Small-scale Hydrogen Valley

Opened

Code: 35847 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-JU-CLEANH2-2025-06-02 | Programme name: 27323 | Start submission calls: 30/01/2025 | End submission calls: 23/04/2025

The scope of this flagship topic is to develop and demonstrate a small-scale Hydrogen Valley. It could demonstrate a combination of technologies either in existing and/or new markets for clean hydrogen, especially when applications are used in symbiose with each other. Proposals should demonstrate innovative approaches at system level: systemic and synergetic integration of hydrogen production (not restricted to electrolysis), distribution and end-use technologies. Proposals may also investigate interoperability, cause-effect stability of the overall system. Technologies demonstrated should be state-of the-art following technological developments previously funded by (but not limited to) the Clean Hydrogen Partnership.

Large-scale Hydrogen Valley

Opened

Code: 35844 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-JU-CLEANH2-2025-06-01 | Programme name: 27323 | Start submission calls: 30/01/2025 | End submission calls: 23/04/2025

The scope of this flagship topic is to develop and demonstrate a large-scale Hydrogen Valley. It could demonstrate a combination of technologies either in existing and/or new markets for clean hydrogen (including hard-to-abate sectors), especially when applications are used in symbiose with each other. Proposals should demonstrate innovative approaches at system level: systemic and synergetic integration of hydrogen production (not restricted to electrolysis), distribution and end-use technologies. Proposals may also investigate interoperability, cause-effect stability of the overall system. Technologies demonstrated should be state-of the-art following technological developments previously funded by (but not limited to) the Clean Hydrogen Partnership.

Knowledge transfer and training of civil servants, safety officials, and permitting staff to improve safety assessment and licensing procedures across Europe

Opened

Code: 35842 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-JU-CLEANH2-2025-05-03 | Programme name: 27323 | Start submission calls: 30/01/2025 | End submission calls: 23/04/2025

This topic is focused on transfering knowledge and training of civil servants, safety officials, and permitting staff in order to improve safety assessment and licensing procedures across Europe. Specifically, the project will compile the existing evaluation, permitting, and licensing procedures for hydrogen projects across Europe in order to establish the training material. From this base, the project will compile present best practices for permitting Fuel Cells and Hydrogen (FCH) technologies across the EU into a handbook. The project will provide training to public officials and all other types of staff engaged in permit applications, project assessment and certification, and permit granting. This will allow streamlining project implementation and ensure effective permitting and licensing procedures. Projects should further address the knowledge transfer between Hydrogen Valleys and between Member States on permitting and certification of hydrogen projects, for example, based on the best practice handbook.

Understanding emissions of PFAS from electrolysers and/or fuel cells under product use

Opened

Code: 35840 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-JU-CLEANH2-2025-05-02 | Programme name: 27323 | Start submission calls: 30/01/2025 | End submission calls: 23/04/2025

This proposal is expected to focus on the fundamental understanding of the potential PFAS emissions in water electrolysers and fuel cells under product use. It aims to identify the root cause of PFAS compounds in water electrolysers and fuel cells, and to quantify the potential release of these substances into the environment during operation. Additionally, this project should propose solutions to manage and minimise emissions from current products corresponding to their amount and relevance of emission. It should include recommendations on a reduced release into the environment and propose possible mitigation options for avoidance of emissions.

Enterprises Capacity Building in New Product Development

Opened

Code: 35835 | Identifier Code: NPD-CAPBLD/0225 | Programme name: 13602 | Start submission calls: 07/02/2025 | End submission calls: 31/03/2025

«Enterprises Capacity Building in New Product Development» Programme aims to support companies with 15 or more employees, to employ specialised staff in New Product Development and to engage in research and development activities aiming at the development of new products and services.

