• Hydrogen-powered vessels, refuelling stations and green-ammonia technologies will be tested in ports and aquaculture operations as the three-year project looks for practical ways to cut fossil-fuel use on Europe’s islands.

 

H2BLUE aims to accelerate the deployment of hydrogen technologies in island and coastal regions by developing, demonstrating, and validating integrated renewable hydrogen value chains. The project focuses on the Canary Islands and the Azores as representative territories to test innovative production, storage, and utilisation solutions under real maritime and port conditions. By coupling renewable energy sources with hydrogen generation and fuel-cell applications, H2BLUE will contribute to decarbonising port operations, maritime transport, and local industries while enhancing regional energy resilience and autonomy.

 

The project adopts a multi-actor and cross-sectoral approach, engaging research organisations, industry, SMEs, and public authorities to co-design replicable business models and governance schemes aligned with regional Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3) and EU energy transition objectives. Demonstration activities include the installation of pilot hydrogen refuelling stations, the integration of hydrogen-powered vessels, and the testing of ammonia production and utilisation pathways.

 

Through its coordinated action, H2BLUE will deliver validated technological, environmental, and socio-economic data supporting the scaling-up of renewable hydrogen ecosystems in outermost regions. The expected impacts include reducing GHG emissions, strengthening regional innovation ecosystems, promoting circular and sustainable blue economy models, and creating new green jobs. The project will also provide policy recommendations and guidelines to support the uptake of hydrogen solutions in other European coastal and island territories.

 

Program and Call for proposals

I3-2025-INV2a / Topic: I3-2025-INV2a: Interregional Innovation Investments Strand 2a

Start date

09/01/2026

End date

08/31/2029

Duration in months

36

TOTAL COST

7.020.892,22 €

Cost for PLOCAN

2.951.152,02 €

Total funded

5.514.624,56 €

Financed for PLOCAN

2.665.806,41 €

Coordinator

Plataforma Oceánica de Canarias (ES)

Partners

PLOCAN (ES) - GOBCAN (ES) - ULPGC (ES) - ITC (ES) - CANEXMAR (ES) - ACUIPALMA (ES) - NAPESCA (ES) - ELIMAT (ES) - CE (ES) - CMC (ES) - FRCT (PT) - FINANÇOR (PT) - ADFMA (PT) - CNH2 (ES) - EIT FOOD (ES) - FMV (ES) - BSA (BG). Affiliated Entity: FCPCT ULPGC (ES)

 

Source:FuelCellsWorks