The CRAVE-H2 project demonstrates how public and private actors, at European, National and Regional level, can cooperate across the entire H2 value chain, to build a dynamic ecosystem in the Island of Crete. The successful implementation of the CRAVE-H2 Project will trigger further investments for H2, decoupling the island's energy system from oil dependency, currently being at 88%, which has an environmental and operational cost of 300 M€/year.
Furthermore, investments in H2 will be accompanied by skills development, job creation and economic growth, making CRETE a European Energy H2 Hub.
The replicability and scalability of the project will be demonstrated, with the aim of facilitating further deployments of Hydrogen Valleys in other locations in Greece and Europe. Synergies with the Greece-Africa Interconnector Project (GAP TYNDP 2024, Ref.1048 Project), which will provide low-cost electricity from Egypt to Greece, to power the electrolysers, will be demonstrated, making the green H2 production and use, a sustainable process.
CRAVE-H2 will manage to integrate several elements into one system, to enhance overall synergies and facilitate sector coupling. CRAVE-H2 addresses:
- The RES interconnection of Africa with the Island of Crete, by transferring low-cost RES electricity for H2 production.
- The vibrant tourism sector with its seasonality in energy demand.
- The local energy system and DSO operation of the local electricity distribution network.
- The transportation sector (fc-powered buses).
- The use of H2 in existing thermal power and industrial plants, and in the shipping industry.
- The evaluation of the Security and resilience of the energy system. H2 storage could bridge the gap between RES production and power demand.
Both the Region of Crete and the Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator are participating in the project as partners, working on setting up regulation requirements at the relevant governance level. CRAVE-H2 will assess the socio-economic and environmental impacts, including the concept of digital twin assuring an effective monitor and optimisation strategy for the operation and further development of the valley by employing a set of studies for future uses of H2. CRAVE-H2 will prepare a business plan for the replication of the implemented technologies across all EU member states.
The role of H2 based energy storage is expected to gain significant momentum as intermittent renewables, such as PV and wind, increase their share in the electricity mix. Fuel cell-based power production with H2, from energy storage, has the potential to become a disrupting technology solution for the exploitation of the diffuse renewable energy sources.
CRAVE-H2 aims a) to reduce by 10% the EU system level cost, b) to reduce by 10-20% the electricity cost for individual and corporate consumers, and c) to optimise deployment, installation, and capital costs of storage by 10-15%
Societal impact is seen in a) 90 % CO2 emission reduction, b) 25% increased energy market participation, and c) 15 % increased participation in the European Energy Storage value chain.
