The recent H2CE project partners meeting in Zagreb, Croatia, featured several pivotal sessions focused on advancing regional hydrogen readiness. Key sessions included discussions on regional analyses, strategic outlooks, platform development, and communication strategies. The meeting was accompanied by Mirjana Dominovic, Programme Officer at Interreg Central Europe, who provided valuable feedback on project progress.
On the Way to Become H2-Ready Regions
Here’s a detailed look at the meeting’s outcomes.
At first, H2CE partners discussed the ongoing common challenges and shared their experiences and outcomes of the achieved regional analyses. REGEA from Zagreb provided an insightful presentation on their strategic outlook following the regional analysis, highlighting key findings and future directions.
Representatives of the Pomorskie Region shared their strategic outlook post-regional analysis, offering valuable perspectives and action plans.
These inputs were followed by constructive discussions on the achievements so far such as the foreseen activities and the project’s implementation status within pilot actions. These included the development of a GIS tool mapping the regional H2 energy systems, and the development of an online energy cells model providing modeling and simulation features of future energy systems based on trends, decisions, and prognoses. The other pilot actions included the establishment of capacity-building competence centers and the development of Hydrogen vouchers- a financial tool to support hydrogen-oriented projects and initiatives. Emphasis was placed on the need for data and inputs from other partners, fostering a collaborative approach to achieving regional hydrogen readiness.
After that, an update on the current status of WP3 development was provided, setting the stage for the session aiming at the advancement of the H2CE Platform. Partners were introduced to the existing framework for the H2CE Platform, outlining its structure and functionality. During the presentation, a proposed solution for the H2CE Platform was given, detailing the main outlines and expected benefits. The session concluded with a discussion of the proposed solutions and outlining foreseen activities to enhance the platform further.
Experiencing good practice live: study visit at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Shipbuilding
The meeting concluded with an enlightening study visit to the University of Zagreb’s Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Shipbuilding. Hosted by Professor Ankica Kovač, participants were treated to a firsthand look at cutting-edge hydrogen technologies, including live demonstrations of hydrogen production and an exciting opportunity to ride hydrogen-powered bicycles.
As H2CE Lead Partner representative Pedro Brosei (Joint Spatial Planning Dep. Berlin-Brandenburg) has stated: “This comprehensive meeting has advanced the H2CE project’s objectives and provided valuable feedback on its status. Nevertheless, we will continue to strengthen collaboration among partners, paving the way for a sustainable, hydrogen-powered future in Central Europe.”
For more information about the H2CE project and our ongoing initiatives, please go through our entire website.