Driving hydrogen innovation in Europe: Clean Hydrogen Partnership opens 2026 call with €105 million

The Clean Hydrogen Partnership has launched its 2026 Call for Proposals, making €105 million available under the Horizon Europe programme to accelerate the deployment of clean hydrogen technologies across Europe and strengthen European industrial leadership.

The funding comes as the Clean Hydrogen Partnership enters its technology upscaling phase, supporting projects that can bring innovations closer to market - from renewable hydrogen production and advanced storage solutions to fuel cell deployment in heavy-duty transport and the maritime sector.

A total of €25 million is earmarked for Hydrogen Valleys, supporting regional ecosystems that connect hydrogen production, distribution and end uses.
The call aims to strengthen Europe’s position in clean hydrogen by backing real-world demonstration projects that help reduce costs, increase reliability and lower investment risk - key enabling factors for wider deployment.

“This call underlines our commitment to a competitive clean hydrogen value chain in Europe. It targets wider applications, better fuel cell performance and improved electrolysis efficiency — while addressing costs, durability, safety and infrastructure. Hydrogen Valleys remain central to building integrated ecosystems,” said Valérie Bouillon-Delporte, Executive Director of the Clean Hydrogen Partnership.

The call is addressing key priorities from the Clean Hydrogen Partnership Strategic Research Agenda with funding allocated as follows:

• 16M€ funding - Renewable Hydrogen Production
• 17.5M€ funding - Hydrogen Storage and Distribution
• 25M€ funding – Transport
• 16M€ funding - Heat and Power
• 5.5M€ funding - Cross-cutting
• 25M€ funding - Hydrogen Valleys

All applications must be submitted via the EU’s Funding and Tenders portal before the deadline of 15 April 2026, 17:00 (CEST). The Clean Hydrogen Partnership will host an information day in Brussels on 21 January. For more information, visit the dedicated call pages on the Clean Hydrogen Partnership website.