The upcoming «HE Access to Finance» event on April 16th will unlock cascade funding and strategic support for more than 30 SMEs within the North Adriatic ecosystem.

The implementation of the hydrogen economy in Southern Europe has reached a new operational milestone. The Hydrogen Ecosystem North Adriatic has announced the «HE Access to Finance» event, a strategic gathering scheduled for April 16, 2026, at the Zagreb Innovation Centre (ZICER).

This meeting marks a turning point in the governance of Hydrogen Valleys by bringing together, for the first time in a public and synergistic way, three fundamental initiatives for the region: NAHV, NACHIP, and NASCHA.

A Three-Tiered Financial Architecture

The event is designed not just as a discussion forum, but as a launchpad for concrete financial instruments:

• NACHIP (North Adriatic Clean Hydrogen Investment Platform): Will host its consortium meeting and officially launch its Capacity Building program, designed to prepare companies for managing complex energy investments.

• NASCHA (North Adriatic Smart Communities Hydrogen Accelerator): Will present its cascade funding opportunities, highlighting the upcoming Open Call offering direct grants of up to €60,000 per project.

• NAHV (North Adriatic Hydrogen Valley): As the cornerstone initiative, it provides the overarching structural framework connecting cross-border partners across Croatia, Slovenia, and the Friuli Venezia Giulia region (Italy).

Focus on SMEs: 2026-2027

A core pillar of this event is the commitment to the local business fabric. Through NACHIP and NASCHA, more than 30 SMEs are expected to receive direct funding during the 2026-2027 period. This support aims to lower the barriers to entry for startups and innovators into the green hydrogen value chains, a sector often perceived as capital-intensive.

Who Should Attend?

The call is open to a wide range of actors within the energy ecosystem:

• SMEs and Startups: From the North Adriatic region interested in cascade funding.

• Research Institutes and Universities: Entities at the forefront of decarbonization innovation.

• Regional Stakeholders: Any organization looking to join the most ambitious hydrogen ecosystem in the region.

Event Details:

• Date: 16 April 2026.

• Location: ZICER (Zagreb Innovation Centre), Pavilion 12, Zagreb.

• Objective: Connecting projects with EU financing instruments and facilitating integration into the hydrogen value chain.

• Register!

The transition to a decarbonized economy requires more than just ambition; it demands precision. As Hydrogen Valleys emerge as the backbone of Europe’s energy strategy, the ability to simulate and predict their economic viability is paramount.

A Modular Framework for the Hydrogen Value Chain

During the European Hydrogen Energy Conference (EHEC 2026), Alberto Herranz, from the Aragon Hydrogen Foundation, will introduce the Hydrogen Territories Platform Simulation Tool (HTP Tool).

This innovative tool is a modular simulation framework designed specifically for the techno-economic analysis of hydrogen ecosystems. Unlike static models, the HTP Tool integrates:

• Full Value Chain Coverage: From renewable production to final storage and distribution.

• European Project Synergy: It leverages the collective knowledge generated by various EU-funded initiatives.

• Scalable Architecture: Designed to adapt to different territorial scales and industrial demands.

When and Where to Attend at EHEC 2026

For stakeholders, investors, and engineers looking to de-risk hydrogen investments, this session is a critical milestone.

• Presenter: Alberto Herranz (Consultancy and Training Technician).

• Session: Market and Techno-economics Analysis.

• Location: Room G.

• Schedule: Friday, March 13th, 12:30 – 12:50.

• The HTP Tool transforms complex data into strategic roadmaps, ensuring that Hydrogen Valleys are not only sustainable but also economically profitable.

In the lakeside setting of Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, the discourse around the European energy transition shifted from theory to infrastructure. During the 4th Carinthian Hydrogen Summit, Aleksander Gerbec, CEO of ECUBES, presented a masterclass on cross-border synergy: the North Adriatic Hydrogen Valley (NAHV) 2.0.

The NAHV as a Catalyst for Energy-Independent Business

Under the evocative title «Hydrogen Valley as a Catalyst for Energy-Independent Business Locations,» Gerbec’s keynote addressed a room of international decision-makers. He articulated the NAHV not merely as a project, but as a pioneering ecosystem—a seamless value chain integrating renewable production, strategic storage, and high-impact applications in heavy industry and mobility.

