Large-scale demonstration of underground hydrogen storage
The Large-scale demonstration of underground hydrogen storage program, part of the Clean Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (Clean Hydrogen JU), focuses on advancing integrated energy systems. Its main purpose is to demonstrate the technical and economic feasibility of large-scale underground hydrogen storage. This initiative is crucial for integrating intermittent renewable energy sources into the gas grid and supporting various hydrogen end-uses, aligning with the EU's Hydrogen Strategy and REPowerEU Plan.
Who is Funded and Program Objectives
The Clean Hydrogen JU program aims to fund projects that demonstrate large-scale underground hydrogen storage, contributing to the EU's decarbonisation goals. Eligible participants include industrial and research entities, as well as public authorities, from EU Member States and Associated Countries. A key objective is to enable greater integration of renewables and ensure a reliable hydrogen supply for various applications.
What is Funded: Project Scope and Eligibility
This funding program specifically targets innovation actions in hydrogen storage and distribution, with a focus on large-scale demonstration projects. It supports activities that integrate hydrogen into the broader energy system, optimize the value chain, and ensure hydrogen purity. Certain equipment and infrastructure purchases can be exceptionally declared as full capitalised costs, reflecting the high TRL level targeted.
Type and Scope of Funding
The program provides financial support in the form of grants, with a specific maximum contribution set for each topic within the Clean Hydrogen JU call. This particular topic has a maximum EU contribution of 20,000,000 €. The overall call has a substantial budget, highlighting the strategic importance of these innovation actions.
Conditions and Requirements for Applicants
Applicants and beneficiaries must adhere to various conditions and requirements outlined in the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes and the Clean Hydrogen JU Annual Work Programme. These include specific rules regarding application format, consortium composition, budget declarations, intellectual property rights, and subcontracting.
Application Procedure Overview
The application process for this program followed a single-stage submission, with proposals evaluated against specific criteria. The selection process considered not only ranking but also complementarity for certain topics. Support resources, including an Online Manual and National Contact Points, were available to guide applicants.
Legal Basis and Governing Documents
The program is fundamentally governed by the Clean Hydrogen JU's 2023 Annual Work Programme and the broader Horizon Europe framework. Several official EU regulations and guidance documents provide the overarching legal and operational context, ensuring compliance and transparency in funding activities.
Similar Programs
Funding Overview
Funding Status:
Closed
Maximum Amount:
20,000,000 €
Allocated Budget:
The total budget for the Clean Hydrogen JU 2023 call is 195,000,000 €. For this specific topic (HORIZON-JTI-CLEANH2-2023-02-01), the maximum Clean Hydrogen JU contribution that may be requested is 20,000,000 €.
Deadline:
18.04.2023
Award Channel:
Framework Programme Call
Region:
All Member States of the European Union and Associated Countries
Sectors:
Energy Production and Supply, Renewable Energy, Research and Development, Transportation and Logistics
Application Type:
Consortium Required
Funding Stages:
Pilot Testing, Commercialization
Funding Provider
Program Level:
European Union
Funding Body:
Clean Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (Clean Hydrogen JU)
Additional Partners:
Hydrogen Europe, Hydrogen Europe Research, EURAMET (including EMPIR and European Partnership on Metrology projects like Met4H2), CertifHy
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