1. The Spanish Recovery Transformation and Resilience Plan (RTRP) foresees €1.555 billion in funding for the hydrogen sector

In line with the increased ambitions of the European Union, Spain has updated its National Hydrogen Roadmap in 2023, targeting 11GW of electrolysers by 2030. The Spanish Recovery Transformation and Resilience Plan; (RTRP) has allocated €1.555 billion to the hydrogen sector, resulting in the installation of over 500 MW of electrolysers and support for 350 MW of renewable energy. Programmes under the RTRP focus on innovative value chain projects, hydrogen projects with production and consumption, localised small-scale initiatives and IPCEIs, leading to the installation of over 500 MW of electrolysers and support for 350 MW of renewable energy by 2026. Additional support is also planned for 2024 and 2025 to further develop the hydrogen sector.​

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2. Italy seeks to become a prominent hub for hydrogen in the Mediterranean region

Italy is investing €3.64 billion from its NRRP funds to boost its hydrogen sector, with the aim of expanding hydrogen production and building a strong hydrogen ecosystem to revolutionise industry, reduce CO2 emissions and stabilise the electricity grid. Italy's vision extends beyond its national borders as it aims to become a major hub for hydrogen in the Mediterranean region, with a particular focus on Africa. Its MATTEI plan emphasises energy security and the promotion of international cooperation. It is also working to develop a system of five gas pipelines linking Africa, Israel and Azerbaijan. Italy's efforts are aimed at creating a regulatory framework that promotes clean hydrogen technology and is in line with the EU's 2050 climate goals.

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3. Bulgaria can mobilize resources of up to €3.2 billion to support the development and use of hydrogen technologies in the coming years

Bulgaria's National Recovery and Resilience Plan aims to promote hydrogen technologies to meet climate change targets, reduce emissions and transition to more efficient renewable energy and a circular economy. The strategic roadmap will run until 2026 and includes key activities such as revising legislation, incubating hydrogen projects, assessing the country's hydrogen production capacity and formulating a strategic gas transition and distribution plan. Bulgaria aims to raise up to €3.2 billion from EU funds and private investment to strengthen its hydrogen sector, and aims to become one of the top 20 countries with a functioning hydrogen valley.​

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4. Croatia recognizes hydrogen as a vital energy carrier for the future and is dedicated to building a robust hydrogen economy

Croatia aims to increase its renewable energy capacity by more than 2500 MW by 2028, prioritising wind and solar power, and recognises the role of geothermal energy in the production of low-carbon hydrogen. To further the goal of establishing a hydrogen economy, the country has initiated the North Adriatic Hydrogen Valley (NAHV) project in cooperation with Slovenia and the Italian region of Friuli-Venezia-Giulia. This initiative, supported by a €25 million grant from the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, aims to innovate in green hydrogen production and enhance regional cooperation. In addition, Croatia is investing funds from its Recovery and Resilience Plan and the European Regional Development Fund to build hydrogen infrastructure such as electrolysers and refuelling stations.

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5. Portugal has the lowest levelized cost of hydrogen in Europe, underscoring its competitive edge in sustainable energy production

Portugal, having transitioned away from coal in 2021, is poised to emerge as a key green hydrogen producer in Europe. With a robust renewable energy foundation, 70.6% of its electricity was generated from renewables in 2023. The country's National Energy Climate Plan for 2030 targets 5.5GW of electrolyser installations, a 5% share of green hydrogen in final energy consumption for transport and industry, and 15% integration into the natural gas grid. The Portuguese Recovery and Resilience Plan, initiated in 2021, allocated €185 million to green hydrogen, with 25 projects receiving over €102 million. Meanwhile, a key green hydrogen auction is planned for 2024, targeting 250 GWh/year of biomethane and 120 GWh/year of hydrogen production.

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6. Sines offers a strategic advantage to hydrogen producers and facilitates the blending of hydrogen into the national pipeline network

The IPCEI project PT25 - Sines Green Hydrogen Valley, developed by Fusion Fuel, is a 630MW green hydrogen plant in the Portuguese industrial hub of Sines, in line with 11.5% of the country's hydrogen strategy of 5.5GW by 2030. The initiative will produce 62,000 tonnes of green hydrogen, offsetting 13 million tonnes of CO2 and focusing on the Dutch market and the decarbonisation of local industry. The project is divided into three phases, with the first phase aiming to install 10MW by the end of 2023, the second phase adding 90MW by the end of 2025 and the final phase aiming to install 530MW by 2028. The Portuguese government can provide up to €196 million through IPCEI, with additional funding from the Innovation Fund and the European Investment Bank. The project will contribute significantly to the EU's target of installing up to 40 GW by 2030.

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7. The Asturias Hydrogen Valley aims to promote circular economy, provide competitive development of renewable energy, and explore future export opportunities for hydrogen

The Asturias Hydrogen Valley project aims to establish a green hydrogen production facility with an initial capacity of 150 MW and an estimated production of 20 kt of green hydrogen per year. The plant will be powered by approximately 100 MW of wind energy and 200 MW of solar energy, reflecting the project's commitment to renewable energy sources. The project aims to supply renewable energy to local industry, taking advantage of the area's industrial presence and strategic location. The total investment for the first phase of the project is €220 million, of which €50 million has already been secured. The second phase will add a further 300 MW of capacity and is expected to be completed between 2027 and 2030. The project is expected to be operational in 2026, with further expansion planned for the future.

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8. Collaboration between the demand side, governments, and the supply side is the foundation for reducing the price gap between the purchase and selling prices

H2V Navarra Valley has been declared a project of regional interest and aims to produce nearly 4,000 tonnes of green hydrogen per year. A final investment decision is expected within the third quarter of this year, with construction starting shortly afterwards. According to AccionaPlug, market pricing is a key challenge for green hydrogen projects, especially in the Iberian market. The purchase price is influenced by current energy costs, CO2 emissions and added value such as mobility solutions. The main factors influencing the selling price are electricity prices, capital and operating expenditure related to the hydrogen plant, logistics, electrolyser efficiency, ROI and by-product valorisation. Market acceptance depends on the recognition of the environmental and financial benefits of green hydrogen. Strong government support, including strategies, policy frameworks, subsidies and streamlined permitting, is therefore essential. Investment in R&D for advanced electrolyser technology, strategic site selection and cooperation with off-takers are also required.