GIS Tool

The pilot testing of the H2CE GIS platform across partner regions shows that the tool has strong potential to support hydrogen-related planning, yet its operational use depends on data availability, interoperability, and alignment with national standards. Testing experiences vary significantly between regions, offering valuable insights into how the platform can be transferred and scaled.

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1. Regional Testing Summary

Northwest Brandenburg (Germany)

Northwest Brandenburg conducted a detailed dry test and partial parameter comparison. The region used existing datasets (industrial zones, renewable generation, mobility patterns, grid infrastructure) to evaluate whether the tool can support the regional hydrogen action plan.

Key findings:

• Clear added value for identifying electrolysis sites and visualising spatial relations.

• Tool logic is compatible with regional planning workflows (energy concepts, industrial zoning).

• Data gaps limit precision: industrial heat demand, future grid expansions, hydrogen load profiles, and waste heat potentials.

• Interoperability with existing regional systems (INSPIRE, Localiser, energy portals) is essential.

 

Pomorskie Voivodeship (Poland – Marshal’s Office & Office of the Regional Surveyor)

Pomorskie performed a review but did not run regional data or conduct dry-run modelling. Their assessment focused on usability, data compatibility, and integration with Polish data sources.

Key findings:

• Platform is intuitive even for non-technical users.

• Incompatibility with national datasets (industrial maps, renewable potentials, grid capacity layers).

• Lack of export functions prevents deeper analysis or cross-regional comparisons.

• Testing limited by absence of local model runs or simplified datasets.

• Interoperability with Polish systems such as the GUS geoportal is necessary.

 

2. Shared Technical Challenges Across Regions

Data Availability & Standardisation

• Many datasets required for hydrogen modelling—industrial heat demand, high-resolution renewable resources, grid loads—are not publicly available or differ in structure across regions.

• Metadata and data provenance are insufficient for external users to validate results.

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Interoperability

• Need for WMS/WFS interfaces, standard geospatial formats, and automated import/export functions.

• Alignment with national geospatial standards is required (Polish INSPIRE, German state geodata systems).

 

Model Transparency

• Users across regions request documentation of model logic, assumptions, and technical parameters, especially for hydrogen production potential, energy demand modelling, and scenario calculations.

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3. Transferability Potential by Region Type

The analysis shows that the GIS tool is highly transferable but requires region-specific adjustments. Below is an overview.

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A. Regions with Mature Geodata Systems (e.g., Brandenburg)

Strengths:

• Strong availability of spatial datasets (energy, infrastructure, environment).

• Established planning workflows where tool can be integrated immediately.

Requirements for uptake:

• Enhanced parameter precision (industrial demand, grid expansion scenarios).

• Harmonisation with existing regional GIS platforms.

• Governance for sensitive data (industry, grid operators).

 

B. Regions with Fragmented or Incomplete Datasets (e.g., Pomorskie)

Strengths:

• High usability of the platform for screening and strategic overviews.

• Existing national data portals (e.g., GUS) could feed the tool.

Requirements for uptake:

• Standardisation of input formats.

• Additional functionalities (scenario comparisons, downloads, metadata).

• Institutional agreements for accessing detailed datasets.

 

C. Regions Without the Ability to Run Models Locally

These regions can still use the platform as a visualisation and awareness tool for hydrogen planning.

Requirements:

• Simplified models that work with limited datasets.

• Clear instructions for “dry-run only” use cases.

• More training and documentation.

 

4. Transferability Recommendations

Technical Recommendations

• Introduce scenario comparison, sensitivity analyses, and downloadable outputs.

• Improve filter tools, layer management, and data export functions.

• Provide full metadata and documentation for all layers.

• Develop API connections to national geodata systems.

Institutional Recommendations

• Create a regional data governance framework involving municipalities, energy providers, industry associations, and grid operators.

• Establish agreements for data sharing (especially for infrastructure-related datasets).

• Ensure long-term hosting and updating by a regional authority or project partner.