The European Commission has approved a fourth Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) to support research, innovation, and initial industrial deployment in the hydrogen value chain, in line with EU State aid rules. This project aims to significantly reduce emissions from the mobility and transport sectors, contributing to the EU’s goal of climate neutrality by 2050. Named ‘IPCEI Hy2Move,’ it was collaboratively developed by Estonia, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Slovakia, and Spain. These countries will provide up to €1.4 billion in public funding, expected to leverage an additional €3.3 billion in private investments.

Eleven companies, including SMEs and start-ups, will execute 13 innovative projects under IPCEI Hy2Move, covering various hydrogen technology aspects. These include developing hydrogen-integrated mobility applications, high-performance fuel cell technologies for ships and locomotives, advanced on-board hydrogen storage solutions for aircraft, and on-site hydrogen production for refueling stations. IPCEI Hy2Move complements previous IPCEIs: Hy2Tech, focusing on hydrogen technologies for end users; Hy2Use, targeting industrial applications; and Hy2Infra, dedicated to infrastructure investments.

The project is expected to be completed by 2031, creating around 3,600 direct jobs and many more indirectly. The European Commission evaluated the project under its 2021 IPCEI Communication guidelines, confirming that it meets the necessary conditions. It supports a strategic European value chain, involves significant technological and financial risks requiring public support, and ensures aid is proportionate and limited to avoid competition distortion. Additionally, the project promotes wide dissemination of results, benefiting the broader European scientific and industrial community. Detailed aid amounts for individual participants will be disclosed after addressing confidentiality agreements.

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