9 objectives and 46 actions, leverages the region's strengths, skills, and hydrogen stakeholders. Beyond structuring and promoting the hydrogen ecosystem, Normandy's priorities include mobility, logistics, industry, and the production of renewable hydrogen. The interactive map "Normandy Hydrogen Projects" lists all hydrogen-related projects, categorized by themes. This map is regularly updated to track the progress of the Normandy hydrogen sector. AdvancedH2Valley Located in the Loire Valley, AdvancedH2Valley aims to promote the region's energy transition and set standards for clean, green, and renewable hydrogen. With secured funding from the EU primarily focused on hydrogen usage and distribution, AdvancedH2Valley is being implemented at strategic sites in Western France. The project plans to introduce up to 11.5 MW of new production capacity, in addition to the existing pioneering 1 MW unit, and innovative processes, including the deployment of one of the country's first hydrogen truck fleets, H2 maritime applications, and port logistics. Among its ambitious goals, the project aims to produce over 1,600 tons of green and renewable hydrogen per year by 2028. In line with the EU's Renewable Energy Directive, two new public hydrogen refuelling stations are planned, adding to the five stations already in operation, and an adapted supply chain, 65 significantly contributing to the region's sustainable energy goals and the expansion of hydrogen usage. More information on the French strategic approach is provided in Appendix A. 4.1.2 Public engagement A number of national and local organisations support the awareness raising amongst citizens and stakeholders, with advocacy initiatives, educational resources and public events. They are listed in Appendix A. The growth of initiatives and the expected growth of the hydrogen economy requires a significant reskilling/upskilling of the work force. As a result, like Belgium, France is part of the GREENSKHy project. The aim of this project is to promote the development of the clean hydrogen sector by reducing obstacles to the European recognition of skills and related systems through joint action plans. It also promotes careers that can contribute to the energy transition through new practical training schemes. 4.2 Germany Germany has demonstrated a strong commitment to developing a sustainable hydrogen economy through its National Hydrogen Strategy. The Federal Government’s strategy, launched in June 2020, outlines ambitious goals to integrate hydrogen into various sectors to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. The strategy emphasizes the importance of hydrogen in the energy transition, aiming to establish up to 5 GW of hydrogen production capacity by 2030, with an additional 5 GW planned by 2035. This initiative is supported by substantial funding, including over 7 billion euros for market rollout and 2 billion euros for international partnerships. Germany aims to establish itself as the global leader in hydrogen technologies. Given the challenges posed by climate change, and in the context of phasing out nuclear energy by 2022 and coal by 2038, green hydrogen is considered one of the essential energy vectors for the energy transition. The strategy emphasizes prioritizing green hydrogen due to the limitations of certain industrial processes in achieving decarbonization. While the strategy is less detailed regarding other sources of hydrogen (blue, turquoise) and does not mention hydrogen produced from nuclear electricity, it projects a significant increase in hydrogen demand from 55 TWh today to 110 TWh by 2030, with green hydrogen production increasing from 3 TWh to 17 TWh (from 5% to 15% of total production). Beyond decarbonizing the economy through renewable energy-hydrogen coupling, the strategy aims to: • Develop the domestic hydrogen market by making it more affordable, particularly in the industrial (steel, chemicals) and transport sectors (especially heavy transport: aviation, maritime, trains, buses, trucks, as well as commercial fleets) ; • Generate economies of scale by advancing green hydrogen technologies, leveraging a strong industrial base for export. • Plan transport and distribution infrastructures as early as possible. • Anticipate training needs and enhance research funding. • Influence standards and potential buyers of foreign hydrogen technologies. • Establish partnerships with future green hydrogen-exporting countries and importers of hydrogen production and logistics technologies (including Power to X technologies). 66 Among the quantified goals is the objective to develop 5 GW of electrolysers in Germany by 2030 and an additional 5 GW, if possible, by 2035 or at the latest by 2040. Germany will not be able to cover all its hydrogen needs with domestic production, hence it aims to develop partnerships with future hydrogen-producing countries to secure supply and sell technologies. Germany has drafted an Action Plan which highlights the supporting measures: for instance, a significant investment plan in hydrogen technologies and subsidies for R&D and electrolysers for priority sectors (steel and chemical). Green hydrogen production and its certification are also pursued, but also blue hydrogen (with CCS technology) is taken into account into the definition of CO2 neutral hydrogen. This will be used primarily in industry and transport. Figure 27 Expected uses of hydrogen According to long-term scenarios developed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), hydrogen demand in Germany is projected to rise significantly, reaching between 360 to 500 TWh by 2045. Additionally, the country will require around 200 TWh of hydrogen derivatives, such as ammonia and synthetic fuels. This total demand aligns with the T45-Electricity scenario, which indicates that by 2045, the demand for hydrogen in Germany could be up to nine times higher than current levels. This substantial increase is driven by new applications and uses of hydrogen across various sectors. Germany is excelling in R&D on advanced hydrogen production also with technologies alternative to electrolysis (thermochemical and biological methods), and on different type sof storage technologies, including liquid hydrogen and solid state storage. 67 4.2.1 Relevant projects 4.2.1.1 Regional initiatives • Green Octopus Mitteldeutschland (IPCEI) : Integrating the emerging hydrogen region of Central Germany with the industrial region of Salzgitter and including the Bad Lauchstädt storage facility. The project, classified under the Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI), has a budget of around €100 million. The initiative aims to extend the hydrogen nucleus northward in Saxony-Anhalt and connect it with Salzgitter, promoting cross-regional industrial decarbonization. • H2-Cluster-BLK : Establishing a green hydrogen distribution system for industrial and commercial areas in the Burgenlandkreis. This project has an estimated investment of €55 million, covering the construction of a 40 km pipeline network and enabling over 15 follow-up projects and initiatives. The cluster aims to produce approximately 20,000 tons of green hydrogen annually. • H2-Transformation of the Natural Gas Network in Jena and Pößneck : The goal is to transform parts of the natural gas distribution network to 100% hydrogen by 2035. The budget for this transformation project is €25 million, which includes the assessment of existing network components, upgrading materials, and ensuring hydrogen compatibility. • HyPerformer: The first hydrogen networks, infrastructures and projects have already been established in HyPerformer regions. HyPerformer funding is therefore aimed at regional project consortia that already have detailed concepts for the use of hydrogen technologies and are now aiming to roll out the technology. In the first HyLand phase, three winning regions were selected from six applications. They will each receive 20 million euros in the form of investment grants to implement existing regional concepts. The funding will be used to expand research and development activities, procurement projects and to close investment gaps that are necessary to realise innovative hydrogen applications. The project volume of the three HyPerformers totals 195 million euros.Three new regions were also honoured in the HyPerformer category as part of HyLand II in April 2023: H2Rügen-Stralsund, HyPerformer Rhine-Ruhr and TH2ECO Mobility from the Erfurt region. The new HyPerformer regions will each receive up to 15 million euros in the form of investment grants for the procurement of hydrogen applications in the transport sector to implement the regional hydrogen concepts. The total project volume of the three new HyPerformers amounts to 131 million euros. The approaches pursued in the regions cover the entire value chain of hydrogen in the transport sector: from production to storage, distribution and refuelling infrastructure to the versatile transport applications, such as buses, municipal commercial vehicles, trucks or cars. • Study "Wasserstoffnetz Mitteldeutschland 2.0": This study involves 54 partners from private and public sectors and aims to develop a regional hydrogen distribution network in Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia. The study is supported by a budget of €5 million and focuses on identifying potential green hydrogen users, production capabilities, and possible distribution corridors. 4.2.1.2 Technology development and Innovation and Research projects BioHydroGen : This project focuses on the development of a hydrogen generator for biogas, creating synergy between waste management and clean energy production. By converting biogas into hydrogen, the project not only provides a sustainable energy source but also addresses waste management issues, contributing to a circular economy. The initiative is expected to create jobs in both the waste management and renewable energy sectors, enhancing local economic growth. 68 GreenRoot : The GreenRoot project aims to produce green hydrogen for a zero-emission future, significantly reducing CO2 emissions in the region. This project involves the integration of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, with hydrogen production technologies. The development and operation of these facilities will generate numerous jobs, from construction and maintenance to research and development, supporting the regional economy. Grünes Methanol – Project by Südzucker Group : This project focuses on producing green methanol using hydrogen and CO2, providing a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel-based methanol. It aims to develop a scalable production process that can be integrated into existing industrial operations. The project is expected to create jobs in the chemical industry, research, and technology sectors, promoting innovation and sustainability in the region. Energiepark Bad Lauchstädt : This energy park combines renewable energy production with hydrogen storage and distribution. It includes the development of a large-scale hydrogen storage facility in salt caverns, which will help balance renewable energy supply and demand. The project supports job creation in the energy sector, from construction and engineering to operation and maintenance. DynElectro : This project involves experimental studies and mathematical modeling of the dynamics and degradation of PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) electrolyzers. By understanding the degradation mechanisms, DynElectro aims to improve the efficiency and lifespan of electrolyzers, which are critical components in hydrogen production. Bioabfälle zu Bio-Wasserstoff : This project focuses on converting biowaste into biological hydrogen. Using innovative gasification technology, the project aims to produce ultra-pure syngas from biowaste, which can then be used to generate hydrogen. This process not only provides a sustainable source of hydrogen but also addresses waste management issues. Ammoniakzersetzung : This research project explores the decomposition of ammonia into hydrogen using catalytic processes. The goal is to produce high-purity hydrogen from ammonia, which is a carbon-free hydrogen carrier. This method leverages the established infrastructure for ammonia storage and transport, making it a viable option for large-scale hydrogen distribution Anwendungszentrum für Industrielle Wasserstoff-Technologien Thüringen (WaTTh) : Located at the Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS, this application center focuses on developing high-performance materials for hydrogen applications, scaling existing technologies, and integrating Industry 4.0 innovations into hydrogen production processes. The center supports practical research and development, aiming to reduce the costs of hydrogen production and improve the efficiency of hydrogen technologies. Beschichtungsverfahren für den Wasserstofftransport : This project develops surface coating techniques to enable the use of existing natural gas pipelines for hydrogen transport. By addressing issues such as hydrogen embrittlement and pressure fluctuations, the project aims to extend the lifespan and safety of these pipelines, facilitating the transition to a hydrogenbased energy system. 69 4.2.2 Involvement of the public Both at national and local levels, German institutions and industry stakeholders organise awareness raising and educational activities for the general public, from Hydrogen Days to social media campaigns. Public consultations might be held for hydrogen infrastructure installations and the public is also involved in hydrogen-related projects. Further information on all these aspects is reported in Appendix A. 4.3 Netherlands The Netherlands stands as Europe's second-largest hydrogen producer, with an annual production exceeding 9 million cubic meters of fossil-based hydrogen. This position offers a significant potential for carbon emission reduction by transitioning to clean hydrogen, aiming to transform the country into a central hub for clean hydrogen production. The Dutch government has laid out a strategy to become a global leader in hydrogen technology and production. Central to this strategy are the ambitious goals to develop a robust hydrogen economy that integrates seamlessly with renewable energy sources. By 2030, the Netherlands aims to have 3-4 GW of electrolyzer capacity installed, aligning with EU targets. The government has also set clear national targets for hydrogen production and usage, backed by supportive policies and subsidies to encourage market growth and infrastructure development. These policies are designed to facilitate the transition to a hydrogen-based energy system and ensure the country's competitiveness in the emerging global hydrogen market. The NL is heavily reliant on fossil-fuel based energy hence the decarbonisation strategy implies a growth in electrification but also a search for alternative fuels, feedstock and storage, and this includes hydrogen. Figure 28 Dutch Hydrogen Roadmap 70 To achieve these targets, the Dutch government is implementing a range of measures, including substantial financial investments in hydrogen infrastructure and research and development. This includes funding for pilot projects, innovation programs, and the establishment of hydrogen valleys—dedicated regions where hydrogen production, distribution, and consumption are concentrated to create a self-sustaining hydrogen ecosystem. Additionally, the government is fostering public-private partnerships to leverage the expertise and resources of the private sector in advancing hydrogen technologies. The strategy also emphasizes the importance of international collaboration. The Netherlands is actively engaging with neighbouring countries and global partners to develop cross-border hydrogen infrastructure and establish itself as a key hub for hydrogen imports and exports. This includes the development of international hydrogen pipelines, agreements for hydrogen import terminals, and participation in European initiatives such as the Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) on Hydrogen, which aims to accelerate the development and deployment of hydrogen technologies across Europe. Furthermore, the Dutch government is committed to creating a favorable regulatory environment to support the hydrogen economy. This involves streamlining permitting processes, developing certification schemes for green hydrogen, and ensuring that hydrogen production and usage meet stringent environmental and safety standards. The government is also working on integrating hydrogen into the national energy grid, enabling efficient and flexible use of hydrogen as both an energy carrier and storage solution. Significant investments in offshore wind and distribution infrastructure is foreseen to support the hydrogen economy: increase in offshore power is crucial for supporting the production of hydrogen, while the capillary natural gas distribution system is to be exploited for hydrogen distribution. Hydrogen is to be used also in residential applications. A widely divergent scenarios for a Dutch climate-neutral economy, as set out in II3050 (ETM, 2020), provides a general idea of the future hydrogen landscape. The total hydrogen utilisation in this scenario study varies greatly, between 239 and 879PJ, depending on various applications such as electricity, industry, built environment, transport & mobility, and synthetic fuels. The NL has good CO2 storage capacity hence blue hydrogen /fossil fuels with CCS will also support decarbonisation of the economy alongside hydrogen. 4.3.1 Relevant projects 4.3.1.1 CAPEX and OPEX Subsidised Projects The H2ermes Project is a significant initiative aimed at developing a large-scale green hydrogen production facility in the port of Amsterdam. CAPEX Subsidy : The Dutch government has provided substantial financial support for the installation of electrolyzers and infrastructure required for hydrogen production. OPEX Subsidy: Operational costs, including maintenance and energy consumption, are also subsidized to ensure the project's financial viability over the long term. HyNetherland is a collaborative project focused on establishing a hydrogen hub in the Northern Netherlands, integrating green hydrogen production, storage, and distribution. CAPEX Subsidy : The government has invested in the development of electrolyzer facilities and necessary infrastructure to support the project's initial setup. 