Within H2CE, the Economic and Social Council of the Ústí Region developed a hydrogen voucher mechanism to stimulate practical hydrogen projects.
The mechanism was designed as a “voucher-as-a-service” approach that could connect project promoters with targeted financial, technical or operational support.
Stakeholder involvement
The methodology was developed with representatives of the regional quadruple helix:
- public authorities and policymakers;
- businesses and industry;
- research and educational institutions; and
- non-governmental and civil-society organisations.
Their involvement helped align the proposed support with the needs of different actors across the hydrogen value chain.
Main features
The hydrogen-voucher approach included:
- support for developing concrete hydrogen-related initiatives;
- a methodology that could be adapted by other regions;
- cooperation between public, private, research and civil-society stakeholders; and
- links with the H2CE Collaboration Platform and its matchmaking functions.
Practical value
The mechanism addressed a common gap between an initial project idea and readiness for larger investment or funding. Targeted vouchers could help stakeholders obtain the expertise needed to:
- clarify a project concept;
- assess technical and economic feasibility;
- identify suitable partners;
- address regulatory questions; and
- prepare subsequent investment or funding applications.
The Ústí Region’s work demonstrated how relatively focused support could help move regional hydrogen initiatives towards implementation. Its replicable methodology also provided a reference for other regions considering similar incentive mechanisms.