Hydrogen to Business (H2B) stimulates the use of hydrogen technologies among energy-intensive SMEs in the Interreg A NL-DE region. The project accelerates the adoption of green hydrogen, while also creating room for low-carbon hydrogen and carriers (e.g. methanol, biogas, LOHCs) in cases where electrification is not feasible. In doing so, H2B directly contributes to “A more innovative programme area” by strengthening research and innovation capacity and by fostering the uptake of advanced technologies.
The approach is modular: (1) 100 feasibility analyses carried out by applied sciences using a standardized hydrogen business-modelling method, complemented by the development of an online tool; (2) 30 technical validations (TRL4), with testing in demo labs or on-site; (3) 6 development projects (TRL5) demonstrating scalability, integration, and the removal of barriers in real business environments.
The target group consists of SMEs with high energy demand in sectors such as agriculture, chemicals, logistics, and construction, which are currently constrained by rising costs, grid congestion, and regulatory pressure. H2B creates demand, lowers barriers, and accelerates implementation through concrete business cases.
The consortium is made up of regional development agencies (including Oost NL, NOM, TF Münster, Energy Hub Emsland), applied sciences (Saxion, Hanze, FH Münster,Westfälische HS), ZBT as central knowledge partner and test facilities via LOIs. Cross-border cooperation is essential to connect knowledge, value chains, and markets, and to overcome policy asymmetries.
Continuity is ensured through regional investment plans, open-source tools, and scaling towards TRL6+ and follow-up funding (OWE/CCfD/Horizon). H2B aligns with national strategies, Hydrogen Valley initiatives, and Interreg projects, promotes equal opportunities in selection and implementation, and delivers tangible environmental benefits (CO₂,NOx reduction) without negative impacts on biodiversity.
