Košice region embarks on green hydrogen production journey

In Slovakia, the Košice region has officially launched the EastGateH2V project aimed at developing a hydrogen valley, as confirmed on April 10, 2025. This initiative involves the collaboration of 22 partners from seven European countries, with the Košice Self-Governing Region (KSK) taking the lead as coordinator. They have successfully secured nine million euros in funding through the Horizon Europe program, following their successful bid in the call from the Clean Hydrogen Joint Undertaking. The project represents a significant undertaking in the advancement of sustainable hydrogen technologies in Central and Eastern Europe. KSK Chairman Rastislav Trnka emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that it could establish the region as a leader in hydrogen technologies. The introductory meeting in Košice focused on the coordination and scheduling of activities for the involved partners, signaling the start of a collaborative effort to create a sustainable hydrogen ecosystem. By mid-2027, the project is expected to launch an electrolyzer that will produce approximately 170 tons of green hydrogen annually. This output will power regional hydrogen buses, a hydrogen boat, and a transport hydrogen drone. The green hydrogen generated will derive from renewable energy sources, aligning with the European strategy to decarbonize industry and transport sectors. The EastGateH2V initiative is poised to expand the hydrogen network across borders with neighboring countries, paving the way for an interconnected European hydrogen economy. Antonio Aguilo, coordinator of the Clean Hydrogen Partnership team, highlights the project's vision as a critical step in this direction. The expectations for the next six years involve advanced collaboration and coordination across multiple fields such as energy, transport, and industry among countries like Slovakia, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Slovenia, Spain, and Germany.