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Hydrogen

3

Initiative

GREATER4H

the hydrogen corridor

In an effort to decarbonise the EU transport system, STRING is in the process of establishing a hydrogen corridor with refuelling stations for hydrogen vehicles all the way from Hamburg to Oslo, enabling long range, heavy-duty road transport with zero emission.

Heavy-duty vehicles are currently responsible for 27% of CO2 emissions from road transport in the EU. Despite EU regulation calling for a 30% reduction by 2030, emissions have continuously been rising since 1990. If we do not act now, the STRING region will not be able to reach its CO2 reduction targets for 2030 and 2050.

Simultaneous, heavy-duty vehicles are a key player in ensuring a competitive trading system that provides the STRING region with exports, jobs and a healthy economy. A reduction of such necessary trade would be detrimental to the economy of the STRING region; therefore, a green transition of heavy-duty vehicles from fossil fuel to new alternative fuels is a cornerstone in building a greener economy.

Hydrogen remains one of the most promising new technologies in this field. The EU plans to invest up to 470 billion euros into hydrogen technology, estimating that hydrogen will create up to 1 million direct related jobs until 2050. This is a window of opportunity for the STRING region to establish itself as a frontrunner and a test bed for hydrogen technology. With concrete initiatives on hydrogen, STRING can reap this enormous potential and make sure that the capital set aside by the EU is invested into our region, playing a crucial role in the green transition of our economy and transport sector.

Initiative

 

 

 

 

 

 

H2ignite

The “H2ignite” project, which is co-funded by the Interreg B North Sea Programme, aims to develop innovative business models for the use of hydrogen (H2) in the transport sector and to promote new policy initiatives.

To this end, four regional hydrogen innovation ecosystems (so-called ‘pilots’) will be set up in Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands and France. These pilots will facilitate the exchange between different sectors as well as the transfer of regional H2 innovation strategies.

An important focus of the project is to fill knowledge gaps and to improve cooperation between public and private actors. Therefore, H2ignite will promote cross-border dialogue and drive transnational innovation by bringing together the cross-sector stakeholders in each pilot and by establishing of a “Cross-Sector Hydrogen Forum” for the North Sea Region.

STRING serves as the project manager for H2ignite, collaborating with the Lead Partner Schleswig-Holstein to ensure overall coordination and facilitation. STRING leads a pilot ecosystem focused on developing business models for hydrogen heavy-duty vehicle deployment through public procurement.

Additionally, STRING leads Work Package 3, focusing on communication, international dissemination, and promotion of the H2ignite results. This includes showcasing the pilot ecosystems as replicable models and sharing policy recommendations to foster broader hydrogen innovation and adoption.

Duration
01.09.2024 – 31.08.2027

H2ignite’s journey
Together with 10 other project partners of the NSR, STRING is working to achieve the following objectives:

  1. Development of four interconnected regional pilots;
  2. Developing and testing innovative business models along the green hydrogen value chain, for example for trucks and vessels;
  3. Narrowing the gap between legislators and companies by introducing a cross-sectoral forum;
  4. Promoting innovation in hydrogen policy for public administrations, and
  5. Developing action plans to implement tested business models and policies to ensure long-term, cross-border interaction and transfer in the context of the NSR.

Why is a project on green hydrogen relevant for the NSR?
The North Sea Region is at the forefront of innovation and has considerable potential for the application of green hydrogen. So far, advanced technologies and policy approaches in the NSR have only been applied locally. There is a lack of standardised implementation of innovations in the various regional innovation systems. Additionally, the following challenges prevent H2-ecosystems from realizing their full potential:

  • The majority of hydrogen ecosystems are made up of a few, mainly private sector actors who are testing hydrogen applications for the first time. They often lack the opportunity to exchange ideas, coordinate efforts, or learn from similar projects
  • There is a lack of concrete, innovative and viable business models for the use of green hydrogen.
  • There is a lack of suitable innovation strategies on the part of public administrations and cross-border strategies. Public administrations don’t have clear innovation strategies, especially ones that work across borders. As a result, private companies are left to take on big financial risks to use hydrogen in heavy goods transport.

The partner consortium

For more information please contact:
Julie Jo Nygaard and Wedad Kabi within the STRING Secretariat

Visit our website: H2ignite | Interreg North Sea

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Join us on LinkedIn: H2ignite | LinkedIn