- The project involves €5.2 billion in public funding and €7 billion in private investments.
- 35 projects by 29 companies will be completed by 2036.
- Large-scale electrolysers are expected to be operational by 2024-2026.
- The project aims to reduce dependency on natural gas by boosting renewable hydrogen supply.
Project Overview
The EU Commission has approved a second Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) to support the hydrogen value chain. Named "IPCEI Hy2Use," the project was prepared and notified by thirteen Member States, including Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, and Sweden.
Funding and Investment
The Member States will provide up to €5.2 billion in public funding, which is expected to unlock an additional €7 billion in private investments. The project involves 35 projects by 29 companies, including SMEs and start-ups, with activities in one or more Member States.
Project Scope
IPCEI Hy2Use will support the construction of hydrogen-related infrastructure, such as large-scale electrolysers and transport infrastructure, for the production, storage, and transport of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen. It will also develop innovative technologies for integrating hydrogen into industrial processes, particularly in sectors that are challenging to decarbonize, such as steel, cement, and glass.
Timeline and Implementation
Several projects are expected to be implemented soon, with large-scale electrolysers operational by 2024-2026 and many innovative technologies deployed by 2026-2027. The overall project completion is planned for 2036, with timelines varying based on the project and companies involved.
Norway's Participation
Norway, as part of the European Economic Area, also participates in IPCEI Hy2Use with two individual projects. The EFTA Surveillance Authority is responsible for assessing State aid notified by Norway.
Complementary Projects
IPCEI Hy2Use complements the first IPCEI on the hydrogen value chain, IPCEI Hy2Tech, approved on 15 July 2022. While Hy2Tech focuses on end-users in the mobility sector, Hy2Use targets hydrogen-related infrastructure and industrial applications.
