Large-scale Hydrogen Valley

The HORIZON-JU-CLEANH2-2026-06-01 grant opportunity under the Horizon Europe program is geared towards fostering the development and demonstration of large-scale Hydrogen Valleys, aiming to propel integrated hydrogen ecosystems throughout Europe. Eligible applicants must form a consortium comprising various stakeholders from the hydrogen value chain, including research and innovation organizations, private companies, public entities, industrial stakeholders, infrastructure operators, and end-users. A critical condition for eligibility is that at least one partner must be a member of Hydrogen Europe or Hydrogen Europe Research.

The funding mechanism involves direct grants, specifically lump sum grants, designed to streamline the administrative process while ensuring accountability. The maximum financial contribution is set at €17 million per proposal, part of a broader €105 million call that allocates €25 million specifically to Hydrogen Valley topics. Projects must demonstrate the production of at least 3,000 tonnes of clean renewable hydrogen annually and integrate applications across at least two different sectors such as energy, industry, and transport.

Geographically, the initiative is open to entities from EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries, encouraging collaboration with partners from Clean Hydrogen Mission member countries. The projects should reach a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of at least 6 upon start and target TRL 8 by project completion.

The application process is a single-stage evaluation, requiring proposals to be submitted through the EU Funding and Tenders Portal by April 15, 2026. Co-funding from project partners is emphasized, necessitating a detailed funding plan that demonstrates synergies with other funding sources. While funding covers various project elements like hydrogen production technologies and infrastructure development, operational costs, particularly for renewable energy and electrolyzer electricity, must be covered through co-funding.

Overall, successful projects are expected to enhance the production, distribution, and usage of hydrogen, promoting economic viability, system-level integration, and knowledge transfer, thereby contributing significantly to the European Hydrogen Strategy and broader climate objectives.

This is a call for proposals under the Horizon Europe program, specifically focusing on the development and demonstration of large-scale Hydrogen Valleys. The call, HORIZON-JU-CLEANH2-2026-06-01, falls under the HORIZON-JU-IA (HORIZON JU Innovation Actions) type of action and utilizes the HORIZON Lump Sum Grant [HORIZON-AG-LS] model grant agreement. The planned opening date is February 10, 2026, with a deadline of April 15, 2026, at 17:00:00 Brussels time. The maximum Clean Hydrogen JU contribution for this topic is EUR 17.00 million.

The primary goal is to foster hydrogen ecosystems, known as Hydrogen Valleys, within specific geographic areas. These valleys should integrate hydrogen production, storage, distribution, and various end-use applications across sectors like mobility, industry, and energy. The initiative aims to support the European Hydrogen Strategy, the EU Green Deal, and the Fit for 55 package by addressing challenges in hydrogen storage and distribution.

Expected outcomes of the projects include:

Anchoring new demand for renewable hydrogen.
Interaction and synergies among initial test beds.
Full integration into the broader cross-sectoral energy ecosystem.
Improvement of public perception towards hydrogen technologies.
Emergence of new hydrogen valleys through dissemination of learnings.

The scope of the projects should include:

Production of at least 3000 tonnes of clean hydrogen per year using new hydrogen production capacity for the last two years of the project.
Involvement of at least two hydrogen applications from two different sectors, focusing on energy, industry, and transport.
Demonstration of how new infrastructure integrates with existing infrastructure.
Monitoring and assessment activities for at least two years of operations.
A clear communication plan with measurable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
Demonstration of sector coupling enabled by hydrogen.
Reduction of carbon emissions and improvement of air quality compared to existing technologies.
Demonstration of financial viability after two years of operation.

Proposals should also include:

Concrete project implementation plans with a clear calendar.
A funding plan demonstrating synergies with other funding sources.
Clear presentation of the Hydrogen Valley across the entire value chain.
Evidence of commitment from public authorities and stakeholders through Letters of Intent (LOI).
A preliminary hydrogen safety planning and management plan.
Coverage of replicability and cross-border cooperation aspects.
Demonstration of synergies with existing hydrogen valleys.
A scalability analysis including the broader energy system.
Highlighting sustainability aspects.

Eligible costs include the construction and commissioning of hydrogen production technologies and infrastructure, such as Hydrogen Refuelling Stations (HRS), storage, and pipelines. However, costs related to renewable energy plants or the operation of the Hydrogen Valley (e.g., electricity for electrolyzers) are not eligible.

