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1,5 years of cross-border collaboration on hydrogen in Meuse-Rhine region produces results
The results of 1,5 years of cross border collaboration on
hydrogen development in the Euregion Meuse-Rhine (EMR) were presented at
the closing conference of the EMR H2 Booster project today. The
event marks a new phase in the roll-out of a local hydrogen economy.
Through the targeted activities undertaken over the past 1,5 years, the
EMR H2 Booster project prepared the region for clean hydrogen
demonstrations in the years to come.
At the start of the project, several mapping exercises were
performed. These resulted in a clear overview of relevant national and
regional policy documents, local industrial players and hydrogen project
initiatives in the region. A questionnaire was used to identify 99
local players that are either active or interested in hydrogen (see map
in annex). A large part of them were SMEs, the main target audience of
the project and were involved in the further events and activities of
the project. The mapping outputs are currently being further analysed to
identify regional strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in
the field of green hydrogen for the region as a whole. The gathered
information has been integrated on this public project website and in
the Digital Innovation Platform (DIP) – an online news and networking platform that is available for anyone in the EMR region.
Based on the mapping exercises, over 50 hydrogen project ideas were
listed, out of which six hydrogen initiatives (or ‘cases’) were
identified and supported over the past months to kickstart their
implementation after the end of the EMR H2 Booster project. This project
development support consisted of analyses, calculations and advice
elaborated in ‘concept papers’. In this context also dedicated
matchmaking sessions were organised to strengthen the case consortia.
The developed cases include initiatives on hydrogen refuelling stations,
hydrogen for high temperature industrial heating, hydrogen powered
buses, hydrogen powered inland shipping, among others.
“The ambition of the project has always been to move towards
tangible hydrogen demonstrations in the region as soon as possible.
Through the development of these cases an important step in that
direction is made,” stated project manager, Davine Janssen.
The following cases will be pursued:
- Hydrogen use in industrial high temperature heat processes
- H2 refuelling station chain Flanders-Netherlands
- Valorization of scientific knowledge by Academia and Industry
- Hydrogen Buses, Aachen, Liège, Maastricht
- Hydrogen production: 6x 1 MW electrolysers in Dutch Limburg
- Hydrogen for Inland Shipping: Barge-and Hydrogen hub Maasbracht
Throughout the course of the project inspiration and demonstration
events and thematic workshops were organised. The events aimed to
inspire and empower a range of local SMEs and other local stakeholders
by providing them with a combination of general information, clear
examples, tangible technology demonstrations and specific in-depth
information sessions.
Finally, a future roadmap was developed for hydrogen in the Euregion
Meuse-Rhine. Among others, it highlights the need for imports of
hydrogen, opportunities for the logistical and transport sectors
(particularly those located on the main European transport corridors and
waterways) and emphasises the importance of continued cross-border
collaboration.
Although the project will soon come to an end (30 June 2023), the latter
is ensured through the creation of a governance structure and plan.
Read the full press release (in English).
Have a look at the Infographic EMR H2 Booster.
Want to know more? Download the presentations!