During the first 18 months, the project made significant progress towards establishing an integrated ecosystem for "green" hydrogen production, storage, distribution and use. 29 partners from seven countries bring together expertise from energy producers, technology developers, infrastructure operators, research institutions and public authorities to deliver a complete hydrogen value chain.
Activities focused on four real-world demonstration sites: Sines Port as a strategic multi-modal hub, integrating large-scale hydrogen production with industrial applications; Alandroal mobility demonstrator for hydrogen-powered public transport and municipal vehicles; Évora building demonstrator, supporting hydrogen blending for heating municipal infrastructures and Culatra Island renewable energy community, integrating "green" hydrogen into local microgrids.
Across these demonstrators, we have already advanced engineering designs, permitting processes and procurement, including the Culatra modular system tender. Progress was also achieved in energy system integration studies and digital twin modelling, enabling optimal planning and operational strategies.
Key milestones include the approval of the second Grant Agreement amendment, integrating WinPower and Université Mohammed Premier after Fusion Fuel’s insolvency, ensuring continuity of key activities and maintaining schedules. We also launched the Alentejo Hydrogen Academy, offering upskilling opportunities for students, professionals and local communities, while rolling out public engagement strategies to improve acceptance of hydrogen technologies.
Despite challenges — including partner insolvency, regulatory approvals and logistical constraints for hydrogen distribution — the consortium successfully mitigated risks through strong governance, stakeholder coordination and adaptive planning. H2tALENT remains on track to position Alentejo as a leading European hydrogen valley.
