The Slovak Agency for Innovation and Energy (SIEA) has issued a tender for a total of 15 million euros for the building of facilities that would electrolyze renewable energy sources to generate “green hydrogen.” The initiatives will be sponsored by the Environmental Quality Operational Program, and the non-repayable financial contribution program is aimed to help the EU meet its climate neutrality target by 2050.

The appeal has been called “the hydrogen spring” since it aims to foster new hydrogen-based transportation systems that are environmentally friendly alternatives to fossil fuels. Projects must focus on producing hydrogen using only renewable energy sources as a source of electricity.

SIEA chief Peter Blaskovits stated that the organization is interested in establishing a hydrogen supply network that will help reduce emissions while also lowering reliance on fossil fuels, notably Russian natural gas.

The non-repayable award can cover up to 60% of qualifying costs, up to a total of 6 million euros per project. Applicants might be natural or legal persons who are permitted to carry out the activity and have been on the market for at least three years. Applications are due by the end of April 2022 and will be accepted on a monthly basis until funds are exhausted. The full announcement may be seen HERE.