71 OPEX Subsidy : Ongoing operational costs, such as workforce expenses and energy usage, receive financial assistance to maintain economic stability and operational efficiency. Port of Rotterdam Hydrogen Hub: This project aims to transform the Port of Rotterdam into a major hub for hydrogen production, import, and distribution, leveraging the port's strategic location and infrastructure. CAPEX Subsidy : Significant funds have been allocated for the construction of hydrogen production plants, storage facilities, and distribution networks. OPEX Subsidy : The government provides subsidies to cover operational costs, including the maintenance of infrastructure and energy expenses, to support continuous production and distribution of hydrogen. NortH2 Project: The project involves the production of green hydrogen using offshore wind energy in the North Sea, aimed at significantly scaling up hydrogen production capacity. CAPEX Subsidy: The Dutch government has committed substantial investments in the development of offshore wind farms and hydrogen production facilities. OPEX Subsidy : Operational costs such as energy for electrolysis and maintenance of both wind and hydrogen facilities are subsidized to ensure long-term sustainability. H-Vision: focuses on producing blue hydrogen by capturing and storing CO2 emissions from hydrogen production processes, primarily using natural gas. CAPEX Subsidy : Investments in advanced carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology and infrastructure are supported by the government. OPEX Subsidy : Financial assistance is provided for ongoing operational costs, including CCS operations and hydrogen production, to enhance economic feasibility. 4.3.1.2 Hydrogen Valleys in the Netherlands and Regional projects H2 -Fifty project is integral to the Port of Rotterdam Authority's vision for hydrogen and aims to enhance the sustainability of the BP Refinery Rotterdam and other high-emission industries. This initiative brings together BP, an integrated energy company, and HyCC, a green hydrogen solutions provider, both committed to reducing emissions and promoting sustainable fuels. Their collaboration involves developing and operating a water electrolysis plant to produce green hydrogen in the Port of Rotterdam. Powered by renewable energy sources, the planned electrolyser will have a 250 MW capacity and it is expected to produce up to 20,000 - 30,000 tonnes of hydrogen annually. H2-Fifty will be large enough to replace all the grey hydrogen currently imported by the BP Rotterdam Refinery as feedstock, which is otherwise produced by burning natural gas in a steam methane reformer. This transition could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 270,000 tonnes per year, significantly contributing to BP's net-zero ambition. 72 Figure 29 Schem of the H2 Fifty installation In addition to supporting the bp Rotterdam Refinery, H2-Fifty will supply green hydrogen for various industrial uses, providing heat and low-carbon feedstock to sectors that are challenging to decarbonize. The green hydrogen will also be available for the fuels and heavy mobility sector, a major source of emissions in Europe today. It can be directly supplied to fuel cell vehicles or used as a feedstock for synthetic sustainable e-fuel production, aiding the decarbonization of shipping and aviation sectors. The project will also supply oxygen and residual heat to local businesses in the port. H2-Fifty will be built in the Conversion Park at Maasvlakte 2 in the Port of Rotterdam. This location offers access to reliable networks for power and other utilities within the port, along with extensive logistical capabilities to supply local, national, and potentially global markets. The hydrogen produced by H2-Fifty will utilize the open access hydrogen pipeline developed by Hynetwork Services, a subsidiary of N.V. Nederlandse Gasunie. This pipeline will connect to the planned Dutch hydrogen backbone and hydrogen storage facilities, providing customers across the Netherlands and Europe access to hydrogen from H2-Fifty. Europe’s Hydrogen Hub : H2 Proposition Zuid-Holland/Rotterdam 73 Figure 30 Port of Rotterdam hydrogen hub The province of Zuid-Holland has identified six closely interrelated priorities, essential for creating a cohesive hydrogen value chain that integrates supply, infrastructure, and demand. The six priorities are : 1. Development of Green Hydrogen Production 2. Logistic Function of the Port for Import and Transshipment of Hydrogen 3. Development of Openly Accessible Hydrogen Infrastructure 4. Hydrogen as a Raw Material and Supplementally as an Energy Carrier for Indutry 5. Hydrogen as an Energy Carrier for Mobility : Heavy Transport and Long-Distance 6. Use of Hydrogen for Balancing the Energy System Within the region, efforts are focused on achieving CO2 reductions, future-proofing the economy, and improving air quality. Discussions on spatial planning and safety aspects of the hydrogen economy are ongoing among companies, governments, civil society organizations, and knowledge institutions. Recognizing the interdependent nature of the hydrogen economy, Zuid-Holland maintains a broad perspective that includes national and international cooperation. The region's infrastructure is part of a larger system of connections, such as the Rhine-Alpine transport corridor, which stretches from Rotterdam through Germany's Ruhr area to Genoa, Italy. Collaboration with other regions offers benefits like economies of scale, co-financing opportunities, and knowledge sharing. Additionally, Zuid-Holland relies on material and energy flows from abroad. 80 to provide hydrogen production capabilities through various national projects of different scales, along with infrastructure capable of responding to the expected market evolution, especially in the transportation sector. It is important to ensure that hydrogen investments are made without significantly deteriorating end customer's energy costs, which is currently possible thanks to EU funding. The application priorities that will contribute to achieving the objectives of the Croatian Hydrogen Strategy, and which must be covered by the legislative and strategic framework, are as follows: 1. Renewable hydrogen used in refineries for conventional fuel processing should be included in the contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in transportation, which will be incorporated into Croatia's regulatory framework. This is in line with Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11th December 2018 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources. 2. Promote the construction of the entire supply chain (infrastructure). 3. Promote the use of hydrogen as a fuel: a. Transposition of Directive 2009/33/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, of 23th April 2009, on the promotion of clean and energy-efficient road transport vehicles into the regulatory framework of the Republic of Croatia through the Law on the Promotion of Pure Road Transport Vehicles (Official Gazette 52/21). b. Subsidize fuel prices to end-users at parity with conventional fuels in the initial market development phase, with the aim of generating demand. 4. Promote the establishment of hydrogen centres, i.e., clusters that ensure large-scale demand (e.g., ports, cities, or hydrogen valleys). 5. Promotion and co-financing of pilot projects of e-fuel production related to renewable hydrogen. 6. Harmonization and introduction of international standards for hydrogen use in transportation. 7. Improve the framework for the efficient use of electricity from renewable energy sources and the establishment of an acceptable hydrogen price. 8. Promote innovation and development in the hydrogen value chain through the creation of a positive regulatory and strategic framework. During the period up to 2030, Croatia considers crucial to ensure the production of sufficient renewable hydrogen to serve as a raw material in industrial processes, be applicable in the petrochemical industry, and subsequently in an industry using large quantities of natural gas or heavier forms of fossil fuels (cement, glass, metals, etc.). In this regard, sufficient electrolyzer capacity is needed, as well as the commercialization of other renewable hydrogen production technologies. With respect to transport, Croatia expects to convert existing gas infrastructure into hydrogen transport pipelines. Croatia currently has an underground gas storage facility PSP Okoli and another recently constructed one, PSP Grubišno Polje. The construction of a direct hydrogen pipeline for continuous supply of large quantities is technically feasible, and legislative frameworks for hydrogen transport and storage are also expected to be adopted by 2025. Additionally, Croatia has a developed gas transportation and distribution system. 81 Croatia has significant potential within the industrial sector, especially in refineries and the petrochemical industry. Among the potential uses of hydrogen, the aim is to primarily allocate it to decarbonize transportation, industry, electric and thermal energy, and to export renewable hydrogen. o Mobility. The transportation sector is the one with the highest CO2 emissions and also the most mature for hydrogen application in Croatia. Currently, projects in the transportation sector (acquisition of clean vehicles) are at an advanced stage of preparation, and hydrogen vehicles are already in serial production (cars, buses, trucks, etc.), facilitating hydrogen use in this part of transportation. The production of modules for fuel cell electric trucks is undoubtedly the long-term strategic direction of Croatia's industrial transition. Maritime transport has great potential for hydrogen use, especially concerning connecting the peninsula and islands. Although Croatian islands are connected to the mainland by submarine cables, hydrogen can be used as a potential energy reserve and as fuel for island public transportation and ferries. Adding to a European initiative aimed at establishing hydrogen transportation from Southeast Europe to the western part of the EU, hydrogen use may take priority over other alternative fuels in mobility via rivers, especially the Danube, which has become attractive for river cruises in recent years. o Industry. Currently, hydrogen in Croatia is primarily produced in industrial plants for their own production process needs, and it is derived from natural gas. These facilities require significant amounts of hydrogen, which can ensure a steady increase in its production and usage, ensuring the economic viability of both processes necessary for the complete establishment of a hydrogen-based economy. Training and research: Nowadays, several higher education institutions take part in courses related to hydrogen technology (Mechanical Engineering and Shipbuilding Faculty in Zagreb, Faculty of Electrotechnical, Mechanical Engineering and Shipbuilding of Split, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology Zagreb and others). Croatia's geopolitical position is very favourable, and it is expected to position itself as a gateway for transhipment and delivery of hydrogen to other EU countries. Many significant projects are active in the country. The North Adriatic Hydrogen Valley (NAHV) 54 is a project involving Croatia, Slovenia and Italy. The project started in September 2023 and has 17 pilot projects for the production of more than 5,000 tonnes of renewable hydrogen per year from renewable energy sources and its storage, distribution and end-use in sectors such as industry, land and maritime transport. It is the first transnational Horizon Europe initiative supported by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, which has funded the project with €25 million 55 . 54 https://www.nahv.eu/about-nahv/ 55 https://www.clean-hydrogen.europa.eu/projects-dashboard/projects-repository/nahv_en 82 This project has a partnership, which is made up of 37 organisations, including companies, universities, institutes and public bodies, and is led by HSE, the leading producer and marketer of electricity in Slovenia, as well as the largest producer of electricity from renewable sources. More information is reported in the specific chapter dedicated to hydrogen status in Italy (see Chapter 3.3). 5.2 Cyprus The INECP of Cyprus 56 estimates a production of about 1.5 TWh of renewable electricity in 2030. The Plan mentions hydrogen but does not actually foresee its implementation in the period up to 2030. In 2030, it is estimated that around 15 % of renewable electricity might be used for production of hydrogen via electrolysis, with an annual cost (inclusive of development of its transport infrastructure and end user applications in Cyprus) estimated to amount between 5 to 28 million Euro. The main advantages linked to the use of green hydrogen in Cyprus are: the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (7 34 kt CO2/a) and fossil energy import dependence (0.03 0.14 TWh /a) and the creation of around 600 potential jobs in manufacturing, construction and operation of H2 technologies/installations. For its geographical position, the Country has clearly a good potential for H2 production from PV-generated electricity, however H2 use prospects are limited by the lack of a gas infrastructure that could be exploited for its transport. Furthermore, the industrial base is very limited and the majority of the country needs could be easily satisfied by electrification (transport, cooling of buildings etc). Electrification of many sectors is a strong competitor to hydrogen, since the cost of PV power could be low. However, it is considered that hydrogen (or its derivatives) may be appropriate for uses such as in industrial clusters utilizing hydrogen in high-temperature industrial processes and for heavy-duty road vehicles, and in the maritime and aviation sector 57 . Some evidences of actions on sustainable mobility come also from projects, such as GREENH2CY EU project 58 , supporting renewable energy use for transport sector and planning to implement hydrogen refuelling stations and storage infrastructures. A technical committee has been appointed at government level to assess the potential role of hydrogen in the domestic market. Notwithstanding that, Cyprus has been working on the hydrogen valley concept and several Cypriot companies have proposed pilot projects for green hydrogen production. 56 Makis Ketonis, Cyprus Hydrogen Association, “Green Hydrogen. Applications, advantages, contribution to reducing gases emissions and the readiness of businesses” presentation https://wincono.com/cyprus-hydrogen-association-founding-assembly/ 57 https://www.energy.gov.cy/assets/modules/wnp/articles/202306/220/docs/repowereuannexiiihydr ogen.pdf 58 https://ec.europa.eu/assets/cinea/project_fiches/innovation_fund/101103240.pdf 83 5.3 Czech Republic Czech Republic was one of the first European countries to have published a specific national hydrogen strategy last July 2021. 59 Ministry of Industry and Trade presented the strategy supporting the decarbonisation and the economic growth goals. The strategy focuses on 4 main pillars: • production of low-carbon hydrogen • use of low-carbon hydrogen • transport and storage of hydrogen • promotion of hydrogen technologies. where low-carbon hydrogen is meant here as “blue hydrogen”. The strategy invests on several sectors, included industry (chemical mainly), energy and transport; infrastructure will be fundamental for the hydrogen economy development, so that pipeline, distribution and storage equipment are part of the strategy action plan. The strategy is organised into three phases as follow: 2021-2025, clean mobility concept implementation; 2026-2030, operation industrial testing the use of hydrogen; 2031-2050, hydrogen use running on the network and stabilisation. Existing fundings programme will support the investment on the sector: The Country for the Future, IPCEI, OP TAC, other funds might be put in place by the Ministries. The Czech Republic is actively engaging in regional initiatives to boost hydrogen use, particularly in the transport sector. For example, the Moravian-Silesian Region is developing a "Hydrogen Valley 60 ," focusing on integrating hydrogen into public transport and reducing the region's carbon footprint. This aligns with broader EU mandates, such as the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), which requires member states to develop infrastructure for alternative fuels, including hydrogen. In the Czech Republic, the regulatory framework for hydrogen technologies, particularly for the transport, storage, and refuelling stations, is under development and closely aligns with broader EU energy directives. The country is working towards integrating hydrogen into its energy mix, mainly driven by the EU's clean energy objectives and the Czech Hydrogen Strategy which aims to boost hydrogen production and usage. For the development and operation of hydrogen infrastructure such as refuelling stations, the regulations under this act apply, along with relevant safety and environmental standards. There are also specific building and technical requirements for such installations, which must align with the general laws regulating the production, transport, and storage of gases. The legislative framework involves: 1. Czech Act No. 311/2006 Coll. on Fuel Substances: Recognizes hydrogen as an alternative fuel since 2017, and its applications dictate the regulatory framework 59 The Czech Republic’s Hydrogen Strategy, July 2021 https://www.mpo.gov.cz/assets/cz/prumysl/strategicke-projekty/2021/9/HydrogenStrategy_CZ_2021-09-09.pdf 60 https://cms.law/en/int/expert-guides/cms-expert-guide-to-hydrogen/czech-republic 84 stakeholders need to follow. This act applies rules that may not be entirely suitable for hydrogen projects because they were not originally drafted with hydrogen in mind. 2. Energy Law No. 458/2000 Coll. and Construction Law No. 183/2006 Coll.: Recent amendments have aimed to expand renewable energy deployment, including infrastructure that could support hydrogen technologies. 3.National Action Plan for Clean Mobility: Updated in 2019, it outlines the specific use of hydrogen in transportation, targeting the deployment of hydrogen-fuelled buses and the construction of necessary refuelling infrastructure by 2025 and 2030. In summary, Czech Republic has a defined action plan for the hydrogen in medium and longterm covering several sectors; currently most of the measures have been taken on the transport sectors, and regional development initiatives are supporting the progress. 5.4 Estonia Estonia is well positioned in terms of hydrogen implementation. With a Hydrogen Roadmap 61 published in 2023, practically defining the national strategy, the Estonia government has identified main sectors and steps for the hydrogen economy growth. • Piloting phase 2021-2030: Estonia will increase production, distribution and storage, consumption in this pilot phase, where pilot tests and infrastructures implementation will be the focus. Green energy production will be implemented, exploiting wind and PV resources. It is expected to have an increase in terms of capacity of wind farms up to 1 GW by 2030. HRS, storage and high-pressure tanks will be implemented, as well as pilot projects for transport and industrial sectors. In parallel, a focus will be on tax and policy, but also public ad consumer awareness raising. • Scale-up phase 2031-2035: Based on the first years’ results of pilot projects, the next action will be their implementation and improvement; new hydrogen pilot project could be launched for instance on synthetic fuel production. • Expansion phase 2036-2050: stabilisation of the hydrogen economy, according to the green H2 costs and efficiency of the overall system. The creation of the Estonian Hydrogen Valley is a central piece of this framework. It represents a significant step towards developing a national hydrogen infrastructure, focusing on integrating hydrogen production, storage, and utilization across various sectors. It is the first nationwide Hydrogen Valley, aiming to cover the entire country. This initiative is supported by partnerships among public, private, and academic institutions and is part of Estonia's goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 62 . Overall, Estonia's legislative and policy environment for hydrogen is shaped by national strategies and collaborative projects aimed at establishing a sustainable and integrated hydrogen economy. These efforts are likely to evolve as the technology and market for 61 Estonian Hydrogen Roadmap, 2023 https://kliimaministeerium.ee/sites/default/files/documents/202307/Estonian%20hydrogen%20roadmap%20ENG.pdf 62 https://h2est.ee/en/hydrogen-valley-estonia/ 85 hydrogen develop, potentially leading to more specific regulations and standards in the future. Here's a summary of the key regulatory aspects: 1. General Regulatory Environment: Estonia is actively working on integrating hydrogen technologies into its energy systems, with significant support from EU directives and national strategies aimed at carbon neutrality and renewable energy integration. 