The European Commission has chosen 9 hydrogen production projects in Europe within the third auction of the European Hydrogen Bank, or EHB.
The projects are expected to deliver close to 1.1 gigawatts of electrolysis capacity in addition to almost 1.3 million tonnes of hydrogen during the first 10 years of operation throughout 7 countries in the European Economic Area. The Commission estimates that this will help to prevent greenhouse gas emissions that would equal 9 million tonnes of CO₂..
The selected 9 hydrogen production projects in Europe will receive around 1.09 billion euros of EU funding from the Innovation Fund, which is financed by the EU Emissions Trading System. The hydrogen generated will help cut emissions from energy-intensive sectors, including transport and chemicals. The projects will strengthen Europe’s industrial leadership and long-term competitiveness as well as jobs, in addition to helping the clean transition and energy independence and security of the EU.
Spain and Germany also contribute an extra 1.7 billion euros in national funds by means of the Auctions-as-a-Service feature. It permits Member States to fund projects based on their territories with national resources that apply to the auction.
The European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency – CINEA – will initiate the formal preparation of grant contracts with the chosen projects. This step will verify the final terms of the financial support, such as the fixed premium per kilogram of hydrogen which has been awarded and the time frame of execution.
According to the European Commission, the agreements are likely to be signed in the fourth quarter of 2026.