The European Commission has given the green light to a fourth Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) aimed at enhancing the hydrogen value chain.
This initiative, known as IPCEI Hy2Move, will focus on research, innovation, and initial industrial deployment in the hydrogen sector, contributing significantly to the EU’s ambition of reducing emissions from the mobility and transport sectors by 90% by 2050.
IPCEI Hy2Move, prepared and notified by seven EU Member States—Estonia, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Slovakia, and Spain—will receive up to €1.4 billion in public funding. This funding is expected to stimulate an additional €3.3 billion in private investments. The project involves 11 companies, including SMEs and startups, which will undertake 13 innovative projects aimed at different aspects of hydrogen technology.
IPCEI Hy2Move builds upon previous initiatives, such as IPCEI Hy2Tech, Hy2Use, and Hy2Infra, each focusing on different facets of the hydrogen value chain, from technology development to infrastructure investments. By addressing specific challenges in mobility and transport applications, Hy2Move aims to fill critical gaps left by its predecessors.
The Commission has recognized the ambitious nature of the 13 projects under Hy2Move, aiming to push beyond current technological limits.
EU State Aid Rules and Compliance
The Commission’s assessment under EU State aid rules concluded that the IPCEI Hy2Move meets the necessary conditions, including supporting a common strategic objective, addressing market failures, and ensuring proportional aid. This alignment with EU State aid rules ensures that the project supports the broader economy while limiting competition distortions.
The approval of IPCEI Hy2Move marks a step in the EU’s journey towards a hydrogen-powered future. By focusing on mobility and transport applications, this initiative aims to address some of the most challenging aspects of hydrogen integration, pushing technological boundaries and fostering a collaborative ecosystem.
