Periodic Reporting for period 1 - H2Heat (Hydrogen from renewable energy for commercial building heating – a full supply chain demonstration)
Période du rapport: 2023-09-01 au 2025-02-28
The H2HEAT project provides several outcomes and evidence that are directly relevant for supporting the development and strengthening of EU policy priorities, particularly in the areas of energy transition, the deployment of hydrogen technologies, the decarbonisation of critical infrastructure, and the enhancement of resilience in isolated territories. By demonstrating how green hydrogen can be effectively integrated into essential services such as hospitals, H2HEAT contributes directly to key EU strategies including the European Green Deal, the Hydrogen Strategy for a Climate-Neutral Europe, and the REPowerEU plan.Specifically the project demonstrates the technical feasibility and cost-effectiveness of producing and using green hydrogen on a small to medium scale within isolated or outermost regions. It shows that hydrogen technologies can be successfully integrated into existing infrastructures, providing a replicable model that can be extended to other public service facilities across Europe. Furthermore, H2HEAT underlines the importance of hybrid renewable–grid energy systems to ensure continuous and reliable energy supply, particularly in regions where renewable energy generation can be intermittent. The project also highlights the socio-economic benefits that regional hydrogen ecosystems can deliver, notably through job creation, skills development, and greater economic resilience at the local level. Additionally, it identifies critical regulatory, permitting, and licensing challenges encountered during the implementation of green hydrogen projects, offering valuable insights that can guide future policy simplifications and harmonisation efforts.Building on these findings, the project recommends several measures to facilitate the widespread adoption of green hydrogen. These include simplifying and harmonising permitting processes across Member States, particularly for smaller-scale projects, and establishing dedicated financial support schemes to promote hydrogen integration into key public infrastructures, including healthcare, education, and transport. Strengthening regulatory frameworks to accommodate hybrid renewable–grid hydrogen systems, promoting the standardisation of safety protocols and equipment certifications, and supporting the development of regional hydrogen hubs and green hydrogen valleys, particularly in outermost and insular regions, are also essential. Finally, the project advocates for supporting internationalisation efforts and ensuring that successful experiences like H2HEAT are replicated and inform future strategies both within the EU and globally.Through these contributions, H2HEAT offers a practical, evidence-based foundation to inform and support EU policy-making, strengthening the deployment of clean hydrogen technologies and advancing Europe’s transition towards a sustainable and resilient energy future
The H2HEAT project has made notable technical progress during the reporting period, particularly within preliminary engineering and site assessments. The project successfully developed the initial project plan, budget framework, and Gantt chart, while completing the legal mapping and permitting matrix, culminating in the submission of the Environmental Authorization application and confirming site compatibility. Site suitability surveys at the EMALSA and CHUIMI locations were completed using historical datasets such as SIMAR hindcasting and LIDAR, and energy demand modelling for CHUIMI hospital was finalized. Technical audits of the hospital’s energy infrastructure led to the development of hydrogen system integration options.
Preliminary designs for the full hydrogen supply chain—including production, compression, storage, transport, and use—were drafted, with site layouts and auxiliary infrastructure requirements captured. Environmental studies were completed, along with noise assessments and baseline environmental impact evaluations. In terms of health and safety, the first version of the H&S Plan was delivered, incorporating preliminary HAZID analyses, ATEX zoning, and emergency protocols, and was designed as a living document for continuous updates.
Progress under detailed design activities (WP2) included defining the network architecture and energy management system based on a PLC Modicon 580, advancing programming, and finalizing system redesigns following the electrolyser downsizing to 0.5 MW. Key components for compression, storage, and water treatment were selected, and updated engineering layouts prepared. Thermal integration for CHUIMI hospital was also completed, adjusting the heating system design to meet operational needs, and the EMALSA site engineering scope was expanded to include new substation design.
Although early construction activities under WP3 remain limited, meaningful progress was achieved with the preparation of initial electrolyser installation plans, ATEX risk assessments, and foundation concepts. Overall, the project has established a strong technical and regulatory foundation for upcoming construction and full deployment phases.
Preliminary designs for the full hydrogen supply chain—including production, compression, storage, transport, and use—were drafted, with site layouts and auxiliary infrastructure requirements captured. Environmental studies were completed, along with noise assessments and baseline environmental impact evaluations. In terms of health and safety, the first version of the H&S Plan was delivered, incorporating preliminary HAZID analyses, ATEX zoning, and emergency protocols, and was designed as a living document for continuous updates.
Progress under detailed design activities (WP2) included defining the network architecture and energy management system based on a PLC Modicon 580, advancing programming, and finalizing system redesigns following the electrolyser downsizing to 0.5 MW. Key components for compression, storage, and water treatment were selected, and updated engineering layouts prepared. Thermal integration for CHUIMI hospital was also completed, adjusting the heating system design to meet operational needs, and the EMALSA site engineering scope was expanded to include new substation design.
Although early construction activities under WP3 remain limited, meaningful progress was achieved with the preparation of initial electrolyser installation plans, ATEX risk assessments, and foundation concepts. Overall, the project has established a strong technical and regulatory foundation for upcoming construction and full deployment phases.
the H2HEAT project marks a significant step beyond the state of the art by delivering the first full demonstration of a renewable hydrogen supply chain for hospital heating in an outermost EU region. Through the introduction of innovative nanoceramic-based electrolyser technology, hybrid energy models, and customized hydrogen logistics adapted to island conditions, H2HEAT offers a replicable model for green hydrogen deployment. To maximise the impact of these achievements, the project systematically addresses critical needs through WP5, focusing on exploitation strategies, market analysis, business planning, and policy advocacy. This will ensure the long-term commercialisation, scalability, and replication of H2HEAT's innovations across isolated and broader European regions.