The EASTGATEH2V project will deploy a fully integrated hydrogen ecosystem in the Košice region (Slovakia), covering renewable hydrogen production, distribution, and end-use across the mobility and industrial sectors.
EASTGATEH2V will install 4 MW of electrolysis capacity, powered by renewable energy and certified through CertifHy, to serve multiple hydrogen applications including buses, a refuse truck, a tourist boat, VTOL aircraft, and industrial processes. Hydrogen demand is expected to scale from 170 tonnes/year in 2027 to over 132,000 tonnes/year post-2030.
Objectives
1. Establish an integrated hydrogen ecosystem in Košice, demonstrating full value chain deployment and sector coupling.
2. Promote Hydrogen Valleys in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), contributing to EU energy independence and climate targets.
3. Enable regional decarbonization by developing renewable hydrogen infrastructure and demand in the Košice region.
4. Deploy 4 MW of electrolysis capacity powered by renewable energy sources and certified as green hydrogen.
5. Integrate five hydrogen end-use applications in mobility and industry to create anchored demand and demonstrate scalability.
6. Prepare for hydrogen pipeline infrastructure, including the repurposing of high-pressure gas pipelines from Ukraine to CEE.
7. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with estimated savings of over 9,400 tCO₂eq (2027–2030) and up to 1.2 million tCO₂eq/year after 2030.
8. Support policy and regulatory development to address existing barriers and align with the EU Clean Energy Package.
9. Foster job creation and regional economic growth, with at least 700 new jobs during the project and over 15,000 expected post-2030.
10. Raise public awareness and social acceptance through high-visibility applications, training programs, and stakeholder engagement.
11. Ensure replicability across EU regions, with a focus on delivering a scalable hydrogen valley model for at least five CEE regions.