2. Specific Regulations: While detailed Estonian-specific hydrogen regulations are still evolving, the framework involves compliance with broader EU regulations, which mandate non-discriminatory access to hydrogen networks, transparency in network tariffs, and a structured approach to the storage and transport capacities (https://www.reedsmith.com/en/perspectives/energy-transition/2022/06/hydrogenregulations-by-jurisdiction-and-changing-transmission-systems). 3. Hydrogen Infrastructure Development: Estonia is promoting the development of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure as part of its commitment to a green energy transition. The country's plans include the establishment of hydrogen refuelling stations designed to cater to both personal and commercial transportation needs. This initiative is part of a broader effort to support hydrogen as a key element of the national energy strategy. 4. Incentives and Support: The Estonian government provides support for hydrogen projects through EU funding opportunities, aiming to foster the development of a comprehensive hydrogen economy. This support facilitates the deployment of infrastructure necessary for hydrogen production, storage, and distribution. The governance structure of these initiatives ensures a coordinated approach involving various national and regional bodies, aligning with broader European Union directives and goals. Estonia's policies also aim to maximize cooperation with other countries to optimize the hydrogen sector's development (Hydrogen Valley Estonia). 5.5 Hungary The Hungarian Hydrogen Strategy has been published in May 2021 63 . The strategy identifies hydrogen as an opportunity for both economic growth and decarbonisation goal achievements, positioning Hungary as a key player in the sector at EU level. The strategy identifies an action plan with priority objectives at 2030, here reported: 1. Production of large volumes low-carbon and decentralized carbon-free hydrogen: establishing conditions necessary to produce low-carbon and carbon-free hydrogen that is in compliance with user requirements and is competitively priced. Specific targets: o 20.000 t/year of low-carbon hydrogen 63 Hungary’s National Hydrogen Strategy, May 2021 https://cdn.kormany.hu/uploads/document/a/a2/a2b/a2b2b7ed5179b17694659b8f050ba9648e75a 0bf.pdf 86 o 16.000 t/year of green, other carbon-free hydrogen o 240 MW electrolyser capacity where the low-carbon hydrogen identified is the “blue” and “turquoise” hydrogen type. 2. Decarbonisation of industrial consumption, partly with hydrogen: at first, predominantly low-carbon hydrogen will be used to make the industrial processes and product use “more green”, with a shift to carbon-free hydrogen usage on the longer term. Specific targets: o 20.000 t/year low-carbon hydrogen o 4.000 t/year of green, other carbon-free hydrogen o Avoiding emission of 95 kt of CO2 Main objective is the gradual reduction of grey hydrogen use. 3. Green transport: Accelerating the transition to clean modes of transportation by a gradual transition from gas oil usage to clean alternatives. Within this framework, on the 2030 timeline, hydrogen may become a realistic alternative primarily in heavyduty vehicle traffic. Specific targets: o 10.000 t/year green, other carbon-free hydrogen; o 20 HRS / 40 refuelling points o 4.800 HFC vehicles o Avoiding the emission of 130 kt of CO2 4. Electricity and (natural) gas support infrastructure: Building sector integration ability - primarily seasonal energy storage ability - by utilising intersectoral synergy, establishing infrastructure that will enable the transition to carbon neutrality, and reconstructing existing infrastructure. Specific targets: o 60 MW average cut-off capacity o Min. 2%/ year volume blending ratio in the natural gas system (where appropriate) Several actions and measures are under development, legal and regulatory framework included. Two potential domestic hydrogen valleys have been identified to be created by 2030: the Hydrogen ecosystem of the Transdanubia and the North-eastern hydrogen valley. The first one is located in an important industrial area with ammonia and refinery industry that, together with the nuclear power-plant, could provide hydrogen to serve several sectors, such as iron and steel works, cement production. The second hydrogen valley in the North-East of the country is again an important industrial site able with a high hydrogen capacity production and demand. Currently, no evidences of the above-planned hydrogen valleys projects have been identified, but one hydrogen valley has been found in the Mission Innovation Platform by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership JU. Even if it is not specified the project status, the hydrogen valley seems to be related to the MVM Group power company, primary goal is the hydrogen integration in the energy sector with main application in mobility and industry 64 . 64 https://h2v.eu/hydrogen-valleys/mvm-hydrogen 87 Primary R&D areas have been also identified to support technological, horizontal competencies development: hydrocarbon-based, electrolysis, industry, energy and transportation are the main focus areas. A National Hydrogen Technology Laboratory will be created together with a “HorizonEurope Team” project; research will focus also on pilot programmes, CCU projects and educational programme. International collaborations are also of interest, investing in EU projects and IPCEI projects. Besides this, education and public awareness have been highlighted in the strategy. Key-projects have been planned to be implemented by 2030, according to three main stages following organised: establishment of frameworks (2021-2023), first results (2024-2025), rise (2026-2030). Overall, the projects 65 are drivers for the entire hydrogen economy sector: 1. Green Truck Programme 66 for making freight traffic greener; 2. Green Bus Programme Plus 67 for making public services, concerning transportation at the local level, greener; 3. Establishment of hydrogen valleys in Hungary to promote the establishment of interconnected networks of the hydrogen value chains within the given geographical regions 4. Hydrogen Highway Project for creating a foundation for carbon-free hydrogen production, transportation and energy storage 5. Blue Hydrogen Project for reducing the carbon footprint of industrial hydrogen usage 6. Research, development and innovation in service of the establishment of a hydrogen economy. Up to now, relevant evidences of the current status of strategy implementation have not been found within the present research. However, some projects and private initiatives seems to be underway, mainly led by large companies related to industry and energy sectors: the MOL’refinery 68 , the Nitrogénművek’s fertiliser plant, the pipeline system operated by FGSZ, and the natural gas storage facility operator MFGT are experimenting how a transition to hydrogen may take shape. 5.6 Latvia Latvia does not have its own national hydrogen strategy. However, several private – and also public - initiatives and projects are currently active to support the hydrogen sector where companies and associations found interest. Official document paving the way for the hydrogen economy is the Latvia’s INECP 69 , that identifies the following: • Transport sector application and infrastructure implementation. Transport is one of the main identified applications, for both hydrogen private vehicles and public 65 https://hh2.hu/index.php/en/homepage/ 66 https://zerocarbonhub.hu/en/the-greening-of-transport/ 67 https://humda.hu/en/green/green-bus-program 68 https://www.powermag.com/hungarian-group-inaugurates-green-hydrogen-production-project/ 69 https://ec.europa.eu/energy/sites/default/files/documents/lv_final_INECP_main_en.pdf 88 transport. The country has already some examples, for instance the realisation of the first hydrogen refuelling station in Riga in 2016 (mainly heavy-duty vehicles). • National RD&I Smart Specialization Strategy to be developed in the period 20212027 to support hydrogen deployment and its role in the decarbonisation national process. As mentioned, projects have also origin from private initiatives such as the Latvian Hydrogen Association 70 and the Latvian Hydrogen Alliance, but also with Baltic countries with whom several collaborations have been set up along the past years. The following relevant projects have been identified so far, even it not exhaustive: • HYTRUCKS - HYTRUCKS 71 is a European project, funded under the Interreg Baltic Sea Region, focusing on the smart green mobility development. Main objective is to support public authorities in steering the development of a transnational network of GREEN hydrogen refuelling stations (HRS) suited for large trucks. • H2NODES - H2NODES 72 is European project supporting the hydrogen infrastructure deployment and market hydrogen demand implementation in European cities as Arnhem (Netherlands), Riga (Latvia) and Parnu (Estonia). Main goal is to create a European hydrogen refuelling station network by planning and realising a chain of hydrogen refuelling stations and boosting demand for fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) along the North Sea-Baltic Corridor TEN-T core network corridor. This latter is a multimodal corridor, connecting the Baltic Sea region with the countries of the North Sea region, improving connection with the European Union. Thanks to H2NODES 73 , the first hydrogen refuelling station in Riga was installed (Vienības gatve 6, Rīga, Latvia) and the hydrogen buses could operate. The pilot case has introduced 10 “HyTrolley” trolleybuses in operation in Riga with an innovative technology: they are hydrogen fuel cell range extenders buses 74 unified with the electric trolleybus system. It is the first type of application internationally speaking, with positive impacts both in terms of environmental aspects and tecno-economic, providing emissions and pollution reduction, operational flexibility. The HRS also fulfils the AFIR requirements and it can serve heady-duty vehicles. The initiative was driven by the public transport operator and H2NODES’s partner, the Rīgas satiksme company. • BSR Hydrogen Air Transport 75 – This project involves16 project partners, 24 associated organisations and 40 airports in the North-East Europe and Scandinavian Countries areas. Main objective is the preparation of the regional airports in the Baltic Sea to be ready – under several point of views – to handle hydrogen-powered aircraft, storing and delivering green hydrogen as a future energy source in aviation. Specific objectives are the creation of hubs for hydrogen in gaseous form at regional airports, 70 https://h2lv.eu/about-us/ 71 https://interreg-baltic.eu/project/hytruck/ 72 https://www.h2nodes.eu/en/ 73 https://www.h2nodes.eu/images/201231_H2Nodes_-M17-Arnhem-final.pdf 74 Fuel Cell Range-Extender (REX): the battery is continuously charged by the range extender. Stationary operation of the range extender under partial load alters the lifetime of the fuel cell and enables optimal yield of the hydrogen carried. As a result, the battery can be downsized. 75 https://interreg-baltic.eu/project/bsr-hyairport/ 89 combined infrastructure for general aviation and ground support equipment. Besides this, legal frameworks development and knowledge transfer on technical knowledge, as well as the establishment of a stable network are essential. Currently, hydrogenpowered airport utility vehicles are testes in Riga airport. • BALTICSEAH2 - HYDROGEN VALLEY (Horizon Europe, 2023-2028) 76 - BalticSeaH2 is large-scale, cross-border valley in Baltic Sea, specifically in southern Finland and Estonia. The project includes 40 partners from nine Baltic Sea area countries with the aim to create an integrated hydrogen economy in the area and reduce GHG emissions in the industrial sector (marine traffic included). The project identifies 20 use cases, over 10 investments cases to showcase the different sectors of hydrogen economy and implement the hydrogen market. Infrastructure interventions are also planned, considering over 4 billion euros of total investments. One expected target is the production of 100 t of hydrogen per year. Some activities on hydrogen public engagement have been identified in Latvia. Main source is the HYTRUCKS Project, that is carrying out regular webinars named “HyTruck Breakfast Briefing”, where they share results from existing initiatives/projects or other hydrogen-related topics in an informative way. Last March, updates regarding the above-mentioned projects on BalticSeaH2, BSR HyAirport and H2NODES have been reported. A specific focus was also some surveys on public attitudes towards energy-related topics 77 : • Wind Energy Acceptance: in the past years, the Wind Energy Association of Latvia has launched several public opinion surveys to assess the acceptance of wind energy (2017-2022 period). • Renewable Energy Acceptance: the research centre SKDS launched a public opinion survey on Renewable Energy in Latvia last December 2023. It results a positive position and acceptance on RES with 78% of the interviewed supporting a wider transition to renewable energy use, 71% prefer power produced from RES, 73% agree in the decentralisation of power production; preferred type of resources are solar energy parks (62%), wind energy parks (47%) and wood chip CHPs (29%). Price still might influence the overall acceptance of renewable energy, if it is considered that 60% of the respondents assess that most important is the final energy price. • Offshore Wind Survey: survey launched in January 2024 by SKDS. 71% of people support wind energy parks, mainly at the sea (77,4%) and on farmlands (55,4%) and other positive results regarding wind energy parks have been highlighted by the survey. • BEV Survey: survey carried out by Longo Group in 2023 to assess the acceptance of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) in three Baltic countries (Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania). Most of the respondents state that are “rather not planning to buy BEV within 3 years time” and “absolutely not planning to buy BEV within 3 years time”, showing that there is still not a attitude towards BEV. Main reason might be the following obstacles identified within the survey: high price of BEV (even considering the state support), Inconvenient charging infrastructure, absence of BEV charger at home. 76 https://balticseah2valley.eu/ 77 https://interreg-baltic.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/HyTruck-H2Latvia-Kaspars-Liepins.pdf 96 hydrogen with a short-term outlook to 2030. The strategy identifies actions and measures to support the hydrogen value chain development within the country considering each phase from production, to storage, transport and distribution. Main hydrogen use sectors will be industry, green steel, transportation, combined cycle power plant projects. From a legal point of view, the strategy also plans to develop specific laws and regulations to support the blending of hydrogen with natural gas in the existing networks, the hydrogen storage and the hydrogen mobility for the circulation of FCEVs and HRS construction. In 2030, sector of intervention and hydrogen penetration identified by the strategy are the following: • Replacing current grey H2 production in the refining, fertilisers and chemicals industries; • Developing the green steel industry; • Fuel or feedstock for clean transport (heavy road, aviation, maritime transport); • Combined Cycle Power Plant. Main target fixed at 2030 is the green hydrogen production: 288,8 kt of H2/year to reach by using 3985 MW of electrolyser capacity supported by 8 GW of renewable energy. Solar and wind energy have been identified as main renewable energy sources, based on the geographical position and natural resources of the country. Infrastructure implementation have been planned to guarantee production support. The transition to the renewable hydrogen in industry will also bring to reduction of CO2 emissions, estimated to be 506 kt CO2 in 2030 by using 57 kt of green hydrogen in industry that currently consume hydrogen as raw material or secondary product in their technological processes, and by 23,7 kt of green hydrogen in new industrial processes. For the Combined Cycle Power Plant, the target of 1.600 MW of new CCGT capacity has been set. The CCGT will use 50% of green hydrogen blended with natural gas. The transition by 2030 will allow to increase hydrogen production and to switch to lowcarbon hydrogen energy. In this sense, Romania recognises renewable hydrogen (greenH2) and nuclear hydrogen (pinkH2); based on the EU definition of "low-carbon hydrogen" - hydrogen produced from various sources which ensure at least a 70% reduction in GHG emissions – Romania precises the choice of only pink colour, excluding the blue hydrogen. Intervention to increase the hydrogen storage capacity will be also essential to support the sector. The strategy still doesn’t’ identify a unique storage technology, but evaluate the several available options, such as the underground storage in depleted gas reservoirs or salt caverns, storage in gas pipes, storage as liquid H2 in tanks or conversion into ammonia. For the hydrogen transportation the option to blend it with natural gas by using the existing gas network seems also a possible option. At the moment, Romania government supports the creation of hydrogen valleys. Any projects have been identified as ongoing, but some potential hydrogen valleys have been proposed by the strategy for their relevant location and resource able to create a hydrogen value chain. They refer to the following localities: 1. Bucuresti – Ploiesti – Targoviste – Pitesti 2. Constanta – Medgidia – Calarasi – Slobozia 97 3. Cluj – Targu Mures – Sighisoara – Sibiu – Sebes 4. 