Within H2CE we analyze and identify common challenges & solutions in planning and governance processes for H2-ready regions from a regional, transregional & transnational perspective to develop joint strategies and action plans. In the first stage (during Period 1) we jointly developed a set of common indicators, which will create the basis of the “template” for the Factsheets for each of the regions participating in H2CE. In a further step (until Period 6), we will carry out regional analysis based on this set of common indicators and elaborate partners' regional Factsheets on H2-readiness. Eventually, a Summary of regional results transferable to other regions, including challenges, best practices, and solutions will be developed. The common indicators for H2-readiness of regions presented in the attached Factsheet are the result of the discussions amongst all H2CE project partners resulting in final Strategy and Action plan for H2-ready regions. Some baseline docments of the Outputs were finalized: • D.1.1.1 Fact Sheet of Indicators A common set of indicators for regional H2 readiness is being developed by project partners. These cover planning processes, governance, data availability, spatial factors, cross-border harmonization, and funding. • D.1.1.2 Summary of Regional Results Based on these indicators, partners conduct regional analyses highlighting challenges, best practices, and needs. The summary will guide further strategy development and pilot activities. • D.1.2.1 Guidelines for Strategy Development Generalized guidelines will support EU regions in designing hydrogen strategies and action plans, with adaptable content based on regional contexts. As a result, as Output 1.1 three jointly developed strategies will be carried out by partner organisations, adjusted to their specific conditions, completing each other and adopted during the project lifetime. Furthermore, 2 actions plans were created: Two action plans will jointly be developed based on the results of regional specific action plans. The action plan will provide the fields of action to become a H2-ready region in the future. (Photo credit: Designed by Freepik)

Styria region and City of Zagreb will support the identification of a common framework for setting up regional H2 competence centres for capacity building of regional and local public and private stakeholders to accompany the hydrogen-based energy transition in each region. The framework (blueprint) considers a common methodological approach for co-designing the transnational profiles of H2 experts and designs a training path for public authorities and private actors to be developed and tested in each regional context. Based on the already developed Concept note for Collaboration Platform under coordination of Economic and Social Council of Usti Region we will develop a platform to support the regional H2 Competence Centres. Based on the preparatory consultations within the partnership, the Platform prototype will be implemented gradually over the project lifetime to ensure proper testing and functioning. All H2CE partners will contribute to the content update on a regular basis and be ready to evaluate and provide feedback on new platform functionalities. To better identify the specific needs and future platform features, the H2CE partnership, carried out a transnational questionnaire survey to gather information from stakeholders. The total number of respondents reached 84, with 40 of them responding to questions related to the private sector and 44 respondents providing answers regarding the public sector. Based on the results, there is an existing demand for the Collaboration Platform. The highest demand is predominantly for practical analytical and reporting tools to be provided by the platform, as well as its training and education capabilities supporting the importance of skill development and knowledge enhancement. (Photo credit: Designed by Freepik)

The handbook is an adaptive tool that will support regions in the first strategic decision on H2 implementation. The handbook will be based on results on the GIS tool and Energy Cells Model. The GIS platform (under development) will provide a valuable decision support and strategic planning system for public authorities at the European, national, regional and local levels. H2CE Modelling of an energy cell (piloted in Lübben, Germany) is under development within pilot action on testing of the strategic decision support tool composed of a GIS data-based and energy modelling approach for regional public authorities in H2-ready regions. Modelling of an energy cell in Lübben (as the smallest unit of a local integrated and sector-coupled energy supply system based on regional resources) is based on real-life information of a typic medium-sized region to identify suitable blueprints to be multiplied in other Central European regions. The Handbook will be presented within the H2CE Collaboration Platform that will be maintained by the network based on joint ownership and voluntary contributions as well as through cooperation with established networks and initiatives (e.g. Hydrogen Europe & Hydrogen Valleys), fostering both dissemination of relevant data, information and knowledge and informing & training networking/matchmaking opportunities with hydrogen experts and other CE energy cells/regional networks to overcome a lack of H2-related knowledge by regional/local authorities.

The strategic decision support tool—combining a GIS-based data system and energy modelling approach—has been successfully tested to support regional public authorities in H2-ready regions. Co-designed and piloted by partners from Styria, the Veneto Region, and Lübben, the tool is now integrated into the H2CE digital collaboration platform. Final deliverable: D.2.1.3

A common framework for virtual regional Competence Centres has been tested to enhance understanding of existing and required hydrogen-related capacities and expertise. This included the co-design and testing of transnational H2 expert profiles. Initial training and capacity-building materials were prototyped and piloted in Zagreb and Styria. The approach’s transferability and uptake have been peer-reviewed and integrated into the H2CE collaboration platform. Final deliverable: D.2.2.3