The H2READY project marks a new step in supporting local territories in planning future hydrogen applications.
Project partners have completed the report “Pilot municipalities and key sectors for hydrogen use”, which provides a first structured analysis identifying the pilot municipalities involved in the initiative and the main sectors where hydrogen could be applied at the local level within the Italy–Slovenia cross-border cooperation area.
This work represents an important technical basis for the next phases of the project. The analysis enabled the collection and systematisation of information on the territories involved, taking into account several factors relevant for the development of innovative energy solutions, including socio-economic characteristics, existing infrastructure, local energy demand and potential hydrogen applications. The report therefore provides an initial territorial and sectoral mapping of hydrogen opportunities in the analysed local contexts.
Particular attention was given to identifying sectors where hydrogen can provide real added value, especially in cases where direct electrification is more difficult or less efficient. These include mobility and heavy transport, certain industrial applications and integrated energy systems – often referred to as hard-to-abate sectors – where hydrogen can contribute to emissions reduction and greater flexibility of energy systems.
The analysis also confirms the strategic role of the pilot municipalities selected within the project, which act as territorial laboratories for exploring in practice the opportunities and limitations of hydrogen in local energy policies and municipal energy planning.
In the coming months, this information will be used to develop more detailed analyses and support municipalities in defining strategies and development scenarios. Through this process, H2READY continues to work towards transforming hydrogen strategies into practical tools for local territories, supporting local administrations in understanding and planning the use of this emerging technology.