4. Galati – Braila – Tulcea 5. Craiova – Slatina – Targu Jiu However, some private projects are underway: • Green Hydrogen @Blue Danube – it is one of the mayor projects, involving 15 companies with the aim of developing a trans-European value chain for green hydrogen. Partners include Verbund (Renewable Energy Producer, Austria), Siemens (Supplier of Electrolysis Technology, Austria and Germany), Bosch (Hydrogen Consumer, Germany), Agrana (Hydrogen Consumer, Austria), DB Schenker (Hydrogen Consumer, Germany). Romanian Hidroelectrica is one of the partners, as a co-investor in renewable energy and hydrogen production in Romania. • Green Complex project - managed by the Chimcomplex, the project focuses on hydrogen production, hydrogen feedstock for the chemical industry and CHP projects. Chimcomplex is the largest exporter in Romanian chemistry and about 60% of its production goes to export. For the coming year, the company plans to increase its production and to move forward the green sector with green chemicals, green energy and hydrogen. • Hydrogen-powered Commuter Aircraft 90 - ELSA Industry company, producing composites for Aerospace, is developing a short-distance/regional airliner powered by hydrogen-electric with hydrogen stored as compressed gas. The aircraft is designed to carry 30 passengers and to fly for a minimum of 1000 km commercial range. • Societatea de Administrare a Participațiilor în Energie SA 91 – is a public company dedicated to the Electricity production; it started hydrogen production project in three regions of Romania (South-East, South Muntenia and South-West Oltenia). 5.10 Slovakia Slovakia published the “National Hydrogen Strategy: Ready for the Future” 92 in June 2021. Hydrogen has been identified as one of the energy drivers towards the decarbonisation goals. Therefore, the strategy sets up main steps for the hydrogen implementation in the industry segments, economy growth, by considering R&D and the educational role for its effective deployment. Four main sectors identified for hydrogen decarbonisation purpose: • Chemical and petrolchemical industries; • Steel industry and metallurgical processes; • Gas industry; • Heat management; • Transportation. Based on current hydrogen use, the strategy notes that Slovakia would consume 200 ktons of hydrogen a year by 2030 and that, on the basis of intense usage of hydrogen, this could reach 90 https://www.elsaindustry.eu/home/rd/hydrogen-aircraft/ 91 https://www.sape-energie.ro/descrierea-societatii/ 92 https://nvas.sk/NVS_EN.pdf 98 400,000-600,000 tonnes by 2050 – of which 90% would be sourced from low-carbon sources. Specific target to 2030 are not defined, but fundings programmes and opportunities have been highlighted by the strategy (EU funds included); to enable the hydrogen economy and strategy application the Centre for Research of Hydrogen Technologies (CRHT) 93 was founded. In Slovakia, the legislative framework for hydrogen technologies, particularly in terms of permits, certifications, and regulations for building hydrogen refuelling, storage, and transmission stations, is still developing. The country is taking steps to integrate hydrogen energy into its national energy strategy, with a focus on transportation and industry. 1. Legislative Background and Regulations: Currently, there is no specific comprehensive legislative framework dedicated solely to hydrogen energy in Slovakia. Instead, hydrogen projects must comply with general laws applicable to renewable energy sources and gases. The main legislative document that includes hydrogen is Act No. 309/2009 Coll., which recognizes biohydrogen as a renewable energy source. This act, along with the Energy Act No. 251/2012 Coll. and Act No. 250/2012 Coll. on Regulation in Network Industries, forms the basis of the regulatory framework for hydrogen projects in Slovakia. 2. Support and Subsidies: Slovakia has introduced subsidies to promote the building of hydrogen refuelling stations. This support can cover up to 75% of the eligible costs for natural or legal persons, and up to 95% for municipalities or their organizations. 3. Infrastructure Development: The country's hydrogen infrastructure is in the early stages of development. Efforts are being made to establish a basic network of hydrogen fuelling stations in major transport hubs by 2023. This development is crucial for the rollout of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) in Slovakia, which has been hindered by the lack of such infrastructure. Initiatives such as the introduction of hydrogen buses in public transport systems, similar to those in other European countries, are being considered. For instance, the Bratislava Transport Company has announced plans to operate hydrogen buses. 4. Future Prospects and Challenges: The Slovak Ministry of Economy recognizes the potential of hydrogen technology, especially in the automotive industry, and aims to position Slovakia among the leaders in alternative propulsion systems. This vision includes leveraging the country's nuclear resources to produce low-carbon hydrogen. Challenges remain in terms of infrastructure readiness and the technical capability of the existing natural gas network to handle hydrogen, particularly concerning the potential corrosion of pipelines with higher hydrogen concentrations. In Slovakia, the legislative framework for hydrogen technologies, particularly related to storage, transportation, and refuelling stations, is still in development. Below are some 93 https://www.sav.sk/?lang=en&doc=services-news&source_no=20&news_no=9037 99 of the key legislative acts and regulations that are currently relevant for hydrogen projects in Slovakia: 1. Act No. 309/2009 Coll. on the Promotion of Renewable Energy Sources and Highly Efficient Cogeneration: - This act recognizes hydrogen, specifically biohydrogen, as a renewable energy source. It is one of the primary pieces of legislation that supports the use of renewable sources like hydrogen in Slovakia. 2. Act No. 250/2012 Coll. on Regulation in Network Industries - This legislation covers the regulatory aspects of network industries, including energy networks, which would be applicable to the infrastructure required for hydrogen transport and distribution. 3. Act No. 540/2010 Coll. on Gas Industry - While primarily focused on the natural gas sector, this act also covers technical and safety standards that could apply to hydrogen, particularly when considering blending hydrogen into the natural gas network. 4. National Policy Framework for the Development of Alternative Fuels Market: - This policy document outlines the support for building hydrogen refuelling stations and integrating hydrogen technologies into the transportation sector. 5. Amendments to the Subsidy Law (No. 71/2013 Z. z.): - Recent amendments introduced support mechanisms for building hydrogen refuelling stations, applicable to municipalities, VUCs, and natural or legal persons, providing financial support for the development of hydrogen infrastructure (https://cms.law/en/int/expert-guides/cms-expert-guide-to-hydrogen/slovakia). These laws and regulations form the backbone of Slovakia's approach to developing its hydrogen economy, focusing on integrating hydrogen into existing energy and transportation systems and supporting the development of necessary infrastructure through subsidies and legislative support. 5.11 Slovenia A national strategy for the hydrogen sector development in Slovenia is still not ready, but hydrogen is recognised as one relevant source for the energy transition within the country. Currently, the most updated reference documents are the Resolution on Long-Term Clime 100 Strategy until 2050 94 (2013) and the INECP 95 , setting up first step for the definition of the official hydrogen strategy planned by 2025/2026. The INECP identifies hydrogen as one of the potential renewable energy sources contributing to the security energy supply and the renewable energy production share expected to be 27% in 2030. The plan highlights potential areas of hydrogen development here summarised: • 7% of green hydrogen fuel for the transport sector by 2040. To support the green hydrogen production, a guarantees of origin scheme will be developed and aligned with the current European directives. The hydrogen fuel is planned to be injected into the existing gas network; • Green hydrogen o synthetic gas will be injected in the transmission and distribution networks in place of the natural gas and with the following targets: 10% by 2030, 25% by 2040, 100% by 2050. Regulation and legislative frameworks development will be developed to support the transition in parallel with infrastructures implementation. Although the absence of the official strategy, few hydrogen projects and initiatives are already ongoing in Slovenia. Besides some hydrogen use in a couple of industrial sites, main relevant project is the North Adriatic Hydrogen Valley 96 (NAHV). NAHV is a European funded project under Horizon Europe programme involving three neighbouring countries, Italy (Friuli Venezia Giulia Region), Slovenia and Croatia. It started last September 2023 (6 years of duration) aiming to create a transnational hydrogen ecosystem among the three territories with around 20% of renewable hydrogen produced exchanged among them. The project will develop 17 pilot projects involving different hydrogen players, thus creating a transnational value chain with different sectors of application such as hard-to-abate industry, energy and transport fields (maritime and aviation). Main goal is to produce over 5.000 tons of renewable hydrogen/year for energy storage, distribution and consumption. The project is guided by the HSE, the Slovenia’s largest electricity producer and distributor. Within the Consortium, more than 27 partners including SMEs, industries, institutions and research centres. During the project, several fundings will be delivered for a total of over 300 million euro to boost hydrogen production, storage and distribution capacity, aiming to strength a local economic and social ecosystem hydrogen engaged. 94 The National Assembly, 2021, “Resolution on Slovenia’s Long-Term Climate Strategy until 2050 (ReDP250)” https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/LTS1_SLOVENIA_EN.pdf 95 Republic of Slovenia, “Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan of the Republic of Slovenia” (2020) https://ec.europa.eu/energy/sites/default/files/documents/si_final_INECP_main_en.pdf 96 https://www.nahv.eu/ 101 6 EU and other neighbour countries collaboration According to the European Green Deal 97 , during 2025-2030, hydrogen energy should become the main component of the EU's integrated energy system , and the capacity of electrolysis plants will increase. For that reason, the internal hydrogen production capacity is not able to cover the entire demand, but strategic synergies with neighbouring countries will need to be strengthen to cover the overall hydrogen energy demand from importation. Among them, Ukraine 98 (in the process to become one of the EU countries) is considered a transit country for the green hydrogen distribution with a high green hydrogen production capacity. For that reason, in 2023, a Memorandum of understanding between the EU and Ukraine on a strategic partnership on biomethane, hydrogen and other synthetic gases . Ukraine has been then included in the European Hydrogen Backbone project for the development of the East and South East Europe hydrogen Corridor. HYPOP Project started a remotely collaboration with Prof. Andrii Trostianchyn, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Lviv Polytechnic National University (Ukraine), supporting the project with a short description of the current hydrogen implementation in Ukraine here reported. 6.1 Hydrogen implementation in Ukraine Over the past few years, the possibility of achieving rapid results in the energy transition to new clean energy systems, in which hydrogen technologies will play a key role, has become an increasingly relevant topic globally. To date, about 40 countries have already developed their strategies/roadmaps/development plans for the hydrogen technologies used for the period up to 2050-2060. A significant part of the EU Hydrogen Strategy is international cooperation. Based on natural resources and the interconnectedness of infrastructure and technological development, the Eastern and Southern Partnership countries are named priority partners of the EU in this matter. At the same time, the EU identified Ukraine as a priority partner in implementing the European Hydrogen Strategy and supplying this energy resource to the European market. The European Commission encourages Ukraine to join the already established European Pure Hydrogen Alliance and develop cooperation with it to make renewable electricity and hydrogen. The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, delivered a powerful message that shows great attention to the growing new industry. At the summit of the Eastern Partnership in Brussels, which was held on December 15, 2021, he emphasized that "Ukraine is ready to become a leader in the development of hydrogen energy, which will enable our country to gain complete energy independence and achieve climate neutrality." Ukraine can fully provide its own ecologically clean, renewable energy. Hydrogen is a significant component of our country's future energy independence. Thanks to its geographical location and the colossal potential for producing "green" hydrogen using wind and solar stations, Ukraine can become one of the crucial suppliers of hydrogen energy to EU countries. At the same time, the 97 https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_en 98 Ukrainian Hydrogen Council, “POWERING THE FUTURE: UKRAINE'S HYDROGEN INITIATIVES”, Oleksandr RIEPKIN - Member of the Board Energy Association “Ukrainian Hydrogen Council”, Iaroslav KRYL – CEO Hydrogen Ukraine LLC, 2023. 102 production and export of hydrogen will become a powerful driver for the Ukrainian economy. Hydrogen technologies are cross-sectoral and can be included in all the main sectors of the economy of Ukraine. It will promote investment engagement in the Ukrainian energy, industry, and transport sector. The state budget will receive billions in additional revenues, and people will receive thousands of jobs. The country has significant research and implementation potential in this area. Today, Ukraine is at the pilot stage of implementing hydrogen energy. Despite Russia's armed aggression, active work is underway to develop a national hydrogen strategy. In particular, the working group presented the Hydrogen Strategy project until 2050 the beginning of 2024 at the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine. The project is the result of a thorough study of the resource base necessary for the large-scale production of green hydrogen (natural energy potential of RES, water resources, as well as personnel and educational potential), the experience of leading countries, consultations with market participants, as well as scientific institutions, specialists of internationally recognized energy companies and organizations. The Institute of Renewable Energy of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, USAID fund experts, specialists of the Ministry of Energy, the Energy Association "Ukrainian Hydrogen Rada", the Reform Support Office under the Ministry of Energy, the Energy Association "Ukrainian Hydrogen Rada" and others took an active part in the preparation of the document. The immediate goal of the presented Hydrogen Strategy of Ukraine is to build additional capacities for hydrogen production, develop a regulatory framework, expand the use of the latest fuel in the transport industry, and start export sales of Ukrainian hydrogen. It contains a road map for implementing strategic goals and an action plan. In particular, the growth and diversification of the hydrogen sector are expected in Ukraine by 2030. Ukraine will become a leader in hydrogen technologies and a reliable partner of the EU. By 2050, the hydrogen market and its export component will expand rapidly. The result is that in 2050, Ukraine will already have the reputation of being Europe's hydrogen hub. It is assumed that Ukraine will be able to export 10 GW of green hydrogen to the EU. According to the strategy, at least three dozen new hydrogen production plants will be built in Ukraine. However, in the next three years, Ukraine is expected to import half a million tons of renewable hydrogen, and in the future 3 million tons annually. To enter the European market, Ukraine must provide conditions for using hydrogen in transport, metallurgical and chemical industries. Ukraine has already taken the first steps. There is already an example of building the first hydrogen filling station in partnership with the Danes. Ukraine is also discussing pilot projects with Germany on a scale of 100 MW and up, by analogy with the 100 MW solarhydrogen plant project implemented in Morocco. In addition, the Czech company Witkowitz - one of the largest machine-building enterprises in Eastern Europe - is negotiating with "Pivdenmash" to construct a plant to produce equipment for hydrogen production. "Ukrhydroenergo" signed a memorandum of cooperation with the H2 company on building a hydrogen electrolysis plant in Ukraine. As part of the agreement, investors undertake to attract EUR 300 million. Cooperation involves the construction of hydrogen production capacities at Ukrainian hydroelectric power stations. "Operator of the Gas Transportation System of Ukraine (GTS)" is considering the idea of hydrogen transportation by the Ukrainian GTS in the next few decades. The company notes that for hydrogen transportation, it is necessary to carry out a large-scale modernization of pipelines because the vast majority of ones in Ukraine were built in the 60s and '70s. 103 The Ukrainian "Regional Gas Company" (RGK) first tested hydrogen in Ukraine's gas distribution system. They took place at a specially prepared training ground in Chernyakhiv, Zhytomyr region. During the experiment, the landfill systems were pumped with inert gas and then filled with hydrogen, the concentration of which increased to 99%. RGK uses these tests to evaluate the prospects of using gas distribution networks to deliver new energy-gasconducting synthetic mixtures and biogas. The company plans to conduct further tests at four specially prepared test sites: Volyn, Dnipropetrovsk, Ivano-Frankivsk and Kharkiv regions. The second stage is dynamic research. They will show how realistic it is to use hydrogen for household needs - in boilers and gas stoves. They will also carried out at the RGK training grounds. Currently, work on the development of the Hydrogen Strategy is ongoing. The ultimate goal is to create a document that will ensure the development of not only hydrogen technologies and the energy sector but also, thanks to the cumulative effect, the transition of the Ukrainian economy to a new, sustainable and innovative stage of development, independent of energy imports. This requires consolidating all interested parties - the Government, Parliament, stakeholders, scientists, potential investors, and international partners. It is also essential to train the necessary number of young specialists in those disciplines that will be needed for the functioning of the hydrogen economy. Based on this, the strategic task of specialized universities is to train specialized specialists. The creation of a new industry has been taking place for tens of years, and the issue of personnel