Six pioneering projects funded by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership are advancing innovation across the hydrogen value chain. From flexible gas turbines operating with up to 100% hydrogen (HyCoFlex) to recycling valuable materials from end-of-life electrolysers (HERAQCLES), these breakthroughs enhance flexibility, sustainability and circularity. New solutions for assessing hydrogen readiness in Europe’s gas networks (SHIMMER) and transporting liquid hydrogen by sea (LH2CRAFT) support the safe integration and large-scale deployment of hydrogen. Meanwhile, PilotSOEL reduces the use of critical raw materials in electrolysers, while HIGHLANDER advances cost-effective fuel cells for heavy-duty transport.
Together, they showcase Europe’s leadership in developing innovative, sustainable and competitive clean hydrogen technologies.
Upgrade of the gas turbine generator package for operation with 0-100% hydrogenProject: HyCoFlex
Partner leading the innovation: Siemens Energy Global GmbH & Co. KG
HyCoFlex is advancing flexible hydrogen use in power generation through upgrades to the Centrax CX400 gas turbine package. Its redesigned fuel system supports operation on fuel mixtures ranging from natural gas to 100% hydrogen, while enhanced fuel-leak and fire-detection systems support safe operation across the full range. The modifications can be incorporated into new packages or retrofitted to existing installations.
Recovering valuable materials from end-of-life AEM electrolyser components for second-life applicationsProject: HERAQCLES
Partner leading the innovation: Monolithos Catalysts & Recycling Ltd.
HERAQCLES is developing a low-cost, environmentally friendly recycling process to recover valuable materials from membrane electrode assemblies in anion exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolysers at the end of their life. By recovering electrocatalysts and other valuable components for second-life applications, the innovation aims to reduce waste and promote more sustainable, circular hydrogen production.
Open-access database for hydrogen-readiness of EU gas-grid componentsProject: SHIMMER
Partners leading the innovation: Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek (TNO), Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM)
SHIMMER is developing an open-access database to help assess the suitability of Europe’s natural gas infrastructure for hydrogen–natural gas blends. Bringing together key information on gas network materials and components, the database provides a clearer picture of their readiness for hydrogen. This resource supports informed investment decisions and the development of regulations and standards for integrating hydrogen safely into existing gas networks.
Cargo containment system for liquid hydrogen shippingProject: LH2CRAFT
Partners leading the innovation: Hydrus Engineering S.A.; American Bureau of Shipping (ABS Hellenic)
LH2CRAFT is developing a cargo containment system for transporting liquid hydrogen by sea. The innovation combines a membrane-type tank design with a capacity of 155,000 m³, tailored insulation to minimise hydrogen losses through evaporation, and a vessel design adapted to the cargo’s loading requirements. Testing materials under cryogenic conditions and developing and testing handling arrangements are also central to the work.
Reducing cobalt use in protective coatings for solid oxide electrolysis interconnectsProject: PilotSOEL
Partners leading the innovation: Elcogen Oy, SIA NACO Technologies
PilotSOEL is developing protective coatings that reduce the cobalt required for interconnects, the components linking cells in solid oxide electrolysis systems. Using magnetron sputtering, a technique for depositing thin layers of material, the innovation produces dense coatings for the air-facing side of these components. This approach aims to provide protection while reducing the use of critical raw materials.
Find out more about the PilotSOEL project
Catalyst-coated membrane meeting performance targets for heavy-duty vehiclesProject: HIGHLANDER
Partners leading the innovation: Johnson Matthey plc
HIGHLANDER has developed a catalyst-coated membrane for fuel cells used in heavy-duty vehicles, meeting the project’s targets for power output, platinum loading and durability. The membrane achieved the required performance in laboratory testing while keeping the amount of platinum - a costly precious metal used as a catalyst - within the target limit. This innovation supports the development of more cost-effective fuel cells for heavy-duty transport.