Results and Outputs
The Hydrogen Competence Centres produced practical solutions, region-specific insights, and a transferable framework that strengthens hydrogen capacity-building and implementation across H2CE partner regions.
1. Functional competence centre models
Zagreb (City of Zagreb / REGEA):
Established a physical One-Stop Shop Competence Centre, providing a visible and accessible hub for hydrogen knowledge, consultation, and project support. The centre offers educational materials, expert guidance, workshops, and networking opportunities, while directly engaging citizens, businesses, and public authorities. It also supports concrete initiatives such as hydrogen in public transport, urban energy systems, and investment planning.
Styria (Energy Agency of Styria):
Implemented a network-based competence centre model, leveraging strong regional ecosystems of research institutions, industry, and innovation clusters. This model focuses on knowledge transfer, expert training, and stakeholder networking, supported by existing initiatives such as hydrogen research centres, industry pilots, and regional energy programs.
2. Common framework and methodology
Both regions applied a shared approach for capacity mapping, stakeholder engagement, training development, and pilot testing.
A common framework was developed, including:
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Competence profiles for hydrogen experts
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Structured training pathways and materials
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Methods for stakeholder involvement and knowledge exchange
This ensures that the competence centre model is replicable, scalable, and adaptable to different regional contexts.
3. Integrated knowledge base and stakeholder ecosystems
Zagreb:
Combined academic expertise, public institutions, industry actors, and EU-funded projects into a single coordinated ecosystem. The One-Stop Shop integrates policy frameworks, training programs, and real project support, creating a centralised knowledge and service platform.
Styria:
Built on a mature hydrogen ecosystem, integrating universities, research centres (e.g., hydrogen labs and innovation hubs), industry players, and regional networks. This provides a comprehensive view of hydrogen development, from research and pilot projects to deployment and community engagement.
4. Decision-support and capacity-building features
The competence centres enable stakeholders to:
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Access training, expertise, and advisory services
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Connect with key partners across sectors and regions
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Identify investment opportunities and project pathways
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Understand hydrogen technologies, policies, and applications
They also support public awareness and stakeholder engagement, making hydrogen more accessible and actionable for both experts and non-experts.
Together, these outputs demonstrate how Hydrogen Competence Centres can transform fragmented knowledge into structured, accessible, and actionable ecosystems, accelerating the deployment of hydrogen solutions and strengthening regional readiness for the energy transition.