Within the H2CE project, partners jointly analysed key hydrogen planning and governance challenges and developed common strategic approaches to support regions in becoming H2-ready. Based on shared indicators, regional analyses, and common guidelines, the project ensured a harmonised approach across participating regions. A major result is the Transnational Strategy for H2-ready Regions, providing a joint framework for hydrogen development in Central Europe. It focuses on infrastructure, legislation, cooperation, funding, innovation, and planning tools, while proposing practical measures such as aligning infrastructure with hydrogen corridors, improving data sharing, and supporting early hydrogen demand in transport and logistics. In addition, the project developed an Interregional Strategy for H2-ready Regions in Croatia and in Ústí region, identifying regions with the highest hydrogen potential and defining tailored priority actions. The strategy supports hydrogen production, infrastructure, port logistics, renewable energy integration, and future applications in transport, industry, and energy systems.. (Photo credit: Designed by Freepik)

Within the H2CE project, comprehensive action plans were developed to turn strategic approaches into concrete regional implementation measures. Based on common H2CE guidelines, these plans combine analysis, stakeholder input, and priority projects to support practical hydrogen deployment. A key example is the Hydrogen Action Plan for the Pomeranian Province (Poland), which focuses on industry, transport, maritime activities, ports, and energy systems. It includes measures up to 2030 such as renewable hydrogen production, refuelling infrastructure, port-based hydrogen hubs, storage solutions, and integration into public transport. Another example is the Action Plan for Northwest Brandenburg (Germany), offering a practical roadmap for a regional hydrogen economy. Main measures include a Regional Hydrogen Coordination Office, stakeholder round tables, flagship infrastructure projects, demand activation, improved permitting processes, funding mechanisms, and education initiatives. Both plans are based on strong stakeholder involvement and provide clear steps for implementation. (Photo credit: Designed by Freepik)

Within the H2CE project, a strategic decision-support tool was developed to help public authorities plan hydrogen-based energy systems in a data-driven way. It combines a GIS platform with an energy modelling approach to support evidence-based regional planning. The GIS component, tested in Veneto and Styria, enables mapping of hydrogen production, demand, infrastructure, scenarios, and environmental impacts. The Energy Cells Model, developed in Lübben, focuses on optimising local energy systems, sector coupling, renewable integration, and decarbonisation pathways. Together, both tools help regions identify suitable development pathways, simulate scenarios, and assess impacts such as CO₂ reduction and energy demand. The tool was tested with 27 stakeholders from 18 organisations and proved highly relevant, scalable, and transferable for use in regional energy, climate, and infrastructure planning. (Photo credit: Designed by Freepik)

Within the H2CE project, a common framework for regional H2 Competence Centres was developed and tested to strengthen knowledge, skills, and cooperation in hydrogen development. It helps regions identify existing capacities, detect skill gaps, and create targeted training and support structures for public authorities, industry, and other stakeholders. The framework includes assessments of regional capacities, competence profiles for hydrogen experts, tailored training pathways, and structured stakeholder cooperation. It provides a practical model for building expertise and supporting the transition to hydrogen-based energy systems. The concept was tested in Zagreb and Styria, reflecting different stages of hydrogen development. In Zagreb, it is being implemented as a “One-Stop Shop” for education, consultation, networking, and project support. In Styria, testing focused on training materials, expert networks, and knowledge transfer. Results confirmed the framework’s strong relevance, adaptability, and transferability. It will be integrated into the H2CE Collaboration Platform for use by other regions across Central Europe. (Photo credit: Designed by Freepik)

Within the H2CE project, a transnational network of H2-ready regions in Central Europe was established to strengthen cooperation, knowledge exchange, and coordinated action for the hydrogen transition. The network connects public authorities with stakeholders from industry, research, and innovation through a shared framework and formal cooperation agreements. It addresses the lack of structured coordination between regions by supporting peer learning, sharing tools and strategies, and helping public authorities integrate hydrogen into regional planning while aligning with European climate goals. The network operates through a flexible governance model with a Steering Group, regional Contact Points, and different membership levels to ensure broad participation and efficient coordination. Its digital core is the H2CE Collaboration Platform, which serves as a knowledge hub, communication space, and cooperation tool for meetings, expert groups, and joint initiatives. The network already supports coordinated strategies, exchange of best practices, efficient use of funding, and stronger regional capacities—creating a lasting cooperation structure beyond the project lifetime. (Photo credit: Designed by Freepik)

Within the H2CE project, two practical solutions were developed to support regions in planning and deploying hydrogen systems. Both are based on pilot actions and integrated into the H2CE Collaboration Platform (www.h2ce.eu) for long-term use. The first solution is the H2CE Handbook for strategic decision-making, an online tool that helps regions make initial hydrogen planning choices. It combines GIS-based spatial analysis with energy system modelling to identify production potential, infrastructure needs, and development pathways. The second solution focuses on Regional H2 Competence Centres, which strengthen capacity building and knowledge exchange. They help regions map expertise, define competence profiles, deliver training, and promote cooperation among stakeholders. Together, these solutions make the H2CE platform a central hub for knowledge, tools, training, and regional collaboration, ensuring continued impact beyond the project lifetime. (Photo credit: Designed by Freepik)