RenewStart for Hydrogen Technologies

Accelerating the integration of hydrogen technologies, promoting readiness, acceptance and awareness, while fostering cross-border cooperation for sustainable energy solutions.

Background

Hydrogen is considered to be a versatile and clean energy carrier with high potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It can also be used to store excess energy generated from renewable sources, such as solar and wind. Recognising this potential, the EU adopted its Hydrogen Strategy in 2020, alongside its REPowerEU Plan. The strategy includes policy actions in the five key areas of investment support, production and demand support, market and infrastructure development, research and innovation, and international cooperation.

The hydrogen economy and infrastructure are being developed worldwide. Poland ranks as the third largest hydrogen producer in Europe and the fifth largest in the world. However, despite these achievements, the production of low-emission hydrogen and the implementation of hydrogen technologies for decarbonising the energy and other sectors have only recently begun. The situation is similar in other European countries, including Lithuania and Bulgaria. Legislation on hydrogen-based solutions is therefore either non-existent or fragmented and insufficient. Moreover, high levels of bureaucracy and a lack of goodwill often hinder the implementation of innovative hydrogen projects.

Project

Baseline studies on the potential of renewable energy sources and hydrogen are carried out for Poland, Lithuania, Bulgaria and Albania. A multinational consortium is set up with representatives from the most relevant sectors such as power generation, energy storage and industrial processes, as well as end users representing the gas and oil industries, energy utilities and others.

The consortium raises awareness and promotes the integration of renewable energy sources and hydrogen technologies. It works with governments, local authorities, civil society, academia and the private sector to bring the technology to the market, stimulate market growth, attract investment, and strengthen the position of the implementing countries in the global energy market.

The project organises events such as workshops, conferences and seminars to facilitate cross-border cooperation, share research results and good practices, and address challenges related to the deployment of hybrid renewable energy/hydrogen systems.

Keywords: Energy Policy, Energy Transition, Energy Transition and Climate-Neutral Buildings, Renewable Energy

Acronym: RenewStart

Call: EUKI 7th Call 2023

Funding: 321,907.50 EUR (to LEI: 75990.60 EUR)

Coordinator: Institute of Power Engineering, Poland.

Partners:

• Lietuvos energetikos institutas, Lithuania.
• Polytechnic University of Tirana, Albania;
• Stara Zagora Regional Economic Development Agency, Bulgaria.