The CSA SET4H2 supports the precursor to the IWG, the Temporary Working Group on Hydrogen, by providing analyses and reports on the status of research and innovation along the value chain of the emerging hydrogen economy. This includes mapping the existing landscape of hydrogen actors and stakeholders in the European arena, as well as nationally and internationally, to initiate collaboration on the topic of hydrogen itself as well as a cross-cutting issue in the energy mix and integration into the energy system. To avoid duplication, the mapping of actors, projects, stakeholders and topics forms the basis a complementary approach to realising the IWG Hydrogen's role as a key player in Europe and advancing the SET Plan.
To directly support the TWG, the CSA developed a draft implementation plan and, with input from various actors and stakeholders from European initiatives and Member States, selected topics for activity fiches. To support the drafting process, a mapping of R&I projects at the EU level with a focus on Hydrogen Valleys was conducted, complemented by a mapping of value chains and infrastructural and industrial scale-up enablers and challenges identified within the framework of the SET Plan. The report on key aspects of R&D on hydrogen also served to develop a ranking of the importance of research topics, focusing on activities to accelerate the market ramp-up of hydrogen technologies. Although hydrogen is an emerging technology, it has already been addressed within the SET Plan community: Existing IWGs have included hydrogen in their implementation plans, emphasising its role as a cross-cutting technology, which makes it imperative to analyse their work and develop a collaborative approach. To this end the IPs have been analysed and key topics identified. The CSA also conducted a mapping of initiatives, networks and platforms, as well as compiled country fiches on R&I initiatives in selected third countries, which serve to facilitate a structured approach to collaboration in the European Research Area.
