Demonstration of hydrogen fuel cell-powered inland or short sea shipping

This program targets consortia capable of advancing hydrogen fuel cell technologies for inland and short sea shipping, encompassing a broad range of legal entities across the European Union and Associated Countries. The overarching objective is to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the waterborne transport sector and build a robust European hydrogen supply chain.

This program focuses on demonstrating hydrogen fuel cell technology for waterborne transport, excluding internal combustion engines. It supports projects that develop and integrate a complete hydrogen ecosystem, covering various aspects from fuel supply to on-board systems, and aims to advance these technologies from a mid-level Technology Readiness Level (TRL) to a near-market deployment stage.

This program offers grants in the form of lump sum contributions, with a maximum funding amount of EUR 6.00 million per project for this specific topic. The overall call has a substantial budget for 2024. While no explicit project duration is set, the demonstration activities require a minimum operational period to prove viability.

Applicants must adhere to specific conditions related to application format, consortium composition, and financial stipulations, including a maximum funding request and rules for cost declaration. Emphasis is also placed on hydrogen safety, environmental impact assessment, and ensuring that subcontracted work takes place within eligible countries.

The application process for this call is now closed, having opened in January and concluded in April 2024. Applicants were required to submit proposals based on specific templates, and evaluation results are anticipated in mid-2024. General procedures for submission and evaluation are outlined in comprehensive EU guidelines.

This funding program is rooted in key European Union legal frameworks, primarily governed by the Clean Hydrogen Joint Undertaking's Annual Work Programme and the broader Horizon Europe regulations. These foundational documents ensure the program's legitimacy and provide a comprehensive framework for its operation and financial management.