Overview

The Hydrogen Competence Centres represent structured, regionally embedded hubs that support public authorities and stakeholders in navigating the hydrogen transition. By combining expert knowledge, training programs, policy guidance, and stakeholder networks, the centres enable regions to build the skills and capacities needed to plan, implement, and scale hydrogen solutions.

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They bring together research institutions, industry actors, policymakers, and local communities, creating a single entry point for hydrogen-related knowledge, collaboration, and project development. Through this integrated approach, the centres help translate hydrogen strategies into practical actions, investments, and real-world applications.

 

Two complementary approaches were tested:

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Zagreb: a physical One-Stop Shop Competence Centre, acting as an open and accessible hub for education, consultation, and project support. It provides stakeholders with direct access to expertise, training, materials, and advisory services, while also raising public awareness and supporting implementation of hydrogen solutions (e.g., mobility and urban energy systems).

 

Styria: a network-based competence model, built on strong collaboration between research centres, industry, and regional institutions. It focuses on knowledge transfer, expert training, and integration of hydrogen into existing systems, supported by established networks, pilot projects, and stakeholder-driven initiatives.

Together, these models demonstrate how competence centres can bridge the gap between strategy and implementation, strengthen regional ecosystems, and accelerate hydrogen adoption across different levels of readiness.

 

Objectives

 

• Empower regional stakeholders with practical knowledge, training, and advisory support—enabling public authorities, businesses, and communities to actively participate in the hydrogen transition.

• Develop a transferable competence centre model (framework, training approach, stakeholder engagement methods) that can be adapted and replicated across other regions.

• Strengthen skills and workforce capacity by defining competence profiles and delivering targeted training for engineers, policymakers, industry professionals, and other key actors.

• Support strategic planning and implementation by providing expertise on hydrogen technologies, infrastructure, regulation, and investment opportunities—turning strategies into actionable projects.

• Foster collaboration and knowledge exchange across regions by connecting ecosystems, sharing best practices, and aligning regional initiatives with European hydrogen strategies.