23 applications received in the 2nd call for Project Development Assistance (PDA) for Hydrogen Valleys

The second Call for Applications for Project Development Assistance (PDA) for Hydrogen Valleys by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership has ended on June 26, with 23 applications received from 18 countries, including 5 from 13 EU Member States and 5 from Associated Countries to Horizon Europe. 

Mirela Atanasiu, Head of Unit Operations and Communications at the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, said: 

Following the first PDA wave, in which we supported 15 beneficiaries between November 2025 and February 2026, we are pleased to see continued strong interest in the programme. The second call attracted 23 applications, including from EU13 countries, reflecting a steady demand for tailored project development support as well as the broader geographic reach of the PDA programme. This confirms the importance of supporting public and private hydrogen project developers in maturing their projects and progressing towards Final Investment Decision.”

Next steps 

Following the call, up to 13 PDAs in total will be awarded to eligible Hydrogen Valleys in three programme lines:

1. Up to 5 PDA pluses for Hydrogen Valleys in EU Member States or countries associated to Horizon Europe 
2. Up to 4 PDA lights for Hydrogen Valleys in EU Member States or countries associated to Horizon Europe 
3. Up to 4 PDA lights for Hydrogen Valleys located in an EU 13 Member State

All PDA applications are currently being evaluated with the results of the evaluation expected by mid-July. 

The start of the PDA support for all selected PDA Beneficiaries is planned for September 2026 with a preliminary scoping phase from mid- to end July. 

The PDA support will be focused on commercial, technical, regulatory and valley governance aspects and will be provided by a Dedicated PDA Consulting Teams consisting of experts from the consulting firm Roland Berger and its technical subcontractor Worley.

About the Project Development Assistance (PDA) 

The PDA programme is one of the three pillars of the Hydrogen Valleys Facility by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership that aims to unlock transformative support for Hydrogen Valleys on their way to Final Investment Decision (FID), to support the European Commission's aspirational target of having 50 Valleys operational or under construction in the EU by 2030.

More information: 🔗 PDA Programme website