In a statement sent today Lusa agency, the University of Évora (UÉ), which coordinates the so-called H2tALENT, indicated that the project aims to create “an innovation ecosystem centered on green hydrogen in the Alentejo”.

“This is the first green hydrogen offer in Portugal with funding and recognition from the European Union and the Global Network of Green Hydrogen Vouchers”.

According to the Alentejo Academy, H2tALENT is led by Campus Sul, the consortium formed by the universities of Évora, Nova de Lisboa, and Algarve, in partnership with the oil company Galp and the HYLAB Collaborative Laboratory.

But the initiative, he stressed, mobilised a consortium made up of 28 partners, including companies, higher education institutions, interface entities, local authorities, and regional development agencies from Portugal and five other countries.

“H2tALENT, financed by the European Commission's Horizon program, is one of four green hydrogen vouchers approved by the European Commission in 2023”, highlighted the UÉ, noting that the project has a global budget of 13.5 million euros.

Of this amount, noted the Alentejo Academy, nine million are guaranteed by the European Commission, with the aim of “supporting the implementation of this pioneering project, which will last five years”.

“This project aims to create, implement and test sustainable and innovative solutions for the production and use of green hydrogen in the Alentejo”.

According to the University of Évora, the project's goals for the next five years include the installation of 11 megawatts (MW) in electrolysers, the annual production of more than 500 tons of green hydrogen, and the reduction of emissions of carbon dioxide at around 6,000 tons per year.

Furthermore, he stressed, H2tALENT intends to “retain and develop talents” linked to green hydrogen in Alentejo to “boost the region’s economy and contribute to the national and European energy transition”.

UÉ highlighted that the approval of H2tALENT by the European Commission “recognizes the merit of the consortium led by Campus Sul, Galp and HYLAB” and also “the endogenous capacity of Alentejo as one of the best locations in Europe for investments in green hydrogen”.