Objective
This Proof of Concept project investigates an innovative method to produce hydrogen based on mineral reactions. During our experimental approach to the geochemistry of early Earth, we discovered that under specific chemical conditions, self-organized osmotic mineral structures can generate a significant amount of hydrogen. The project will investigate this surprising finding in detail to develop a new, sustainable method for producing hydrogen.
The objectives are threefold: (1) thoroughly understand the chemistry behind the reactions and optimize experimentally the production of H2; (2) design semicontinuous reactors at the scale of laboratory, and (3) develop its potential for innovation through intellectual property protection, stakeholder engagement, and early exploitation planning.
This is a high-risk/high-gain project: demonstrating its feasibility could offer a completely new hydrogen production method, complementing electrolysis and other renewable techniques, while failure would still provide valuable insights into the limits of mineral self-organization. If successful, the project will offer an alternative and CO2-free H2 production and expand hydrogen supply options, supporting the EU’s renewable hydrogen goals, the REPowerEU strategy and the long-term aim of energy independence. By demonstrating feasibility and clarifying the innovation pathway, the project will provide the critical knowledge and strategic positioning needed to advance towards industrial uptake, enabling Europe to accelerate its clean energy transition and strengthen its global leadership in the hydrogen economy.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences earth and related environmental sciences geochemistry
- natural sciences chemical sciences electrochemistry electrolysis
- engineering and technology environmental engineering energy and fuels renewable energy hydrogen energy
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2026-POC
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
20018 Donostia San Sebastian
Spain
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.