training is relevant even today. By 2030, Ukraine plans to build 35 new plants. For the work of one person, at least half a hundred specialists of various profiles are needed. The leading universities of Ukraine are actively involved in implementing this task. For example, in the laboratory "Innovative technologies in energy and transport of National Technical University of Ukraine "Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute" a mechanotron stand based on a hybrid car with fuel cells "Toyota Mirai" was implemented, an interdisciplinary educational program "Green Economy" was launched, competitions are held startup projects on the issue of "Clean Hydrogen". The Center for Hydrogen Technologies has been established at Lviv Polytechnic National University. Together with the Hydroxy Power company, hydrogen and its potential applications in everyday life are being researched here. The purpose of the Center's activity is to transfer technologies, commercialize, conduct further research on this subject, develop startups, and expand the production base. At the same time, the priority task of the Center is solving the problem of hydrogen storage and transportation. Similar examples that testify to the involvement of universities in this issue can be cited much more. The development of a new field is impossible without fundamental scientific research. In this regard, the hydrogen topic is the priority for developing science and technology in Ukraine. The state budget finances many scientific projects to develop hydrogen technologies every year. Scientists can receive substantial financial support from the National Research Fund of Ukraine to implement their projects. For instance, in the Institute of Physical Chemistry, named after L.V. Pysarzhevsky of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, the project "Design and development of zeoliteand nanocarbon-containing catalysts with improved mass transfer for the latest energy industry based on hydrogen and methanol" is being implemented, which won the competition "Supporting research of leading and young scientists". In the contest "Science for the Reconstruction of Ukraine in the War and post-war Periods", the project "Development of a methodology for assessing the performance of existing gas pipelines to increase the stability of the functioning of the energy system of 104 Ukraine during the transportation of green hydrogen" won (G.V. Karpenko Institute of Physics and Mechanics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine ), "Metal hydrides based on modified magnesium alloys for modern high-capacity hydrogen storage systems” (Ivan Franko Lviv National University), "Development of highly efficient hydrogen storage power plants to ensure the energy and environmental security of Ukraine in wartime and postwar times” (Kharkiv National University of the City farm named after O.M. Beketov). The list of similar projects currently being implemented in Ukraine is much more comprehensive. Ukrainian scientists also actively implement international grants such as Horizon-2020, but their analysis was not carried out in this review. In conclusion, Ukraine has a huge potential for successfully transitioning to hydrogen energy. We believe that after overcoming all the challenges caused by Russia's war crimes, we will realise this potential. References 99 1. https://www.kmu.gov.ua/news/vodneva-strategiya-ukrayini-mozhe-stati-osnovoyudlya-mizhnarodnoyi-spivpraci-u-vodnevij-energetici-german-galushchenko 2. https://www.ive.org.ua/?page_id=3409&lang=uk 3. https://hydrogen.ua/images/about/Vodneva-Strategia-Cover.pdf 4. https://hydrogen.ua/ua/novyny/1519-do-2050-roku-ukrajina-stane-vodnevimkhabom-evropi-prezentovano-vodnevu-strategiyu-ukrajini 5. https://www.ukrinform.ua/rubric-economy/3813095-u-minenergo-predstaviliproekt-vodnevoi-strategii-do-2050-roku.html 6. https://kpi.ua/2023-kp39-iee 7. https://kpi.ua/hydrogen-strategy-about 8. https://kpi.ua/2020-11-12 9. https://www.kmu.gov.ua/news/vodneva-strategiya-maye-peredbachatikonkurentozdatnist-ukrayini-u-virobnictvi-vodnyu-ta-jogo-transportuvanni-do-yes 10.http://www.atomforum.org.ua/publications/articles/2020/perspektivi_vikoristannya_vodn yu_ta_rol_ukrayini_v_yevropejskij_vodnevij_energetichnij_revolyuciyi 11. https://energy365.com.ua/tpost/1xiugu7621-vodneva-strategya-ukrani-budepredstavle 12. https://www.epravda.com.ua/columns/2023/05/16/700162/ 13. https://www.epravda.com.ua/columns/2021/04/20/673188 14. https://www.epravda.com.ua/columns/2021/03/22/672179/ 15. https://uhe.gov.ua/media_tsentr/novyny/vodneva-energetika-vikno-eksportnikhmozhlivostey-ukraini 16. https://hydrogen-ukraine.com/ukraines-hydrogen-strategy-and-governmentguarantees-of-its-implementation/ 17. https://mev.gov.ua/taxonomy/term/14 99 Please note that given the potential risks caused by russia's full-scale armed aggression against Ukraine, this report is prepared exclusively from materials freely available on the online resources provided below. 105 18. https://biz.censor.net/columns/3307889/zarodjennya_vodnevoyi_ekonomiky_v_ukrayini 19. https://ua-energy.org/uk/tags/vodneva-stratehiia 20. https://lpnu.ua/news/tsentr-vodnevykh-tekhnolohii-novyi-maidanchyk-dlia-naukovoidiialnosti-ta-komertsializatsii 21. https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/2623-14#Text 22. https://nrfu.org.ua/news/naukova-rada-nfdu-zatverdyla-rejtyngovi-spysky-proyektivuchasnykiv-konkursu-nauka-dlya-vidbudovy-ukrayiny-u-voyennyj-ta-povoyennyj-periody/ 112 a competitive solution. Considering the HYPOP analysed countries, Spain and Netherland show the best LCOH from onshore wind with 5,8 and 6,2 euro/kg respectively. Moreover, if the type of investment point of view is considered, today the majority of European countries foresee financial support for CAPEX to build a green hydrogen production plant. On the other hand, only few countries have implemented OPEX aid. The countries that have introduced OPEX grants are: • Germany • Netherland • Spain Support to operational costs is an essential element for companies to develop green hydrogen production projects. Indeed, even if the cost of producing green hydrogen is likely to decrease in the years to come, the sector must be reassured today about the financial risk. Countries that have launched this type of support therefore have a considerable advantage in launching green hydrogen production. Because of the high green hydrogen production cost, some countries also rely on forms of low-carbon hydrogen as a first step towards decarbonisation, thanks to their cost competitiveness with fossil fuels-based hydrogen production. The low-carbon hydrogen definition is described in the so-called “Gas Package” directive 103 , further mentioned in the next section about the environmental aspect, and it involves several hydrogen production technologies other than electrolysis from renewables. For example, Belgium, Netherland and Poland rely on blue hydrogen (hydrogen produced from fossil fuel with carbon capture) while France and Spain rely on yellow hydrogen (electrolysis with electricity from the grid). More details are reported in 7.2.6. Regarding funding programmes, it is not easy to identify specific and comprehensive source of fundings in each analysed country. What is evident is the primary support of the NRRP funds, able to cover several projects and sectors, followed by European funds on infrastructures (e.g. CEF, Innovation Fund) and on R&D projects (such as Horizon Europe Programme, Clean Hydrogen Partnership JU), and the Hydrogen IPCEI for Important Projects of Common European Interest. Each country may provide other national and specific fundings programmes or incentives (including locally distributed European structural funds); finally, private initiatives are also a primary driver for the sector development where hydrogen is seen as an opportunity of economy growth. 7.2.3 Socio-cultural aspects Most European countries have clusters, national councils or other private, public or academic bodies that raise awareness, support innovation and technology transfer and are in general active on the hydrogen economy. Their role is to support technological and sector development, including educational and socio-economic aspects related to the hydrogen field. Many of the identified national strategies cite the importance of knowledge improvement and social awareness in order to support the hydrogen integration within the society, even if 103 https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/markets-and-consumers/market-legislation/hydrogen-anddecarbonised-gas-market-package_en#promote-consumer-engagement 113 formal engagement strategies have not been detected. Indeed, there is no a specific indicator allowing the socio-cultural hydrogen aspect monitoring and the number of tools to raise awareness of hydrogen among the general public is quite limited. Within the HYPOP analysis, some initiatives or engagement activities results from European projects, local organizations mainly. Living Labs might be a valid tool to engage local communities and approach citizens to hydrogen technologies. However, most of the current living labs are finalized to the technical stakeholders’ engagement and different hydrogen value chain players involvement. Only two Living Labs open to citizens have been found during the present research: • Living Lab H-ZEB (Hydrogen Zero Emission Building) - Italy : the Student House of the Università del Sannio (Benevento) is pioneer in the installation of a hydrogen powered microgenerator in a real-scale building, becoming the first Living Lab of HZEB in Europe. The Student House (already nZEB) has been equipped with a microgenerator composed of a Solide Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) powered with 100% pure hydrogen was installed; • H2 Living Lab – Germany : laboratory at the Technical University of Munich and regional initiatives like those in North Rhine-Westphalia, which engage local communities and stakeholders in the development and testing of hydrogen solutions. Beside the Public Opinion Survey launched at European Level by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership 104 , other public opinion surveys have been used by public authorities and decision-makers to assess the current hydrogen awareness and opinion. Here same examples: - Regional public opinion survey (North Adriatic Hydrogen Valley) - Italy: in 2023, the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region launched a survey to assess public opinion knowledge and opinion regarding hydrogen and future installation planned within the North Adriatic Hydrogen Valley, having Italy, Slovenia and Croatia as partners. - “Zero Emission Services for a Decarbonised Alpine Economy”, LIFEalps Project - Italy: interviews and public opinion survey to assess bus drivers and citizens as users of hydrogen buses. The survey, held within the LIFEalps Project on emission-free mobility in South Tyrol (North of Italy), gave some useful results for the project implementation. - Hydrogen perception survey – Poland: led by the Lukasiewicz Research Network, the survey is part of the social research module of the project “Strategy for Security of Hydrogen Technologies in Poland for 2022-2030″. The survey was addressed to citizens to understand their public perception and attitudes towards hydrogen. In parallel, the Pomeranian Region worked to explore companies interests and knowledge on the hydrogen sector. - “Popularization of hydrogen in society (popH2society)” – Poland: to raise awareness and dissemination of knowledge in the field of hydrogen technologies in a wide crosssection of social groups and regions in Poland, and to lay the groundwork for socially responsible development of these technologies. The project is born from the Polish experience with nuclear power or shale gas shows, which have shown how social acceptance of the technology may prove to be a key factor in the implementation of the technology into the socio-economic fabric. 104 https://www.clean-hydrogen.europa.eu/media/publications/awareness-hydrogen-technologiessurvey-report_en 114 - Surveys on public attitudes towards energy-related topics - Latvia: different associations launched surveys to assess acceptance about energy topics, especially wind and renewable energy sources. A specific survey was also launched to assess knowledge and attitudes towards BEV in the Baltic countries recently. There are also several initiatives managed by universities, research centres or institutes that provide specific hydrogen courses and initiatives open to the public in order to cover their mission of science, innovation promotion towards community. EU projects activities can also play an important role in terms of hydrogen knowledge dissemination. For instance, the mobility related project “HyTRUCKS” (see Latvia, chapter 5.6) organizes initiatives such as the “Breakfast Briefing” where they regularly share information on hydrogen-related projects, initiatives or experience; GREENSKHy project is instead focused on skills improvement, careers opportunities development related to the energy transition thanks to specific and practical training schemes (Belgium, France are among the partners). As already mentioned, hydrogen associations and clusters might be also involved in social awareness and educational activities: the “Hydrogen Education and Innovation Center” in Belgium, or “CANOPEA”, the environmental association with 130 associations focused on the awareness field; the “Academy of Sciences” in Bulgaria; the “Italian Hydrogen Association” (H2IT) in Italy. As we can see, the socio-cultural aspect is not yet very developed for the green hydrogen sector and no structured institutional plans have been outlined. However, countries such as Germany and Netherlands, already classified as “frontrunner” for what concern technological and strategical document publications, confirm to be pioneers even in the social engagement implementation. Indeed, both of the countries are working to support social awareness of hydrogen and acceptance in parallel with the technological development. Open days, social media campaigns, awareness or educational courses are some examples of activities, as well as public consultations for hydrogen infrastructure installations. In Netherlands, Dutch industry and research institutes work on awareness raising, community engagement and education programs through open days, workshops, and seminars to educate the public about hydrogen production, storage, and usage. In regions like Zuid-Holland and the North Sea Canal Area, where large-scale hydrogen projects are underway, community engagement is particularly robust. Local governments organize information sessions and public consultations to keep residents informed and involved in the transition process. These efforts are essential for addressing public concerns and building trust in hydrogen technologies. 7.2.4 Technological aspects There are many players who are active in the hydrogen value chain. Most are specialized in research and development, technology and engineering. Hydrogen strategies and national roadmap gave birth to specialized technological center or associations focused on the sector, supporting its development from technological, research and other horizontal aspects. Examples are the Lithuanian Hydrogen Platform, or the Centre for Research of Hydrogen Technologies that are a point of reference, together with R&D laboratories, universities and research institutes for both decision-makers and companies. Relevant is also the industrial interest to the sector, bringing to the creation of several private-public initiatives driving the hydrogen economy development even in absence of official strategies. Some of these 115 organizations and partnerships have been identified along the present research, Table 3 and Table 5 report some examples. Meanwhile, Table 5shows some information collected on current Projects of Common Interests among the analysed countries. 116 Table 3 Main key players of the hydrogen value chain detected during the HYPOP study Hydrogen Player Belgium France Germany Italy Poland Bulgaria Spain Switzerland Romania Netherlands Main clusters, hydrogen association s or network. Cluster TWEED Belgian Hydroge n Council (BHC) France hydroge n; French Associa tion for Hydroge n & Fuel Cells (AFHYP AC) DWV Germany Hydrogen Associatio n; German National Hydrogen Council Italian Hydrogen Association(H 2IT) ANIMA IDROGENO Hydrogen Technolog y Centre; Cluster of Hydrogen Technolog ies Balkan Hydrogen Cluster Academy of Sciences Spanish Hydroge n Associati on (AeH2), Spanish Hydroge n Technolo gy Platform (PTeH2) Spanish Associati on of Fuel Cells (APPICE) ; 22 regional clusters H2 Producers Association Hydrogen Mobility Switzerland Association - NLHydrogen; Dutch Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Association (NWBA); H2A Association 117 Hydrogen Player Belgium France Germany Italy Poland Bulgaria Spain Switzerland Romania Netherlands Main private or public actor in the hydrogen value chain Luminus Fluvius Fluxys Air Liquide Infratech AGFA John Cockerill Vanttool Mitis Port Of Antwerp Bruges Air Liquide Alstom Engie TotalEn ergie McPhy Energy Haffner Energy LHyfe Symbio Genvia Areva H2Gen Siemens Energy Thyssenkru pp Linde BASF MAN Energy Solutions Bayer. Daimler BMW E.ON NOW GmbH ENEA FONDAZIONE BRUNO KESSLER RINA De Nora Ansaldo Energia, Fincantieri, NatPower, Alstom, Enel, Snam , Ediso, IVECO PKN Orlen, Worthingt on Industries, PESA, Azoty, Rockfin , GAZSYSTEM, Meitill Solutions, Horus Energia, SBB Energy, Polenergia Green Innovation ; Sofia Constructi on Systems company Enagas, Repsol, Cepsa, Iberdrola , Endesa, Naturgy, Fertiberi a, Acciona, DH2 Energy Hydrospider; Fluxswiss Chimcom plex, SAPE and ELSA Industry, Hidroelec trica, Romgaz (SNG), OMV Petrom (SNP), Liberty Galați; Romanian Hidroelec trica Shell Gasunie Nouryon Tata Port of Air Liquide HyET Engie Bosch Ebusco In order to properly develop this new sector, laboratories have specialized in this sector and the table below indicates these different laboratories by country (HYPOP plus France Germany and the Netherlands): 118 Table 4 R&D Labs R&D Labs Belgium France Germany Italy Poland Bulgaria Spain Netherland VKHyLab EnergyVille Lab H2GridLab CRMgroup Uliège UClouvain UMons ULB Materianova Centexbel Cenaero BeBlue Laboratoire d'Innovation pour les Technologies des Energies Nouvelles et les nanomatériaux (LITEN) Institut de Recherche de Chimie Paris (IRCP) Institut Français du Pétrole et des Energies Nouvelles (IFPEN) Laboratoire de Réactivité et Chimie des Solides (LRCS) Laboratoire des Technologies de l'Hydrogène (LTH) Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE German Aerospace Center (DLR) Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion Zentrum für Sonnenenergieund WasserstoffForschung BadenWürttemberg (ZSW) Helmholtz Institute ErlangenNürnberg for Renewable Energy (HI ERN Environment Park IIT ENEA FONDAZION E BRUNO KESSLER Hydrogen Industrial Lab by ENEL Innovation Hub in Sicily The Institute of Power Engineering - National Research Institute ORLEN Laboratory Center Of Hydrogen Technologies - Gdansk University of Technology Łukasiewicz Research Network Academy of science Centro Nacional de