Simultaneous ionomer and iridium recycling

Opened

Code: 35831 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-JU-CLEANH2-2025-05-01 | Programme name: 27323 | Start submission calls: 30/01/2025 | End submission calls: 23/04/2025

This topic aims at simultaneously recycling Ir and ionomers after catalyst-coated membrane (CCM) separation from the PEMWE stack at the EoL and/or from scraps and waste. The novelty and contribution of this topic is to understand the impact of the separation process of the waste stream on the ionomer and PGMs (possible impurities, degradation of the polymer’s molecular structure, change in physical/chemical properties, performance, etc.). This fundamental understanding of material degradation is crucial for optimising their quality before their re-use in PEMWE cells to ensure sustainable circularity.

Demonstration of stationary fuel cells in renewable energy communities

Opened

Code: 35828 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-JU-CLEANH2-2025-04-01 | Programme name: 27323 | Start submission calls: 30/01/2025 | End submission calls: 23/04/2025

Energy communities can be an effective means of re-structuring our energy systems, by empowering citizens to drive the energy transition locally and directly benefit from better energy efficiency, lower bills, reduced energy poverty and more local green job opportunities. Renewable energy communities, as defined in Article 2(16) of Recast Renewable Energy Directive (Directive (EU) 2018/2001) can introduce positive environmental impacts by increasing the use of renewable energy, thereby enhancing local energy security and reducing energy import from the main power grid, lowering energy bills. This aggregation therefore increases collective advantages and furthermore benefits the local distribution grid thanks to sharing resources and to a more efficient energy distribution, respectively. Energy communities are also key in bearing the adoption of new energy technologies and practices, thus paving the way toward innovation in the energy landscape.
In the context of the scope of renewable energy communities, proposals are expected to demonstrate an integrated renewable energy system applying stationary fuel cells, possibly in combination with other hydrogen technologies, to supply reliable and efficient energy in at least one renewable energy community.

Reliable, efficient, scalable and lower cost 1 MW-scale PEMFC system for maritime applications

Opened

Code: 35826 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-JU-CLEANH2-2025-03-03 | Programme name: 27323 | Start submission calls: 30/01/2025 | End submission calls: 23/04/2025

The scope of this topic is to develop, validate and demonstrate a reliable, efficient, and low-cost PEM based fuel cell system (FCS) with a minimum power output of 1 MW, suitable for further scaling to at least 10 MW for use in maritime applications.

Fuel cell stack development and integration of the FCS in a vessel are outside the scope of the project.

Scalable innovative processes for the production of PEMFC MEAs

Opened

Code: 35824 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-JU-CLEANH2-2025-03-02 | Programme name: 27323 | Start submission calls: 30/01/2025 | End submission calls: 23/04/2025

This project aims at developing and scaling-up innovative manufacturing processes for MEAs of PEMFCs. Each step of the MEA manufacturing process should be addressed and achieve TRL 6 and MRL 4-5 by the end of the project, therefore demonstrating process technology in a relevant environment with capability to produce MEAs at a rate and characteristics mentioned. In this context, to meet the expected outcomes, the following Research and Development (R&D) activities should be addressed: the design, development, and construction of a prototype production line for MEAs, which will be tested in a relevant industrial environment to validate its performance, scalability, and ability to meet the required manufacturing specifications.

Configurable Fuel Cell Powertrain for Non-Road Mobile Machinery

Opened

Code: 35821 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-JU-CLEANH2-2025-03-01 | Programme name: 27323 | Start submission calls: 30/01/2025 | End submission calls: 23/04/2025

The topic aims to demonstrate a configurable fuel cell powertrain capable of being integrated in at least two NRMM applications preferably related to ports or agriculture where one application has a minimum fuel cell power of 200 kW and the other a minimum fuel cell power of 100 kW.

Demonstration of scalable ammonia cracking technology

Opened

Code: 35818 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-JU-CLEANH2-2025-02-03 | Programme name: 27323 | Start submission calls: 30/01/2025 | End submission calls: 23/04/2025

The topic focuses on developing a highly efficient, modular and scalable cracking technology to convert ammonia into high-purity hydrogen to the specifications needed for specific applications and scales. The modular and scalable technology will enable cost-competitive and safe use of hydrogen in industrial and market sectors such as hard-to-decarbonise and off-grid power generation applications. The primary outcomes should be an innovative, low-cost, and compact technology enabling dynamic operations for energy-efficient hydrogen production, contributing to the overall objectives of the Clean Hydrogen JU SRIA to reduce hydrogen production and transport costs. The scope of this topic is to design, manufacture and demonstrate in an operational environment a system prototype for efficient ammonia cracking for at least 100 kg/day production.

