Results and Outputs

The GIS pilots in Veneto and Styria produced practical tools, region-specific insights, and transferable methodologies that strengthen hydrogen planning capacities across H2CE partner regions.

​

1. Functional GIS-based prototypes

• Veneto (Unioncamere Veneto): Developed a web-based Atlas platform with an interactive Decision-Maker Dashboard. The tool integrates data from 38,794 manufacturing companies surveyed by Unioncamere Veneto, mapping industrial energy use and hydrogen potential at the municipal level. Users can simulate hydrogen conversion scenarios sector by sector and immediately view results on CO₂ savings, fossil fuel substitution, and demand hotspots (e.g., industrial districts in Vicenza and Padova).

• Styria (Energy Agency of Styria): Built an open-source QGIS planning tool that combines data from over 3,000 companies classified as hydrogen-relevant, of which 22 energy-intensive industries account for 85% of regional gas use. The tool maps existing production sites (e.g., Gabersdorf 1 MW electrolyser, Fernitz-Mellach 0.15 MW), hydrogen refuelling stations (HyCentA, OMV), and planned pipeline repurposing after 2030, enabling scenario analysis up to 2040+.

 

2. Common methodology and data model
Both pilots applied a shared approach for stakeholder engagement, data acquisition, harmonisation, and scenario analysis. Data was standardised in tons of oil equivalent (TOE) and structured at the municipal scale, ensuring comparability across partner regions and supporting replication of the approach.

​

3. Integrated datasets

• Veneto: Unioncamere’s quarterly Veneto Congiuntura business surveys enriched with ISTAT demographic data, transport flows (ACI vehicle registrations, rail data, North Adriatic Port Authority), and energy consumption. This enabled a spatially explicit view of industrial hydrogen demand, especially in energy-intensive clusters such as metals, chemicals, and ceramics.

• Styria: Combined renewable energy maps (36 designated PV zones covering ~780 ha, regional wind priority areas), state infrastructure GIS, and interviews with key stakeholders (e.g., voestalpine, Energy Styria, Green Tech Valley). The result is a comprehensive territorial view of current and future H₂ supply and demand corridors.

 

4. Decision support features
Both tools allow decision-makers to:

• Run scenario simulations (e.g., gradual vs. rapid hydrogen adoption)

• Visualise multi-scale impacts (municipal → regional)

• Identify priority investment zones, such as Veneto’s industrial corridors or Styrian renewable clusters

• Calculate CO₂ avoided and fossil fuels replaced under different strategies