Hydrogen cities

What is this call about?

The call funds one coordination and support action that pairs Hydrogen Valleys with cities wishing to use renewable hydrogen in hard-to-abate sectors. Each twinned city receives tailored support and a roadmap for hydrogen-based decarbonisation.

What does this call fund?

Scope

The project sets up twinning between Hydrogen Valleys, especially those relevant for cities or ports, and cities that want to use hydrogen to decarbonise local and peri-urban hard-to-abate sectors and improve air quality. The focus is on sectors such as industry, heavy-duty and long-distance transport, aviation and maritime uses. Hydrogen for heating is out of scope. Twinning is based on mentor-mentee pairings, which may also include enlargement countries such as the Western Balkans, Ukraine and Moldova.

The project is expected to

• Run a selection procedure, for example public calls for expressions of interest, to identify the most promising twinning pairs.
• Develop and implement tailor-made collaborative activities for each pair, such as feasibility assessments, implementation plans, impact assessments, sharing of good practice and training.
• Deliver for each twinned city a roadmap for integrating renewable hydrogen into industrial decarbonisation.
• Facilitate exchange between participating cities and use the Hydrogen Valley Platform and the Cities Mission Platform.

Expected outcomes

• Investment in hydrogen applications and infrastructure for hard-to-abate sectors in and around cities.
• Communities of practice linking cities, ports, industry, government, researchers and citizens.
• Stronger synergies between the Cities Mission and the Clean Hydrogen Partnership.

When is the deadline?

7 October 2027 (336 days)

7 October 2027 (single-stage)