Kick-off for Cross-Border Hydrogen Cooperation: EMR H2-HUBs Project Launched
With the launch of the EMR H2-HUBs project in mid-January, a cross-border consortium from Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands has come together to drive the development of a fully functioning hydrogen ecosystem in the Euregio Meuse-Rhine. The project aims to lay the foundations for an integrated, economically viable and cross-border coordinated hydrogen economy in the region. The consortium pursues a practical yet strategic approach to support the transformation of regional energy and industrial structures – with a clear focus on strengthening companies in their energy transition.
EMR H2-HUBs follows a practical, technology-neutral approach that helps companies identify, evaluate and gradually implement their energy transformation potentials. Starting with an analysis of needs and opportunities, the project guides companies throughout the entire process: from assessing suitable technologies and integrating them into existing and new energy systems, to advising on funding programs for implementing concrete measures. Hydrogen is regarded as a key building block for the decarbonisation of energy-intensive sectors. The ultimate goal is to establish climate-neutral, resilient and internationally competitive structures in the Euregio Meuse-Rhine over the long term.
“Only through close cross-border cooperation can we fully unlock the potential of hydrogen and ensure that the energy transition is economically successful,” emphasises Dieter M. Begaß, Head of Economic Development at the City of Aachen, which is leading the project. “EMR H2-HUBs brings together expertise, experience and perspectives from three countries, thereby creating a solid foundation for the coordinated development of the hydrogen economy in the region,” Begaß adds.
On the German side, the consortium includes the City of Aachen, the Aachen City Region, the District Administration of Düren, the Aachen Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the Economic Development Agency of the Heinsberg district and the Structural and Economic Development Unit of the Euskirchen district. Belgian partners include the TWEED cluster, Green Energy Park and GRE-Liège. In the Netherlands, WaterstofNet contributes its expertise as a knowledge and communication platform for the development and coordination of hydrogen ecosystems across the Benelux countries.
As part of the project, regional hydrogen hubs are being developed to bring together stakeholders from industry, research and public authorities. These hubs serve as platforms for networking, knowledge transfer and joint learning. Companies have the opportunity to exchange best-practice examples, identify synergies, and learn from each other’s experiences and potentials. In this way, a shared framework for action is being established to advance the hydrogen economy in the Euregio Meuse-Rhine.
EMR H2-HUBs strengthens innovation and competitiveness, accelerates the decarbonisation of the economy and makes a significant contribution to securing a climate-neutral, future-proof industrial location in the Euregio Meuse-Rhine over the long term.
The project is part of the Interreg Meuse-Rhine programme and is co-financed by the European Union, the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, Wallonia and the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy (EZK).
Contact:
Mazloum Sheikh-Ayoub
Hydrogen Infrastructure Coordinator
mazloum.ayoub@mail.aachen.de
0241/432-7756
