Hydrogen Valley

Addressing the decarbonisation of the global economy stands as a pivotal challenge in the 21st century. Mitigating the effects of global warming on both human societies and ecosystems hinges on the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The European Union (EU) has set forth an ambitious goal to become the first climate-neutral economy by 2050.

In line with this endeavour, the European Hydrogen Valleys Partnership has been established. Fuel cells and hydrogen (FCH) technologies hold substantial potential to drive the energy transition. These technologies offer a secure and competitive zero-emission solution for an expanding range of applications, especially when generated as "green hydrogen" using renewable energy sources. Hydrogen, when paired with technologies like batteries, can help balance energy supply and demand, effectively preventing energy wastage and facilitating the integration of renewables into the energy grid. Deploying FCH technologies presents a promising avenue toward achieving EU economy decarbonisation.

The partnership's core objectives include:

1. Developing the technological and commercial readiness of FCH applications.

2. Addressing the information and expertise gap in the hydrogen field.

3. Promoting collaboration and investment among European regions.

4. Strengthening the value chain for FCH technologies through interregional cooperation.

5. Contributing to the EU's economy decarbonisation.

6. Advancing green hydrogen production.

7. Actively participating in EU hydrogen policy-making.

Hydrogen's use as an energy carrier holds the potential to meet large-scale energy demands from renewable sources across a wide spectrum of applications. However, managing and integrating these applications collecti poses a significant challenge in the adoption and commercialization of hydrogen and fuel cells. This underscores the importance of producing clean hydrogen from renewables as the preferred method, while considering its application in transportation, industry, and everyday energy needs like heating and cooling for residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.

Notably, the FCH JU Regions and Cities Initiative has indicated that many regional deployment strategies in FCH technology prioritize the transportation sector. This includes various applications such as long-distance coaches, public transport buses, trains, garbage trucks, cars, and delivery vans. The emphasis on transport is driven by the advanced technological development and commercial viability of FCH transport applications, aiding in improving air quality and curbing local GHG emissions. Recent political agreements at the EU level to boost the presence of green vehicles in public procurement by 2025 and 2030 have further strengthened this trend.