The H2CE project, co-funded by the Interreg CENTRAL EUROPE Programme and coordinated by the Joint Spatial Planning Department Berlin-Brandenburg, plays a crucial role in supporting Europe’s clean-energy transition. Its overarching goal is to strengthen cooperation among Central European regions and to facilitate the development of sustainable hydrogen infrastructure as a key component of regional energy planning and decarbonisation strategies.
The Graz meeting served as an important milestone in the project’s implementation phase. Partners from Austria, Germany, Italy, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia came together to review progress on ongoing activities, exchange best practices, and refine methodologies for regional hydrogen deployment strategies. A major focus was placed on establishing Regional Hydrogen Competence Centres, which will act as knowledge hubs, linking research, policy, and industry to accelerate hydrogen adoption at the regional level.
In addition to in-depth discussions on shared planning tools, the H₂ Platform, and joint action plans, the meeting also highlighted opportunities for cross-border synergies and policy alignment. Participants emphasised the importance of capacity-building and data-driven planning to ensure that local authorities can make informed decisions about integrating hydrogen into their regional energy systems.
The event concluded with a study visit to the Renewable Gasfield project in Gabersdorf, where partners had the opportunity to explore cutting-edge technologies for green hydrogen production, storage, and utilisation. The visit provided valuable insights into how innovative pilot projects can serve as models for replicable hydrogen solutions across Central Europe.
The next phase of the project will focus on finalising the H₂ Platform, a digital knowledge and decision-support tool, and preparing regional pilot strategies that will help make Central Europe’s regions truly H₂-ready.