When discussing European support for hydrogen, attention is often focused on RFNBO regulation and the conditions for renewable hydrogen produced via electrolysis. However, less attention is paid to the fact that alongside these instruments, there are programmes that support a broader range of technological solutions and, above all, systemic, international projects.

One of these is the Clean Hydrogen Partnership (CHP).

What is the Clean Hydrogen Partnership?

The Clean Hydrogen Partnership is a European initiative focused on research, demonstration and the system integration of hydrogen technologies. Its objective is not only to support individual installations, but to build functional ecosystems that connect:

  • hydrogen production,
  • distribution and infrastructure,
  • concrete applications in industry, mobility and energy,
  • and, importantly, international collaboration among multiple partners.

Unlike some other instruments, support is not limited exclusively to hydrogen that meets the definition of RFNBO. Projects are evaluated primarily based on:

  • technological innovation,
  • system integration,
  • contribution to decarbonisation,
  • and the ability to create a long-term sustainable operational model.

This opens the door for projects based on circular economy principles, the use of biogenic resources, or the combination of multiple technological approaches within a single system.

Hydrogen Valleys: The Region as the Foundation

One of the key concepts of the Clean Hydrogen Partnership is the so-called Hydrogen Valleys – regional projects that connect hydrogen production, infrastructure and specific use cases within a defined territory.

What matters here is not only the technology, but:

  • real hydrogen demand,
  • the involvement of multiple sectors,
  • long-term economic sustainability,
  • and coordination among stakeholders at the regional level.

In this context, hydrogen is not an isolated project, but part of a broader regional transformation strategy.

Cross-border cooperation as a strategic advantage

Cross-border regions represent a specific opportunity. Neighbouring areas often share:

  • similar industrial structures,
  • logistics connections,
  • energy infrastructure,
  • and common challenges related to transformation.

A smaller, realistically designed project on one side of the border can serve as a pilot step. If it is based on real demand and functional partnerships, it can gradually expand – adding further production capacities, additional off-takers and new infrastructure elements.

Such an approach allows the hydrogen ecosystem to be built step by step, without excessive upfront investments and regardless of administrative borders between countries. Over time, this can lead to the creation of an interconnected system that respects the economic logic of the region while using the international dimension as an advantage rather than a barrier.

IF and CHP: Different roles, shared objective

European hydrogen support instruments do not compete with each other – on the contrary, they complement one another.

  • The Innovation Fund focuses primarily on the investment phase of large-scale projects and significant emission reductions at industrial scale.
  • The Clean Hydrogen Partnership supports the creation of international consortia, demonstration of solutions and system integration at the regional level.

However, successful projects are not created as a reaction to a newly opened call. They emerge where there is:

  • clearly defined regional potential,
  • verified demand,
  • established partnerships,
  • and a realistic, step-by-step pathway from preparation to implementation.

What does this mean for Czech regions?

The Clean Hydrogen Partnership is not just “another funding opportunity”. It is a tool that enables the integration of regional strategy, technological solutions and international cooperation into a single functional framework.

For regions that think systematically and are prepared to first validate their potential, it can represent a logical next step – especially in combination with other European or national instruments.

The key is not to look at individual calls in isolation, but to connect them into a long-term development concept. The ability to combine regional needs, technological options and suitable financial instruments into a coherent project will be decisive in the coming years.

I focus on the development of hydrogen projects and infrastructure strategies in a European context.

Kristýna Váchalová

Hydrogen Business Development