by InTrieste
In a significant stride towards bolstering the hydrogen sector, the Italian region of Friuli Venezia Giulia has signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Cooperation with the Clean Hydrogen Joint Undertaking. This memorandum was signed during the “Hydrogen Valleys Days” event, which took place in Brussels from June 17 to 18, organized by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership and the European Commission.
The agreement is the culmination of a joint application by the two Managing Authorities of the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) 2021-2027 and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 2021-2027. Their proposal was selected in response to a call for expressions of interest published in June 2023 by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, aimed at identifying ten Managing Authorities across Europe for technical assistance support. The initiative seeks to enhance collaboration in pivotal research areas and the utilization of hydrogen technology, thus advancing project development, implementation, and financing.
Regional Councillor for Research Alessia Rosolen and Regional Councillor for Finance Barbara Zilli hailed the agreement as a pivotal moment for the region. “This memorandum structures a collaboration that initiates a progressive exchange of information between the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region and the Clean Hydrogen Partnership,” stated Rosolen and Zilli. They emphasized the focus on hydrogen technologies, market trends, policy approaches, and regulatory frameworks, along with the implementation of projects throughout the hydrogen value chain, including the North Adriatic Hydrogen Valley.
The memorandum aims to foster the creation of synergistic activities in priority areas such as strengthening administrative capacity, knowledge management, and financing instruments. These efforts collectively impact research, innovation, and the practical application of hydrogen technology.
“Through this agreement, we will enhance stakeholder engagement activities, share research results, and explore funding synergies,” Rosolen and Zilli noted. They stressed the importance of aligning these efforts with relevant legal frameworks to ensure the successful materialization of collaborative projects.
As Europe continues to navigate the energy transition, this memorandum signifies a vital step in regional and international cooperation, underscoring the strategic importance of hydrogen in achieving sustainable energy goals. The Friuli Venezia Giulia Region’s proactive engagement with the Clean Hydrogen Partnership sets a precedent for other regions to follow, highlighting the role of collaborative efforts in driving innovation and sustainable development in the hydrogen sector.