Successful applicants are expected to collaborate with projects selected under HORIZON-JU-CLEANH2-2025-05-03 on knowledge transfer and training related to safety assessment and licensing procedures. They should also demonstrate the contribution to EU competitiveness and industrial leadership, including the origin of equipment and infrastructure.

The use of Guarantees of Origin (GOs) is expected to prove the renewable character of the hydrogen. Cooperation with entities from Clean Hydrogen Mission member countries, which are neither EU Member States nor Horizon Europe Associated countries, is encouraged.

The Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of applications should be at least 6 at the beginning of the project and target a TRL of 8 at the end. At least one partner in the consortium must be a member of either Hydrogen Europe or Hydrogen Europe Research.

The application page limit is 70 pages. The evaluation process will award a STEP (Sovereignty) Seal to proposals exceeding all evaluation thresholds. Subcontracting must be performed in EU Member States or Associated Countries. Beneficiaries must inform the granting authority if the results could contribute to European or international standards up to 4 years after the action.

This funding opportunity aims to accelerate the deployment of Hydrogen Valleys across Europe, contributing to the EU's broader climate and energy goals. It seeks to support projects that can demonstrate the technical and economic viability of hydrogen as a key enabler for sector coupling and decarbonization, while also fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and public engagement. The emphasis is on large-scale, integrated projects that can serve as testbeds for global hydrogen markets and contribute to the emergence of regional hydrogen economies.

Eligible Applicant Types: The eligible applicant types are not explicitly defined in the provided text. However, based on the context, eligible applicants are expected to be consortia including members of Hydrogen Europe or Hydrogen Europe Research, and may include SMEs, startups, public authorities, and other stakeholders involved in the hydrogen value chain. The call encourages participation from entities in EU Member States, Horizon Europe Associated countries, and Clean Hydrogen Mission member countries.

Funding Type: The funding type is a grant, specifically a HORIZON JU Innovation Action (HORIZON-JU-IA). The grants will be provided as lump sums.

Consortium Requirement: A consortium of multiple applicants is required. The text specifies that "At least one partner in the consortium must be a member of either Hydrogen Europe or Hydrogen Europe Research."

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The geographic eligibility includes EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries. Cooperation with entities from Clean Hydrogen Mission member countries, including those neither EU Member States nor Horizon Europe Associated countries, is encouraged.

Target Sector: The program targets the hydrogen sector, specifically the development and demonstration of large-scale Hydrogen Valleys. It focuses on the integration of hydrogen production, distribution, storage, and end-use technologies across various sectors, including energy, industry, and transport. The program also aims to support the Net Zero Industry Act and facilitate the access of SMEs/Startups to Hydrogen Valleys.

Mentioned Countries: The text refers to EU Member States, Horizon Europe Associated countries, and Clean Hydrogen Mission member countries.

Project Stage: The expected maturity of the project should be at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 at the beginning, targeting TRL 8 by the end of the project. This indicates a focus on demonstration and validation activities.

Funding Amount: The maximum Clean Hydrogen JU contribution that may be requested is EUR 17.00 million.

Application Type: The application type is an open call, as indicated by the "Forthcoming" status and the planned opening and deadline dates.

Nature of Support: Beneficiaries will receive money in the form of a lump sum grant.

Application Stages: The application process is single-stage.

Success Rates: The success rates are not mentioned in the provided text.

Co-funding Requirement: Co-funding is expected, as the call aims to leverage co-investment from project participants, beneficiaries, including national and regional programs.

Summary: This opportunity is a call for proposals under the Horizon Europe program, specifically targeting the development and demonstration of large-scale Hydrogen Valleys. The call, HORIZON-JU-CLEANH2-2026-06-01, is an Innovation Action with a lump sum grant mechanism. It aims to support projects that can produce at least 3000 tonnes of clean hydrogen per year, integrate hydrogen applications across multiple sectors (energy, industry, transport), and demonstrate financial viability. The call encourages innovative approaches to system-level integration of hydrogen technologies, interoperability, and sector coupling. Eligible applicants must form a consortium that includes at least one member of Hydrogen Europe or Hydrogen Europe Research, and the projects must start at TRL 6 and reach TRL 8 by completion. The maximum funding is EUR 17.00 million, and co-funding is expected. The call is open to entities from EU Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries, and encourages cooperation with Clean Hydrogen Mission member countries. The application deadline is April 15, 2026. The STEP Seal will be awarded to successful proposals. The call aims to contribute to the European Hydrogen Strategy, the EU Green Deal, and Fit for 55 objectives by accelerating the deployment of Hydrogen Valleys across Europe.