The H2READY project takes another step forward in supporting territories in planning future hydrogen applications.
Project partners have completed the report “Guidelines for the integration of hydrogen in pilot municipalities”, which analyses the needs, opportunities and possible approaches for introducing hydrogen-based solutions in local contexts within the cross-border cooperation area between Italy and Slovenia.
The report represents a guidance tool for the local administrations involved in the project and is based on an in-depth analysis of the pilot territories, carried out through data collection, questionnaires and interviews with local stakeholders. This work made it possible to identify the main conditions and key factors relevant for integrating hydrogen into local energy systems, taking into account infrastructural, energy-related and socio-economic aspects.
The analysis involved the pilot municipalities of Ajdovščina, Koper (Capodistria), Nova Gorica, Ilirska Bistrica, Gemona del Friuli, San Vito al Tagliamento, Valvasone-Arzene, Savogna d’Isonzo and Sacile, as well as the Association of Municipalities of the Upper But Valley. For these territories, the potential areas of hydrogen application and the conditions necessary to support its development were analysed.
Particular attention was given to identifying the sectors with the greatest potential for hydrogen use, especially transport, industry, public services and energy storage systems. In these areas, hydrogen can contribute to the decarbonisation of energy systems and to the development of innovative solutions supporting the local energy transition.
The developed guidelines therefore provide a useful reference for the municipalities involved and for other territories interested in exploring the role of hydrogen in local energy policies. In the coming months, the results of the analysis will support further project activities, contributing to strengthening cross-border cooperation between Italy and Slovenia and promoting the development of more sustainable and low-emission energy systems.