Development of cost effective and high-capacity compression solutions for hydrogen

Opened

Code: 35816 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-JU-CLEANH2-2025-02-02 | Programme name: 27323 | Start submission calls: 30/01/2025 | End submission calls: 23/04/2025

This topic aims at addressing the two-folded challenge of reducing hydrogen compression costs whilst at the same time leaping a substantial capacity increase and in a wide pressure range.

Development of mined, lined rock cavern for gaseous hydrogen storage

Opened

Code: 35813 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-JU-CLEANH2-2025-02-01 | Programme name: 27323 | Start submission calls: 30/01/2025 | End submission calls: 23/04/2025

Proposals under this topic should address the technical challenges stemming from combining large strains, fatigue conditions, and hydrogen service on the liner, the surrounding concrete, and the encompassing rock masses. Therefore, industrial development of this concept for hydrogen storage requires studies, tests and a combination of laboratory and field demonstrations.

Additionally, this topic focuses exclusively on gaseous hydrogen – liquid hydrogen is not considered because of its extremely low temperature requirements.

Towards exploration and evaluation of European natural hydrogen potential

Opened

Code: 35811 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-JU-CLEANH2-2025-01-07 | Programme name: 27323 | Start submission calls: 30/01/2025 | End submission calls: 23/04/2025

This topic aims to support both the development of new methods, technologies, and workflows that will enable the development of E&P of natural hydrogen in Europe. It will bridge the gap between Research and Innovation (R&I), regulatory framework, and economic investments to boost the energy transition.
Proposals in this call should aim at better understanding the mechanisms related to natural hydrogen generation and accumulation in the subsurface, developing specific tools and methods to assess the resource potential, demonstrating its environmentally and economically viable exploitation, and informing adequate regulation and policies in Europe for large-scale deployment.

Innovative hydrogen and solid carbon production from renewable gases/biogenic waste processes

Opened

Code: 35809 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-JU-CLEANH2-2025-01-06 | Programme name: 27323 | Start submission calls: 30/01/2025 | End submission calls: 23/04/2025

The transformation of bio-based gases into hydrogen will provide a decarbonised fuel, avoiding implementing CO2 capture stages in industrial or energy processes. Methods to achieve such transformation are very diverse. They may be included in a family of processes of different nature comprising alternative energy transfer methods based on renewables (e.g., microwave, thermal and non-thermal plasma, induction, shockwave, radiation heating, direct thermal heating by several methods as Concentrated Solar Platform or molecular oxidation), and reactor designs (e.g., bubble column, plug, fluidised-bed, packed-bed, pulse tube, tubular, fluid wall, honeycomb monolith, moving carbon-bed, rotary kiln and others). These also involve combining these methods and the use or absence of catalysts, including innovative separation devices for enhanced purification and efficiency.
This topic focuses on innovative hydrogen and solid carbon production from renewable gases/biogenic waste processes.

Innovative co-electrolysis systems and integration with downstream processes

Opened

Code: 35806 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-JU-CLEANH2-2025-01-05 | Programme name: 27323 | Start submission calls: 30/01/2025 | End submission calls: 23/04/2025

Proposals under this topic should aim to accelerate the development of the co-electrolysis technology and its integration into real chemical synthesis process by proving the concept and the overall efficiency of the coupling between the co-electrolyser and the downstream process, mainly the catalytic reactor for the chemical synthesis. They should also contribute to resolving additional technological challenges on low-TRL level (cell/stack/stack module technology) to improve the stack operations for direct downstream process integration (downstream gas purity and composition, pressurised conditions) and the core technology impacting more drastically the lifetime (hence OPEX cost contribution) compared to steam electrolysis.

