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)

As part of its strategic efforts to support the hydrogen-based energy transition in Central Europe, the H2CE partnership has initiated the development and testing of a common framework for establishing regional Hydrogen Competence Centres. These virtual centres aim to strengthen capacity building among regional and local public and private stakeholders, enabling them to actively contribute to the hydrogen transition within their territories. The Styria region and the City of Zagreb are playing a leading role in co-developing this framework, which offers a methodological blueprint for setting up Competence Centres. It includes a structured approach for the co-design of transnational profiles of hydrogen experts and outlines targeted training paths for both public authorities and private actors. These training modules and capacity-building materials are being prototyped and tested within the regional contexts of Styria and Zagreb. To support these efforts, a digital collaboration platform is being developed, building upon the Concept Note for a Collaboration Platform coordinated by the Economic and Social Council of the Ústí Region. The platform will serve as the backbone for the virtual Competence Centres, hosting learning content, tools, and expert profiles. Developed in a phased approach over the course of the project, the platform prototype will undergo continuous testing and refinement, with all H2CE partners contributing to content updates and evaluating new functionalities. In preparation for this platform’s design and implementation, the H2CE partnership conducted a transnational stakeholder survey to better understand user needs and expectations. The survey received 84 responses, including 40 from private sector stakeholders and 44 from the public sector. The results indicate a clear demand for the Collaboration Platform, especially for practical analytical and reporting tools, as well as robust training and educational features. These findings confirm the importance of skill development and knowledge exchange as key enablers of a successful hydrogen transition. All insights gained are being integrated into the H2CE Collaboration Platform, which will serve as a central digital environment to support regional planning, cooperation, and expert development across H2-ready regions in Central Europe. (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

The H2CE project tackles the critical challenge of integrating hydrogen solutions and renewable energy sources into the regional energy transition processes across Central Europe. Unlike traditional approaches that focus primarily on project developers and industry stakeholders, H2CE places public authorities at the center, recognizing their expertise and decision-making power as essential drivers for sustainable change. By empowering these regional administrations, the project aims to accelerate the deployment of hydrogen infrastructure and ensure more efficient utilization of available funding resources. A key achievement of H2CE is the development and rigorous testing of a strategic decision support tool that combines GIS-based data analysis with energy modelling techniques. This tool was co-designed and validated through collaboration among partners from Styria, the Veneto region, and Lübben. It offers regional public authorities a robust, data-driven platform to evaluate various aspects of hydrogen infrastructure, including production capacities, demand forecasts, and distribution networks, at multiple territorial scales. Integrated into the broader H2CE digital collaboration platform, this decision support tool enables enhanced regional planning and fosters cooperation within a growing transnational network of H2-ready regions. Ultimately, H2CE seeks to empower regional decision-makers with the knowledge and mechanisms needed to drive a hydrogen-based energy transition that is both proactive and sustainable.

A strategic handbook for decision-making and the establishment of regional hydrogen competence centres will be jointly developed and implemented throughout the project. Their design is guided by shared regional priorities and supported by the collaborative development of the H2CE digital platform, which will function as a central hub for coordination, knowledge exchange, and capacity building. To ensure coherence and lasting impact, key strategic insights from the initial project phase will be fully integrated into these developments. The platform link will be published soon.