Hidrógeno, Fundación Hidrógeno Aragón, IMDEA Energy, Tecnalia, IREC Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research (DIFFER) TNO Energy Transition Energy Research Centre of the Netherlands (ECN) part of TNO Institute for Sustainable Process Technology (ISPT) Eindhoven University of Technology (TU Eindhoven) 119 Table 5 Projects of Common Interest of the European Union Projects of Common Interest Belgium France Germany Italy Spain Malta GRTgaz: FrancoBelgian Corridor Project is aimed at developing a large-scale cross-border network from the port of Dunkirk throughout the Franco-Belgian border region. Gigafactory Initiative (IPCEI): The development of gigafactories for electrolyser production to ensure a steady supply of key components for hydrogen production, supported by significant public investment H2Med Corridor – BarMar Pipelines. The H2Med project is a significant initiative aimed at establishing a hydrogen corridor linking Spain, France, and Germany. CapTransCO2 : Development of a CO2 transport infrastructure to connect CO2 sources with utilization processes; Green Octopus Mitteldeutschland (IPCEI) : Integrating the emerging hydrogen region of Central Germany with the industrial region of Salzgitter and including the Bad Lauchstädt storage facility IPCEI Hy2Infra project: support the hydrogen value chain development, specifically the green hydrogen production and transport; South H2Corridor: development of the south part of the European Hydrogen Backbone, the interconnected hydrogen grid to reach south and central Europe, where Snam is involved as Italian natural gas grid manager; Callisto Mediterranean CO2 Network Project: storage and transport of CO2 onshore and offshore. Italian involved companies are Snam and Eni, contributing to the CO2 multimodal hub of the Mediterranean area. H2 Med Corridor: hydrogen corridor linking Spain, France, and Germany. The submarine interconnection between Barcelona and Marseille is estimated at 2.135 billion euros, while the Spain-Portugal interconnection is estimated at 350 million euros. Melita TransGas Pipeline: the installation of a 159 km gas pipeline from Delimara (Malta) to Gela (Italy) with a capacity of 2.03 billion m3 per year. 120 Considering the actions strategy on infrastructure investments, Figure 39 shows the current status of planned infrastructure by nr of countries that identify them along the EU hydrogen national strategies. Based on the HYPOP’s study countries, main infrastructure type to be implemented are hydrogen refuelling stations (18 countries), pipelines (16), electrolysers (14), followed by FCs (6), CCS (2 – Belgium, Croatia), SMR (1 - Belgium). All HYPOP Partner countries have planned HRS, pipelines and electrolysers, except for Bulgaria whose strategy is mainly focused on HRS, and Italy that does not cover pipelines construction because of existing grid ready to be used. Even the majority of the Target Countries identify the first three type of infrastructure as primary focus, other than Latvia (only HRS), Malta ((pipeline), Switzerland (pipeline), Cyprus (HRS). These results highlight the strategical sectors where countries are addressing their efforts for the hydrogen deployment: in a medium and long terms scenario, hydrogen will gradually cover the transportation sector with trucks, long distance vehicles primarily, followed by trains, aviation and maritime transports (2050 view mainly); hydrogen will be also used in existing or new gas grid network blended with natural gas; green hydrogen from renewable energy is considered the main type of hydrogen production forecast in most of the cases. Therefore, electrolysers installation is a priority for those countries where internal production is planned instead of relying on an import strategy. Figure 39 Total nr of countries (HYPOP’s study countries ) with planned infrastructure by category. Hydrogen valleys also give a relevant contribute to the hydrogen economy development. Regarding these projects, the list is very long and they are available on the clean hydrogen partnership website https://h2v.eu/hydrogen-valleys. Please note that this list is also not exhaustive since, for example, IMAGHyNE French Valley hydrogen is missing. The image below represents this list of Hydrogen Valleys projects on a map of Europe. The most notable hydrogen valleys have been described previously (for countries within the scope of the HYPOP study): overall, around 32 hydrogen valleys have been identified within the HYPOP’s Study Countries in “under construction” or in “pre-FID 121 (planning, engineering, de-risking etc)” phases or similarly (see the H2V portal). More precisely, there are 16 ongoing hydrogen valleys in Germany, 6 in Spain and in Netherlands, 5 in France, 3 in Italy, 2 in Belgium, 2 in Poland, one in Hungary and another one in Slovakia. However, not all hydrogen valleys fulfill the common European definition, but sometimes projects are included in the meaning if there is a local hydrogen production from renewable energy. This means that it is not easy to collect exact information, such as in Poland where from our research the identified hydrogen valleys result to be 11 more than the two reported in the EU platform. From those 32 valleys, only two results to be fully operational: • ZEV – Zero Emission Valley (France) - it aims to deploy 14 hydrogen stations and 423 vehicles in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region before the end of 2024. • eFARM (Germany) - it is the biggest green hydrogen mobility project in Germany to date. The project is realised by GP JOULE and addresses the complete value chain of green hydrogen on the mobility path from production over logistics to distribution via HRS. It worths to mention the creation of the Estonian Hydrogen Valley: it’s the case of the first nationwide Hydrogen Valley, aiming to cover the entire country. This initiative is supported by partnerships among public, private, and academic institutions and is part of Estonia's goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Since hydrogen valley is the essential steps to create the new hydrogen market, this topic could be presented in all 6 accepts: 1. Political: Hydrogen valleys are in most national hydrogen strategy 2. Economical: Hydrogen valleys imply huge amount of money. To develop such project, public aids, public-private partnership and EU funding programs are needed 3. Socio-culturel: communication for a wide audience 4. Technologic: hydrogen valleys concern all the hydrogen value chain 5. Environment: the aim of the hydrogen valleys is to be connected to other hydrogen valleys 6. Legal: to create this new market, regulations and certification are needed 128 9 Appendix A: Full PESTLE analysis of selected Countries In this section are reported the full PESTLE analyses of three selected Countries: • Belgium • France • The Netherlands 9.1 Belgium 9.1.1 Political Aspects What strategy is used to support the development of national hydrogen ? The Belgian strategy is composed of four pillars for which various concrete measures have been identified, as presented below: Figure 42The four pillars of The Belgian strategy Pillar 1 : Positioning Belgium as a hub for the import and transit of renewable molecules in Europe Improving energy efficiency and maximizing renewable energy production will help Belgium reduce its dependency on energy imports. However, due to limited local renewable energy potential, Belgium will continue to rely on energy imports, including hydrogen and its derivatives, which can be transported long distances at low costs. This opens up trade opportunities with distant regions, accessing abundant renewable resources and fostering competition among producers to lower prices. Belgium plans to import significant amounts of renewable hydrogen and its derivatives (20 TWh by 2030 and 200-350 TWh by 2050) for domestic demand and transit activities to neighbouring countries, aiming to become a renewable molecule entry point into Europe. Diversification of import sources is essential for reducing dependency and avoiding supply security threats. The federal government has identified three main import routes for renewable hydrogen and its derivatives, requiring close collaboration with relevant governments and stakeholders. Historical relationships, shared visions, and mutual benefits are considered in partner selection, exploring 129 options in geopolitically stable areas. Memoranda of Understanding have been signed with key partners like Oman and Namibia, focusing on sustainable development goals and geopolitical aspects. The North Sea route, benefiting from favourable wind regimes, is seen as a primary renewable resource for Belgium, requiring cooperation among North Sea bordering countries for efficient development of wind energy and planning of electrical and hydrogen networks. The South route, mainly from the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa, relies on a vast pipeline network, with European Hydrogen Backbone planning a pipeline connection by 2030. The Maritime route offers a competitive solution for importing hydrogen derivatives from regions with high renewable energy potential but not directly connected by pipeline. Belgium's federal government is committed to facilitating these import routes and has launched calls for projects to demonstrate technologies for importing hydrogen molecules or derivatives. Belgium aims to serve as Europe's hydrogen gateway, potentially doubling the volume of imports for transit purposes. Strategic investments in import and transport infrastructure are underway to realize this ambition. Additionally, strategic storage of hydrogen and its derivatives will become obvious for energy security, with Belgium exploring both large-scale hydrogen gas storage and the storage of hydrogen derivatives like ammonia or methanol. Pillar 2 : Strengthening Belgian leadership in hydrogen technologies Belgium wishes to reinforce this leadership position of Belgian-based and research institutions based in Belgium and active in hydrogen molecules and derivatives. The federal government is adapting existing instruments and developing new ones for R&D to maximize contributions to innovation in hydrogen technologies. This includes: - The Energy Transition Fund, active since 2017 through 2025, supports research and development in hydrogen production, transportation, and storage, allocating 20 to 30 million euros annually through a yearly project call. - The Clean Hydrogen for Clean Industry project call, part of Belgium's national recovery and resilience plan, focuses on developing high-maturity technologies for hydrogen and its derivatives to encourage investment for quicker commercial scaling. The first call, launched in April 2022, offered up to 50 million euros, with a second call in 2023 offering 10 million euros. - The H2 Import Call, aimed at developing and demonstrating technologies for hydrogen import (in any form, including derivatives) and network injection, is set to launch in early 2023 with 10 million euros. - Federal support extends to developing VKHyLab, a test infrastructure to help research institutes and companies scale their hydrogen technologies, with 1.5 million euros for site acquisition and an additional 14.7 million euros to the Von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics for the project, operational by 2025. - Innovative activities could also benefit from tax, duty, or surcharge adaptations. Recognizing the importance of developing initial electrolysis capacities in Belgium for companies and research institutions to gain experience, electrolysis activities are exempt from electricity excise taxes. Pillar 3 : Establishing a robust hydrogen market 130 Connecting market actors is essential to establishing a robust market for hydrogen and its derivatives, necessary for applications transitioning to renewable energies. The question arises: how can hydrogen molecules be physically traded? In Belgium, pipeline transport is deemed the most efficient and safest method, requiring significant initial investment but offering low operational costs relative to the volumes transported. The reuse of existing gas pipelines could further reduce initial capital expenditures. A pipeline network also enjoys the "network effect," enabling trade with all connected actors, a capability that grows with the network's expansion. Belgium already has a hydrogen transport network, developed by a private entity to supply various industrial clients across Belgium, France, and the Netherlands, connecting regions such as Zeebrugge, Ghent, Antwerp, and Charleroi. However, many industrial clusters are situated far from these infrastructures. The federal government aims to continue the development of a hydrogen transport network to operate under non-discriminatory third-party access conditions. A first phase will initiate with at least 100 to 160 km of pipelines by 2026, supported by a 95 million euro budget from Belgium's national recovery and resilience plan. The deployment of these infrastructures will match market demand and align with Belgium's ambitions. Installing new pipelines is costly and has significant impacts on nature, agriculture, and citizens. Pipelines dedicated to transporting other molecules that are no longer in use will be maximally utilized, such as those previously used for transporting low calorific value gas and will be shut down following the complete transition of Belgian consumers to high calorific value gas. Belgium aspires to interconnect its hydrogen transport network with Germany, France, and the Netherlands by 2028 to support its international position as a renewable energy import and transit hub in Europe. The federal government has allocated 300 million euros to expedite interconnection with Germany to be operational by 2028. The federal government seeks to ensure optimal energy transport infrastructure planning to minimize total societal costs. The mutual influence of different networks is considered, as unused natural gas pipelines could transport hydrogen. Integrated planning of electricity and hydrogen networks could yield synergies, such as optimizing the location of electrolysers and heavy transport refuelling stations, and efficiently using all existing energy transport infrastructures in Belgium. To this end, the federal government is setting up structured consultations among Belgian transport network managers. The federal government has already sanctioned the inaugural Belgian hydrogen transmission system operator, Fluxys. Additionally, it has committed to codifying legal provisions concerning the separation of the hydrogen transport network operator, ensuring non-discriminatory third-party access to hydrogen transport networks, and establishing network tariffs to be regulated by the CREG, among other aspects. 131 Figure 43 Sustainable hydrogen projects in Belgium Trust can be established in the hydrogen market through at least three essential elements: - Certification System : The European Union is currently developing standards to define what constitutes a renewable hydrogen molecule as part of the RED II delegated acts. Due to the complexity of tracing and certifying hydrogen molecules and derivatives from various conversion processes, the federal government supports Hinicio in creating a European voluntary certification system and registry with the help of the Energy Transition Fund. A pilot phase in Belgium is planned, potentially extending to include low-carbon molecules. - Market Platform : The federal government aims to develop a specific market platform for hydrogen molecules and derivatives. Collaborating with existing platforms to establish a "Belgian hub" could also facilitate the exchange of hydrogen molecules (and potentially derivatives) within Belgium. - Gas Quality : The regulatory project plans to develop a gas quality standard to be formulated by the hydrogen transport network operator under CREG supervision. These measures aim to build confidence, facilitate market exchanges, and ensure product quality and traceability within the emerging hydrogen economy. Pillar 4 :Investing in cooperation as a key success factor This strategy focuses on developing a complete new value chain for hydrogen to support the energy transition. The first three pillars have outlined the federal government's specific ambitions and approach. However, achieving these goals requires effective collaboration at all levels to ensure the strategy's success. This fourth pillar supports the others by leveraging specific federal measures and the contributions of all stakeholders, acknowledging that the challenge is too significant to tackle alone, and collaboration is essential. Key areas for federal government cooperation include (but are not limited to): 132 - Regional Governments : In Belgium, hydrogen-related competencies are shared between the federal and regional levels. Rapid and efficient development of a hydrogen value chain requires synchronization and alignment of measures across competencies. The federal government commits to continued constructive collaboration with regional governments, including through the existing ENOVER/CONCERE consultation. - Hydrogen Ecosystem : Companies, research institutes, universities, and environmental organizations active in hydrogen-related solutions and services are central to develop the hydrogen market. Their participation in implementing this strategy, whether through concrete projects, partnerships, or supporting research and technological developments, is very important. Regular feedback from these actors to policymakers is vital for addressing market challenges and obstacles effectively. The final goal of this ecosystem is to obtain a real production and consumption of hydrogen and to become a Hydrogen Valleys. - European Partners : The strategy heavily relies on European collaboration, from interconnecting hydrogen transport networks and coordinating hydrogen production development to establishing common market rules and certification standards, and developing a joint value chain for hydrogen import. These actions can lead to connect different Hydrogen Valleys. The federal government commits to continuing collaboration with European partners within European institutions, the North Sea Energy Cooperation, the Pentalateral Energy Forum, Benelux, or bilaterally when relevant (e.g., accelerating the interconnection of hydrogen transport networks between Belgium and Germany). - International Partners : As detailed in the first pillar, this strategy inherently focuses on importation, where local renewable production is first used for direct electrification, and hydrogen molecules and derivatives are primarily supplied from abroad. Collaboration with international partners to establish a hydrogen import value chain is central to this approach. Belgium is already collaborating closely with Oman and Namibia to develop the Southern maritime route and aims to engage further in these collaborations to achieve concrete outcomes and initiate similar collaborations to open other import routes. 