Efficient electrolysis coupling with variable renewable electricity and/or heat integration

Opened

Code: 35804 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-JU-CLEANH2-2025-01-04 | Programme name: 27323 | Start submission calls: 30/01/2025 | End submission calls: 23/04/2025

Projects under this topic should address efficient electrolysis coupling with variable renewable electricity or heat integration or both.

Specifically, project results, should contribute to all the following expected outcomes:

For all projects:

• Enhanced electrolysis capacity to produce renewable hydrogen (in line with EU regulations);
• Reduction of the levelised cost of hydrogen, including business models for generating additional income;
• Improved overall integration of electrolysis with the energy system.

For projects on coupling with variable renewable electricity:

• Fostering the use of electrolysis plants to balance the electrical network;
• Coupling of multi-MW electrolysis plants to variable renewable energy generation (both on- and off-grid, directly or indirectly coupled);
• Improved and diversified business models for electrolysis plants thanks to the provision of remunerated electrical grid services (at transmission and distribution system level).

For projects addressing heat integration:

• Fostering synergies between electrolysis plants and external heat stakeholders (producers and consumers);
• Improving thermal management within electrolysis plants;
• Improved and diversified business models for electrolysis plants through integrated thermal management and/or integration into heating supply networks.

Project results are expected to contribute to the following objectives of the Clean Hydrogen JU SRIA:

• Improve dynamic operation and efficiency of systems, with high durability and reliability, especially when operating dynamically, with the following KPIs of the Clean Hydrogen JU SRIA by 2030.
• Demonstrate the value of electrolysers for the power system through their ability to provide flexibility and allow higher integration of renewables;
• Operate efficiently (at system level including balance of plant) and safely (including with reduced gas crossover when relevant) under variable load with adequate flexibility to be coupled with variable renewable energy;
• MW scale direct coupling to renewable generation (both on- and off-grid) including offshore hydrogen production, aiming at identifying the best system configuration to reach competitiveness;
• Consider innovative system designs and improved balance of plant components to reduce parasitic losses and reduce cost (e.g. purpose-built rectifiers, integrated cooling systems, electrical heaters and heat-exchangers), when relevant in optimised electrical integration with renewables;
• Explore the options for utilising by-product oxygen and waste heat.

Scale-up and Optimisation of manufacturing processes for electrolyser materials, cells, or stacks

Opened

Code: 35801 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-JU-CLEANH2-2025-01-03 | Programme name: 27323 | Start submission calls: 30/01/2025 | End submission calls: 23/04/2025

The scope of this topic is the development and demonstration of manufacturing processes which are suitable for scale-up and which can contribute to meeting predicted annual clean hydrogen production requirements. Considering manufacturing scale-up of new materials, the proposal should provide sufficient information to show that these materials have been proven to work at an appropriate scale.

Improved lifetime and cost of high-temperature electrolysers by introducing innovative materials and components in stacks and BoP

Opened

Code: 35799 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-JU-CLEANH2-2025-01-02 | Programme name: 27323 | Start submission calls: 30/01/2025 | End submission calls: 23/04/2025

The scope of this topic is centred around minimising the effects of degradation to consequently extend the lifetime of high temperature steam electrolysers (HTSE) such as solid oxide electrolysers (SOEL) and proton-conducting ceramic electrolysers (PCCEL). HTSE technology has the potential to achieve a low cost of hydrogen production because of its higher energy efficiency due to the operation at high temperature.

Improvements in lifetime and cost of low temperature electrolysers by introducing advanced materials and components in stacks and balance of plant

Opened

Code: 35797 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-JU-CLEANH2-2025-01-01 | Programme name: 27323 | Start submission calls: 30/01/2025 | End submission calls: 23/04/2025

The scope of the topic is to address the lifetime, performance and cost of low temperature electrolysers at system level by developing, designing and testing advanced functional and structural materials and/or components for the cell, stack, and BoP.
The main objective of the current topic is to develop advanced cell and stack materials and BoP components that don’t induce degradation or reliability issues or even mitigate degradation and improve overall system durability.