With the EMR H2-HUBs project, a cross-border consortium from Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands was launched in mid-January to drive forward the development of a functioning hydrogen ecosystem in the Euregio Meuse-Rhine. The aim is to create the basis for an integrated, economically viable and cross-border coordinated hydrogen economy in the region - with a clear focus on strengthening companies in their energy transformation.

EMR H2-HUBs pursues a practice-oriented, open-technology approach that supports companies in identifying, evaluating and gradually implementing energy transformation potential. Starting with the analysis of needs and potential, the project accompanies companies throughout the entire process: from the classification of suitable technologies to the integration into existing and new energy systems and advice on funding programs for the implementation of specific measures. Hydrogen is seen as a possible central building block for the decarbonization of energy-intensive economic sectors. The aim is to achieve climate-neutral, resilient and long-term competitive structures in the Euregio Meuse-Rhine.

"Only through close cooperation across borders can we fully exploit the potential of hydrogen and make the energy transition economically successful," emphasizes Dieter M. Begaß, Head of the Economic Development Department of the City of Aachen, which has taken over the management of the project. "EMR H2-HUBs pools expertise, experience and perspectives from three countries and thus creates a reliable basis for the coordinated further development of the hydrogen economy in the region," continues Begaß.

On the German side, the consortium includes the city of Aachen, the city region of Aachen, the district administration of Düren, the Aachen Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the business development agency for the district of Heinsberg and the structural and business development department of the district of Euskirchen. In Belgium, the TWEED cluster, the Green Energy Park and GRE-Liège are involved. In the Netherlands, WaterstofNet is contributing its expertise as a knowledge and communication platform to the development and coordination of hydrogen ecosystems in the Benelux countries.

As part of the project, regional hydrogen hubs are being created in which players from industry, science and the public sector are brought together. They serve as platforms for networking, knowledge transfer and joint learning. Companies are given the opportunity to exchange best practice examples, identify synergies and benefit from the experience of others. In this way, a common framework for action is created for the further development of the hydrogen economy in the Euregio Meuse-Rhine.

EMR H2-HUBs strengthens innovation and competitiveness, accelerates the decarbonization of the economy and makes an important contribution to securing a climate-neutral, sustainable industrial location in the Euregio Meuse-Rhine in the long term.

The project is part of the Interreg Meuse-Rhine program and is co-financed by the European Union, the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Wallonia and the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs (EZK).

Contact:
Mazloum Sheikh-Ayoub
Coordinator for hydrogen infrastructure
mazloum.ayoub@mail.aachen.de
0241/432-7756