The focus and innovation of this topic resides in the demonstration of the added value of fuel cell technologies when integrated in a local energy system, which can be either grid connected or off-grid.

Proposals should also:

• Choose a fuel cell system which is appropriate for the final application optimising the sizing of the system according to the heat and electricity demand of the application within the renewable energy community;
• Integrate instrumentation for all relevant units for addressing the implementation of optimal operation;
• Address the implementation of real-time optimisation and control smart tools (for both heat and power), as part of the renewable energy community engagement strategy;
• Assess and quantify the environmental, economic and social community benefits of the demonstration (in terms of reduction on greenhouse gases emissions during demonstration) including a comparison to other technological options where relevant for the renewable energy community
• Assess CAPEX, OPEX and operation and maintenance (O&M) requirements;
• Assess the environmental, technical and economic feasibility for scale up and replication in other renewable energy communities and include activities aimed at promoting replication within the project;
• Actively engage and seek commitment from the renewable energy community in which the demonstration campaign will take place, at least in the form of a Letter of Intent (LOI), to be included in Part B of the Proposal;
• Analyse non-technological barriers related to the integration of the fuel cell system in the (existing) renewable energy community (e.g. administrative, legislative, public acceptance) and recommend an adapted legal framework for the roll out of the technology;
• Contribute to meet the overall community demand (i.e. heat, electricity and cooling) with renewable energy based on renewable hydrogen.

The topic provides a chance for significantly rising the maturity level of hydrogen-based energy generating systems and for allowing for their further deployment in other areas of the hydrogen economy.

Proposals are expected to demonstrate the contribution to EU competitiveness and industrial leadership of the activities to be funded including but not limited to the origin of the equipment and components as well infrastructure purchased and built during the project. These aspects will be evaluated and monitored during the project implementation.