9.1.2 Economic aspects Federal (national) Level : At the federal level, Belgium’s national policies and strategies directly impact the economic viability and growth of the hydrogen sector within the country. u, immediate action during this upcoming legislative session is deemed essential, with the Council highlighting several critical action points for Belgium’s success in this area. The most urgent actions are centred around five axes : 1. Ensure sufficient and competitive funding/support for clean hydrogen Belgium stands out for its current annual hydrogen consumption of 400 to 500 thousand tons, which is predominantly derived from fossil sources. The shift from traditional grey hydrogen to greener alternatives is on the agenda for our industrial sectors, though challenges such as uncertain regulatory landscapes and market structures, along with the notable price gap with fossil fuel-based options, pose significant barriers. To position clean hydrogen as a viable competitor to fossil fuels, it’s crucial to introduce and expand economic incentives for consumers of hydrogen. Similar strategies have been employed by neighbouring countries, allocating considerable funds to assist industries and transportation sectors that are difficult to decarbonize. Without such financial support, including both 133 capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operational expenditure (OPEX), Belgium risks not only failing to attract future international investments but also jeopardizing its substantial industrial sector due to reduced competitiveness, potentially leading to job losses. Moreover, for Belgium to become a leader in clean hydrogen innovation, investment and support mechanisms are essential to cultivate and share technological expertise globally. 2. Develop a fully-fledged open access hydrogen infrastructure Infrastructure is set to be a pivotal element in unlocking the potential of the burgeoning hydrogen economy. With over 600 km of hydrogen pipelines in existence, Belgium is positioned uniquely on the global stage. Leveraging the extensive experience gained over many years, this distinctive asset, which is adept at delivering hydrogen of very high purity (greater than 99.99%), is essential for the decarbonization efforts of industrial entities. Enhancing this existing privately-operated hydrogen pipeline network with a publicly accessible network that links import terminals, Belgian industrial zones, and those in adjacent countries will be crucial in maximizing the opportunities presented by the hydrogen economy. 3. Create a liquid market for clean hydrogen For a vibrant market that encourages the utilization and exchange of clean hydrogen, it is imperative to establish a reliable and pragmatic certification system for clean hydrogen. At present, the sector is impeded by the absence of a coherent and structured framework for hydrogen certification, complicating the connection between producers and consumers in the clean hydrogen market. The creation of a hydrogen exchange is decisive for facilitating hydrogen trading, ensuring efficient market operation, and enabling transparent and effective pricing. It is vital to have clear delineation of responsibilities concerning hydrogen between the regional and federal levels to formulate a functional framework. Moreover, Belgium’s regulatory landscape needs to be harmonized with European Union directives, as well as with regulations in neighbouring countries and across its own regions, to ease the trading of hydrogen certificates, reduce administrative burdens, and enhance market liquidity for hydrogen. These measures are necessary to satisfy the compulsory and/or essential demand for hydrogen in Belgium. 4. Unlock the hydrogen decarbonisation potential in the transport sector Belgium, at the core of Europe’s prime logistics zone, faces the challenge of reducing over 20% of its total emissions originating from the transport and mobility sector to achieve its climate goals. Embracing zero-emission mobility, particularly hydrogen, is essential due to its suitability for heavy and long-distance transport needs. Hydrogen’s integration promises to decarbonize the transport sector significantly, which is key for the smooth operation of traffic to major ports and is a substantial employment and value generation source. Ensuring competitive conditions for Belgian transport businesses against regional shifts and supporting the decarbonization of other transport sectors are identified as critical steps for the government. 5. Stimulate hydrogen R&D The upcoming government’s support for broad, innovative pilot projects within the hydrogen value chain is imperative, acknowledging the early stages’ cost challenges. To capitalize on the global shift towards a low-carbon hydrogen economy, Belgium must encourage technology and innovation 134 exports, especially in leading sectors, and seek foreign investments to strengthen its industrial base. This strategy is pivotal for maintaining Belgium’s competitive edge in the global hydrogen market. All economic actor listed and engaged on a hydrogen-related project are shown below: Figure 44 Belgian ecosystem Regional impact and local initiatives: What is subsidized in hydrogen production? Walloon Region Operational expenditures (OPEX) will not receive subsidies under any circumstances. Only the eligible capital expenditures (CAPEX) incurred during the project’s maximum implementation phase of five years may receive financial support. This support is determined by comparing the costs with those of equivalent equipment in a non-decarbonized scenario. Nevertheless, the application and context of the equipment must be carefully considered and assessed based on its intended use, allowing for a nuanced approach: this entails covering 100% of the eligible costs, which is defined as the cost differential between “traditional” equipment (for instance, designed for petroleum gas) and that designated for hydrogen use. Therefore: - For an electrolyzer and its associated specific equipment, the subsidy covers the cost of the electrolyzer itself in full. However, the electrolyzer needs to be appropriate for the type of production outlined in the proposed business plan. 135 - In the case of a hydrogen refuelling station (HRS), the subsidy calculation considers the cost difference between a traditional petroleum gas station and a hydrogen station. This principle also extends to a local pipeline that connects a production unit with a refuelling station, where only the cost difference is eligible for subsidy. Consequently, we do not subsidize the entire cost of an HRS. Flanders Region : Action plan Flanders Region invests in sustainable trucks for heavy transport and buses unlike financial support for fossil alternatives like LNG or CNG will be abolished. However , the ecology premium per applicant is limited to a maximum of two trucks and two buses on electricity and two hydrogen trucks. This is to make sure that as many companies as possible can experiment with these technologies. Today, electric vehicles are the most appropriate for the ecology bonus they’re applying. The average support is 125.000 euros for an electric truck and 148.500 euros for a bus. A truck equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell can expect a 90.000 euros subsidy. Brussels-Capital Region : Urban context The energy subsidies of the Brussels-Capital can provide financial relief by allowing you to choose the most efficient techniques and equipment. Production price of green hydrogen as a function of grey Belgium stands as a beacon of a knowledge-based economy, exporting its most valuable asset, knowledge, across the globe. The demand for decarbonized hydrogen is notably high in sectors like steelmaking, chemical industries, refining, and heavy transportation. Presently, the chemical sector alone consumes about 400 kilotons of hydrogen annually, equating to the energy consumption of 5 million households. Simultaneously, this sector is also a significant hydrogen producer. In the Port of Antwerp, around 260 kilotons of grey hydrogen (produced from natural gas through steam methane reforming [SMR]) are generated each year, leading to CO2 emissions totaling 2.4 million tons annually. Transitioning this production to green hydrogen (via electrolysis) would require roughly 13 TWh of renewable electricity. To put this into perspective, in 2021, Belgium’s 400 offshore wind turbines in the North Sea generated 6.7 TWh of renewable electricity, underscoring the limited potential of Belgium’s renewable energy resources for large-scale green hydrogen production. Moreover, the industry’s need for a stable and continuous supply of low-carbon hydrogen, which Belgian offshore wind farms cannot support, indicates the necessity to import green hydrogen from regions abundant in solar and wind energy, such as Oman or Namibia. Establishing the required capacity in these countries and preparing transport methodologies will take time. During this transitional period, alternative low-carbon hydrogen production methods, like blue hydrogen (SMR with CO2 capture) or turquoise hydrogen (methane pyrolysis producing valuable carbon black instead of CO2), will also be essential. The current energy crisis places immense pressure on blue and turquoise hydrogen projects. Turquoise hydrogen even requires twice as much natural gas per kilo of low-carbon hydrogen produced compared to blue hydrogen. To reduce reliance on fossil fuels without delaying the energy transition, pink hydrogen, utilizing nuclear energy, could offer a solution. For instance, utilizing the total capacity of Doel 4 for hydrogen production through a 1 GW electrolyzer could replace 60% of 136 grey hydrogen production in the Port of Antwerp, avoiding 1.5 million tons of CO2 emissions annually. From a technical standpoint, nuclear energy offers additional synergies for hydrogen production. Traditional nuclear power plants, built in the 70s and 80s, provide base energy but lack flexibility. In times of renewable energy shortage, increasing production (e.g., starting gas plants) or reducing electricity consumption (via demand-side flexibility) becomes necessary. Pairing a base-load nuclear plant with a sufficiently large electrolyzer could provide the needed flexibility to incorporate more renewable energy into the power grid. Electrolyzers are notably flexible assets. An alkaline water electrolyzer can be turned off at a rate of 4% per second and operate at a minimum load of 30% as needed, quickly returning to full production when renewable energy availability increases. Some proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers can even shut down at a rate of 10% per second and operate at a minimum load of 5 to 10%. Their balancing capability presents a unique asset to the electrical system. Economically, the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) from existing, fully depreciated nuclear plants is low (around 35 – 40 €/MWh) and stable. If used directly to power an electrolyzer (bypassing the grid), pink hydrogen production costs would range between 2.3 to 2.5 €/kg. This becomes competitive with grey hydrogen as soon as gas prices reach 50 €/MWh and CO2 prices hit 65 €/ton. Besides access to low-cost, low-carbon electricity, electrolyzer operators also need a high capacity factor to amortize capital investments, a feature where nuclear plants excel with a capacity factor greater than 90%. Electrolyzer operators could also generate revenue by supporting the grid. In September, the European Commission approved Belgium’s new capacity remuneration mechanism (CRM) to ensure supply security. In Elia’s subsequent auction, demand management was compensated at 20,000 €/MW/year. There’s no reason why a large electrolyzer supporting the grid couldn’t participate in such an auction scheme (provided it receives no other form of OPEX support), potentially reducing hydrogen costs by an additional 0.13 €/kg. In scenarios where electrolyzers are unavailable, existing SMR facilities could act as backup systems to ensure continuous hydrogen supply to the industry. Lastly, transport and storage costs also significantly impact the final hydrogen price for consumers. Transporting hydrogen substantially increases its price. Being able to produce hydrogen near consumption points, such as near a petrochemical hub, would offer a significant competitive advantage over importing green hydrogen from distant locations in derived molecules like ammonia (NH3) or methanol. 9.1.3 Socio-cultural aspect National participation In 2023, local and national projects related to hydrogen, both private and public, are multiplying, particularly in Belgium. Although the use of hydrogen is not new, the new dimension taken on by this sector will have an impact on many trades and will require a vast effort in training and certification of skills, as well as acculturation on the general public. Building the Belgian’s hydrogen industry means building a national community of skills to serve the energy transition and prevent shortages of skilled labour. 137 As a result, Belgium is part of the GREENSKHy project. The aim of the project is to promote the development of the clean hydrogen sector by reducing the obstacles to the European recognition of skills and related systems through joint action plans and by promoting careers that can contribute to the energy transition through new practical training schemes. Awareness organizations Canopea, a federation of environmental associations, was founded in 1974. It represents 130 associations whose actions range from local to international. Originally active in land-use planning, environmental pollution and agriculture/nature, it has expanded its scope to include mobility, energy, environmental health, food and tourism. The federation is recognized for the quality of its work in Continuing Education. Critical monitoring of public policies and proposals for concrete, innovative solutions combine to accelerate the ecological and solidarity-based transition. Canopea is also committed to improving democratic participation in decision-making. 9.1.4 Technological aspect As mentioned for the pillar 2 in the political aspect “Expanding Belgian leadership in hydrogen technologies”, the federal government wants to maintain and strengthen this leading position of Belgium based companies and research institutions active in the technologies of H2 – molecules and H2 – derivatives. The federal government adjusts its available instruments and develops new ones for R&D so that they can contribute to the innovation in H2 technologies. Innovation in H2 technologies On 9 November 2023, FPS Economy, the Belgian federal public service for the economy launched 2023 call for projects under the Energy Transition Fund (ETF). It aims to develop and encourage innovative research and development on the production, transport and storage of hydrogen and its derivatives. An amount of EUR 15 million was available for the 2023 call. A minimum subsidy of EUR 100.00 and a maximum subsidy of EUR 5 million may be awarded per project, according to the following subsidy percentages : Fundamental research (100%), feasibility studies (50%), industrial research (50%) and experimental development (25%). The Clean Hydrogen for Clean Industry project call is part of Belgium's national plan for recovery and resilience. Its primary objective is to advance the development of promising hydrogen production and utilization technologies, as well as those for its derivatives, that are already at a significant level of maturity. Through this initiative, the federal government seeks to encourage investments that will expedite the commercial scaling of these technologies. The inaugural call, issued in April 2022, provided up to 50 million euros in support, with a subsequent call planned for 2023, offering an additional 10 million euros in funding. The H2 Import Call focuses on the development and demonstration of technologies that enable the import of hydrogen (in any form whatsoever, H2-derivatives included) and its injection on a hydrogen transport network. This call will be launched in early 2023, with an envelope of 10 million euros. In addition, innovative activities can also be supported through the adaptation of the taxes, excises or surcharges. Given the importance of developing the first electrolysis capacities in Belgium to 144 • ATEX Directives : Compliance with the ATEX (Explosive Atmospheres) directives is mandatory for all hydrogen facilities. These directives set out minimum requirements for improving the safety and health protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres. Environmental Compliance To ensure that hydrogen production contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, France has established environmental compliance measures. These measures are aimed at minimizing the carbon footprint of hydrogen production and promoting the use of renewable energy sources : • Emission Limits: Hydrogen production facilities must adhere to strict emission limits for CO2 and other pollutants. The use of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies is encouraged to mitigate emissions from hydrogen production. • Renewable Energy Integration: To qualify for green hydrogen status, production facilities must use electricity generated from renewable sources. The regulatory framework includes guidelines for certifying the renewable origin of electricity used in electrolysis. Legislative Support and Incentives France has enacted several legislative measures to support the hydrogen sector and provide incentives for compliance with regulatory standards. These measures include : • Energy Transition Law : The Energy Transition for Green Growth Act sets ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the share of renewable energy in the national energy mix. The law provides a legal basis for supporting hydrogen projects that contribute to these goals. • Subsidies and Tax Incentives : The government offers subsidies and tax incentives to companies that invest in hydrogen technologies and infrastructure. These incentives are designed to offset the initial costs of compliance with regulatory standards and encourage the adoption of best practices. Harmonization with EU Regulations As a member of the European Union, France's regulatory framework for hydrogen is closely aligned with EU directives and regulations. This harmonization ensures consistency across member states and facilitates cross-border cooperation in hydrogen projects: • Renewable Energy Directive (RED II): This directive sets binding targets for the share of renewable energy in the EU's energy mix and includes specific provisions for renewable hydrogen. France has integrated the provisions of the Renewable Energy Directive II into its national legislation, promoting the production and use of green hydrogen. The directive aims for a 32% share of renewable energy by 2030, which drives France to increase its renewable hydrogen production capacity. • European Green Deal : The European Green Deal is a strategy aimed at making the EU climate-neutral by 2050. It includes a focus on clean hydrogen as a key element in decarbonizing various sectors, such as industry, transportation, and energy. France's 145 hydrogen strategy aligns with this vision, contributing to the overall goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. • Hydrogen Strategy for a Climate-Neutral Europe : This strategy outlines the EU's plan to develop a robust hydrogen economy by scaling up hydrogen production and infrastructure. It sets a target of 6 GW of renewable hydrogen electrolyzers by 2024 and 40 GW by 2030. France's hydrogen roadmap is closely linked to these targets, aiming to expand its electrolyzer capacity and integrate hydrogen into its energy system. Hydrogen Strategy for a Climate-Neutral Europe: France's hydrogen strategy is aligned with the EU's broader strategy for achieving climate neutrality by 2050. This includes participating in EU-funded projects and initiatives aimed at scaling up hydrogen production and infrastructure. Further Regulatory Harmonization To ensure a seamless hydrogen market across the EU, regulatory harmonization is essential. France aligns its hydrogen regulations with EU standards, facilitating easier integration and cooperation : • Standardization of Hydrogen Certification : The EU is working on a unified certification system for renewable and low-carbon hydrogen. France adopts these standards to ensure that its hydrogen production meets EU criteria, enabling cross-border trade and recognition. • Joint Regulatory Frameworks : France collaborates with neighboring countries (Belgium, Germany, Italy, Switzerland) to develop joint regulatory frameworks for hydrogen infrastructure and safety standards. This cooperation ensures consistency and safety in hydrogen projects across borders. Monitoring and Enforcement Effective monitoring and enforcement mechanisms are crucial for ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. France has established robust systems for monitoring hydrogen facilities and enforcing regulations : • Regular Inspections : Hydrogen production and storage facilities are subject to regular inspections by regulatory authorities to ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards. • Penalties for Non-Compliance : Strict penalties are imposed on facilities that fail to comply with regulatory requirements. These penalties include fines, suspension of operations, and revocation of permits. By aligning its hydrogen strategy with EU directives and leveraging EU funding and support, France positions itself as a leader in the European hydrogen economy. The integration with EU initiatives not only enhances France's hydrogen capabilities but also contributes to the broader goal of achieving a climate-neutral Europe by 2050. 