By October 2025, H2CE had advanced from regional analysis to the practical testing of tools and support mechanisms for hydrogen-ready regions.
The project helped public authorities integrate hydrogen into local and regional energy planning by connecting policy, territorial data, energy modelling and stakeholder cooperation.
Regional planning tools
Partners tested complementary tools in several regions:
- GIS-based planning approaches in the Veneto Region and Styria;
- the Energy Cells Model in Lübben;
- a hydrogen-voucher methodology in the Ústí Region; and
- Regional H2 Competence Centre approaches in Graz and Zagreb.
These activities helped authorities assess infrastructure needs, potential hydrogen demand, regional resources and institutional capacity.
Building regional expertise
H2CE also strengthened cooperation between:
- municipalities and regional authorities;
- energy agencies and utilities;
- research and educational institutions;
- businesses and industry representatives; and
- hydrogen experts and support organisations.
This open cooperation model helped connect regional policy with technical knowledge and practical implementation experience.
Transnational learning
Project meetings and study visits supported comparison between different regional contexts.
In Gdańsk, partners worked on the structure of the H2CE Collaboration Platform and its strategic resources. In Graz, they refined competence-centre approaches and visited the Renewable Gasfield in Gabersdorf to examine practical hydrogen production, storage and use.
Results and practical value
The project demonstrated that regional hydrogen readiness required more than infrastructure. Public authorities also needed:
- reliable evidence;
- realistic development scenarios;
- suitable governance arrangements;
- skilled people and accessible expertise;
- stakeholder acceptance; and
- coordination with national and European policy.
The completed tools, guidance and regional experience were brought together through the H2CE Collaboration Platform, supporting their continued use after the project ended in March 2026.