9.2.2 Economic aspects Investment and Funding Mechanisms Financial Commitments The French government has allocated €7.2 billion over ten years to support the hydrogen sector. This funding is aimed at various aspects of the hydrogen value chain, including research and 146 development, production, infrastructure, and market deployment. Specifically, the funding is distributed as follows : • €1.5 billion for research and development to innovate and improve hydrogen technologies. • €3.4 billion for the industrialization and deployment of hydrogen production through electrolysis. • €2.3 billion for the development of hydrogen infrastructure, including refuelling stations and storage facilities. Hydrogen Market Potential in France Industrial Applications: France aims to replace hydrogen derived from natural gas in the refining, chemical (ammonia), and various other industries. This transition supports the decarbonization efforts across these sectors, particularly in the steel and heavy chemical industries. The plan also includes relocating methanol production within France to support its traditional uses and as an additive in transportation. Furthermore, establishing a synthetic fuel production sector, including ammonia and e-kerosene, is a key objective. Approximately 30% of the hydrogen market is targeted at the mobility sector. This includes: • 450,000 light vehicles • 10,000 heavy-duty vehicles • 135 boats and ships • 250 trains About 12% of the hydrogen market will focus on the energy sector, encompassing networks, storage, and re-electrification. By 2030, the hydrogen market in France is projected to generate an annual revenue of 2.5 to 4 billion euros. Despite being a minor player in terms of volume, the mobility sector is expected to account for 50 to 60% of this market value due to higher sales prices driven by elevated costs. 9.2.3 Socio-Cultural aspect Awareness Organizations in France France Hydrogène : This association promotes the development of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in France, engaging in public education and advocacy efforts. AFHYPAC (Association Française pour l’Hydrogène et les Piles à Combustible) : Now part of France Hydrogène, it focuses of raising awareness and educating the public about hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. Site : https://www.france-hydrogene.org AREVA H2Gen : Engaged in the hydrogen economy, this company also contributes to increasing public awareness and understanding of hydrogen production and its applications. Site : https://h2me.eu/partners/arevah2gen/ 147 INERIS (Institut National de l’Environnement Industriel et des Risques) : This institute conducts research and provides information on the safety aspects of hydrogen technologies, contributing to public understanding and acceptance. Site : https://prestations.ineris.fr/fr/solutions-thematiques/transition-energetique-economiecirculaire/maitrise-risques-lies-hydrogene Club Hydrogen Val de Loire : An association that promotes the use of hydrogen in the Loire Valley region, providing information and organizing events to educate the public. Site : https://www.centre-valdeloire.fr/ Pôle Véhicule du Futur : A cluster that supports the development of hydrogen fuel vehcicles and educates the public about their benefits. Site : https://www.vehiculedufutur.com/ Tenerrdis : An energy transition cluster in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region that promotes hydrogen technologies and provides educational resources and events also for the public. Site : https://www.tenerrdis.fr/fr/ National Participation In 2023, local and national projects related to hydrogen, both private and public, are multiplying, particularly in France. Although the use of hydrogen is not new, the sector's new dimension will impact many trades and require extensive efforts in training, certification of skills, and public awareness. Building France’s hydrogen industry means building a national community of skills to serve the energy transition and prevent shortages of skilled labor. 9.2.4 Technological aspects Technological Innovations and Advancement in Hydrogen Production The rapid development of the low-carbon or renewable hydrogen market in France represents an industrialization opportunity for the national manufacturing sector, particularly in high-value-added technologies that can be exported. In Electrolysis 148 Figure 46 Source France Hydrogene, project capacity by type of H2 technology The implementation of this infrastructure will require installing between 0.5 and 2 GW of electrolyzer capacity annually from 2024 to 2030. The evolution of national needs until 2030 is as follows : 149 • Up to 2023 : Less than 50 MW per year, representing the deployment of ongoing demonstration projects (e.g., ADEME Calls for Projects). • 2024 to 2025 : 300-500 MW per year, reflecting the emergence of larger-scale demonstrators, especially for initial projects in industry and heavy mobility. • 2026 to 2029 : 1-1.5 GW per year, driven by the deployment of large industrial projects requiring units of several hundred MW. • By 2030 : 1.5-3 GW per year, mainly for large projects. The commissioning of "Gigafactories" between 2025 and 2030 in France, supported by public aids such as IPCEI, is expected to enable national manufacturers to claim a significant market share domestically while also positioning themselves strongly for export in Europe and globally. Without these manufacturing capacities, the roadmap's implementation would require imports of electrolyzers ranging from 0.1 to 1 GW per year from 2024 onwards, increasing to around 1 GW from 2026, primarily from Europe, China, or the United States. Electrolyzer manufacturers have identified specific risks related to weaknesses in the national industry for certain critical segments of the electrolyzer value chain. A national or European strategy is necessary to secure the supply of critical sub-components currently dependent on imports, such as power electronics or membranes. It is also important to establish recycling channels for rare materials like iridium, essential for electrolyzer manufacturing, and to support R&D for next-generation machines (high capacity, reduced power consumption, smaller footprint). In Hydrogen Refuelling Stations The national manufacturing capacity for refuelling stations announced by manufacturers should meet the market's mobility needs, which is developing nationally. The evolution of national needs until 2030 is as follows : Figure 47 Hydrogen refuelling stations capacity manufacturing and demand • Today : Nearly 50 refuelling stations are deployed in France. 150 • Up to 2027 : Less than 100 stations per year, reflecting the emergence of larger-scale demonstrators, particularly for initial heavy mobility projects. • 2028 to 2030 : 100 to 800 stations per year, reflecting the acceleration of the public station network. • By 2030 : A network of 1,000 to 1,700 installed stations. Currently, French refuelling station manufacturers focus on assembling components, including the most strategic ones, imported from European and international markets. Establishing a national compressor manufacturing sector would limit French manufacturers' dependence on this critical component, for which supply tensions are expected, and capture additional value nationally in the deployment of hydrogen mobility in France and for export. Supporting R&D efforts, developing next-generation refuelling stations (high capacity, reliability, reduced footprint) will also be necessary to help national manufacturers keep pace with the accelerated market evolution in France and abroad. It is important to also plan for the distribution of liquid hydrogen at stations, consistent with the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) proposal under the "Fit for 55" package. Hydrogen liquefaction technology should be a priority for French technologies. Figure 48 Hydrogen production by final use sector 9.2.5 Legal aspects Legal Framework for Hydrogen in France 151 Until recently, hydrogen was largely absent from the Energy Code, except for Article L.447-1 concerning the guarantee of origin for hydrogen sales, introduced by Law No. 2019-1147 on November 8, 2019. The French legislator, through Article 52 of the Energy-Climate Law, authorized the government to define the terminology for different types of hydrogen based on the energy source used for production. This law also aimed to facilitate the production, transportation, storage, and traceability of hydrogen, and to establish a support framework for hydrogen produced from renewable energy or via water electrolysis using low-carbon electricity. Following a public consultation from January 8 to February 2, 2021, Ordinance No. 2021-167 related to hydrogen was published in the Official Journal on February 18, 2021, along with its report to the President of the Republic. This ordinance incorporated hydrogen regulations into the new Book VIII of the Energy Code, officially recognizing hydrogen's role as an energy vector. The ordinance is structured around three main pillars: 1. Definition of Hydrogen Types : It categorizes hydrogen into renewable, low-carbon, and carbon-based types. 2. Traceability : It establishes guarantees of origin and traceability for renewable and lowcarbon hydrogen, managed through a national registry. 3. Support Mechanism : It introduces a support mechanism for hydrogen production to develop a French electrolysis sector, which includes investment or operational aids granted through tenders. Additionally, the ordinance includes specific provisions for hydrogen injection into natural gas networks and extends the legal framework for underground hydrogen storage. The legal framework will be fully defined with the publication of a Council of State decree and an application decree. Content of the Draft Order The legislative part of the Energy Code aims to develop a new Book VIII on "Provisions Related to Hydrogen" and to amend certain provisions of the Energy Code and the Mining Code. Its objectives are twofold: first, to define the type of hydrogen based on its production method and to establish a system of guarantees for traceability or origin to certify the type of hydrogen produced, along with a support mechanism for the production of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen via water electrolysis. Second, it intends to set up a guarantee of origin system for renewable gas injected into the natural gas network. Additionally, the draft ordinance includes various provisions to ensure the proper functioning of natural gas networks and to safeguard the safety of property and individuals in the event of hydrogen injection into these networks. The new Book VIII of the Energy Code: ‘Provisions relating to hydrogen’. The draft ordinance defines the various types of hydrogen that will be subject to specific regimes, including renewable, low-carbon, and fossil hydrogen. These classifications are based on the production process and primary energy used or the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production process (proposed Article L. 811-1 of the Energy Code). It establishes two systems for the traceability or guarantees of origin for hydrogen, allowing buyers or final consumers to be aware of the renewable or low-carbon nature of the hydrogen they 152 purchase. This ensures that buying such guarantees constitutes actual support for a non-fossil sector (proposed Article L. 841-1 of the Energy Code). The system of guarantees of origin is inspired by existing mechanisms for electricity produced from renewable energies (Articles L. 314-14 to L. 314-17 of the Energy Code) and biogas (Article L. 4463 of the Energy Code). However, the introduction of traceability guarantees is specific to hydrogen. The draft ordinance specifies that the traceability and origin guarantees will be managed by an independent body, modeled after the existing system for guarantees of origin for electricity from renewable sources (proposed Articles L. 841-2 to L. 841-6 of the Energy Code). Starting from June 30, 2021, this system must be able to accommodate guarantees of origin for renewable hydrogen issued by neighbouring European countries in accordance with Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and the Council of December 11, 2018, on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources. Guarantees of origin for low-carbon hydrogen from other EU member states can also be recognized and processed, provided they meet similar levels of requirements. The draft Title V proposes the establishment of a support mechanism for the production of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen produced by water electrolysis (proposed Articles L. 851-1 to L. 851-6 of the Energy Code). This mechanism, inspired by the existing provisions for electricity produced from renewable energies and biogas, includes : • The possibility for the administrative authority to resort to a call for tenders procedure for renewable and low-carbon hydrogen production installations, if the production capacities do not meet the quantified objectives mentioned in I. 10° of Article L. 100-4 of the Energy Code; • Successful bidders in these tenders could benefit from financial investment aid, a contract offering additional remuneration, or a combination of both, as defined in the tender. The conditions under which the ministers responsible for energy and the economy set the terms for additional remuneration for future tender winners will be specified by regulation, after consultation with the Energy Regulatory Commission. Injection of Hydrogen in Existing LNG/CNG Infrastructures The draft ordinance also includes several provisions related to the injection of hydrogen into natural gas networks. It proposes the establishment of specific guarantees of origin for "renewable gas injected into the natural gas network" (proposed Articles L. 447-2 to L. 447-5 of the Energy Code). It stipulates that each unit of renewable hydrogen produced and injected into a natural gas network can only be accounted for once under the guarantees of origin. The manager of these guarantees of origin will be the same as for the guarantees of origin related to the injection of biogas. Furthermore, the draft ordinance states that in the event of hydrogen injection into natural gas transmission networks (proposed Article L. 431-6-4 of the Energy Code) or natural gas distribution networks (proposed Article L. 432-14 of the Energy Code), the network operators must implement the necessary measures to ensure the proper functioning and balancing of the networks, the continuity of gas transport and delivery services, and the safety of people and property. The draft ordinance also includes a modification of Article L. 211-2 of the Mining Code to extend the legal regime applicable to the underground storage of natural gas and hydrocarbons to 153 hydrogen. It also extends the investigation and control powers of officials or agents under the authority of the Minister of Energy as provided by Article L. 142-19 of the Energy Code. According to Article L. 100-4 of the Energy Code: "To address the ecological and climate emergency, national energy policy aims to [...] 10° Develop low-carbon and renewable hydrogen and its industrial, energy, and mobility uses, with the goal of achieving approximately 20 to 40% of total hydrogen and industrial hydrogen consumption by 2030. [...]". 9.2.6 Environmental aspects Greenhouse gas emissions The French hydrogen strategy places a significant emphasis on reducing greenhouse gas emissions to align with national and European climate objectives. This commitment is reflected in the National Low-Carbon Strategy (SNBC), introduced by the Law on Energy Transition for Green Growth (LTECV). The SNBC serves as France's roadmap for combating climate change, providing guidelines for transitioning to a low-carbon, circular, and sustainable economy across all sectors. It sets a trajectory for reducing greenhouse gas emissions until 2050 and establishes shortto medium-term goals through carbon budgets. The strategy's dual ambitions are to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and to reduce the carbon footprint of French consumption. By 2030, France aims to decrease its carbon footprint through the widespread adoption of green hydrogen produced via electrolysis using renewable energy sources. This initiative supports the Paris Agreement goals and aims to establish France as a leader in the global transition to a lowcarbon economy. Strategic deployment of hydrogen technologies is expected to mitigate emissions from key sectors such as transportation, industry, and energy production, helping the country meet its ambitious climate targets. Public policymakers, at both national and territorial levels, are required to incorporate these goals into their planning and actions. Current situation in 2022