Transnational Cooperation: Carinthia and the North Adriatic Sea

The summit’s political weight was solidified by the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between Gerbec and Provincial Councillor Sebastian Schuschnig. This alliance between the Carinthian Regional Government and the North Adriatic region represents a significant step toward European clean energy competitiveness. As highlighted by experts like Judith Neyer and Wolfgang Anzengruber, the resilience of regional economies now depends on the maturity of these hydrogen corridors.

Discover more!

As Europe accelerates its path toward carbon neutrality, the BalticSeaH2 Valley project has launched a specialized podcast series, providing an in-depth look at the development of the continent’s first major cross-border hydrogen valley.

The initiative, which involves over 40 partners across the Baltic Sea region, aims to create an integrated hydrogen economy. This new audio platform serves as a digital chronicle, capturing the voices of engineers, policy experts, and industrial leaders who are navigating the complexities of the green transition.

A Blueprint for Regional Cooperation The episodes explore the multifaceted nature of the project—from the technical challenges of hydrogen storage and transport to the socio-economic impact on local communities. By sharing these insights, BalticSeaH2 is not only documenting its own progress but also providing a scalable roadmap for other emerging «Hydrogen Valleys» across Europe, including the strategic corridors supported by the Hydrogen Territories Platform.

Why it Matters For stakeholders in the Aragon region and beyond, the BalticSeaH2 experience offers vital lessons in cross-border regulatory alignment and infrastructure interoperability. As the hydrogen market matures, these narratives become essential tools for transparency and knowledge transfer.

The podcast is now available on the official project website and major streaming platforms.

Read more and listen: https://balticseah2valley.eu/podcast/

The Bilbao Exhibition Centre (BEC) will host the third edition of the Basque Hydrogen Research Day on January 23, 2026. This strategic encounter connects industrial R&D leaders with major research consortia to accelerate the European energy transition.

The Basque hydrogen ecosystem is gearing up for a pivotal technical session focused on bridging the gap between scientific discovery and industrial application. The event, supported by the Basque Government, will feature high-level insights from the Clean Hydrogen Partnership (CHP) and Enagás Renovable.

Strategic European Support and Real-World Deployment

The keynote address by Antonio Aguilo (CHP) will outline the current framework of European support for hydrogen R&D. Following this, the Green Hysland project—a pioneer in Mallorca—will be presented by Enagás Renovable as a successful model for deploying integrated hydrogen ecosystems in Europe.

A key highlight for regional strategy will be the unveiling of the Euskadi 2030 Renewable Fuels Technological Roadmap, presented by the EIC Foundation, setting the path for the next decade of decarbonization.

Elkartek Workshops: Solving Technological Bottlenecks

The core of the technical transfer will take place in three parallel workshops focused on the results of the Elkartek collaborative research program:

• IRAUNKOR (Electrolysis): Led by TEKNIKER, analyzing stack degradation to improve durability.

• SINTETIK (Synthetic Fuels): Led by TECNALIA, focused on the production of renewable syngas, methane, methanol, and ammonia.

• H2MAT+ (Materials): Led by Mondragon Unibertsitatea (MU), investigating the behavior of metallic structures under hydrogen service conditions.

Register now!

Following the initial interest in the North Adriatic Clean Hydrogen Investment Platform (NACHIP), we are pleased to announce the Second Open Day for the NACHIP Open Call, scheduled for 15 January 2026 at 14:30 (CET) via Zoom.

This session is specifically designed to support SMEs developing innovative hydrogen solutions under the I3 Instrument framework. NACHIP provides cascade funding to accelerate the testing, validation, and integration of technologies within real operational environments, focusing on key value chains such as mobility, storage, advanced materials, and urban energy systems.

Why attend the Second Open Day? Based on the inquiries received since the launch of the call, this second edition aims to provide:

• Detailed clarification: Further insights into eligibility requirements and funded activities.

• Process guidance: A step-by-step look at the application process to ensure submission quality.

• Expert Q&A: Answers to previously submitted questions and live collection of new inquiries during the session.

Event Details:

• Date: 15 January 2026

• Time: 14:30 CET

• Format: Online (Zoom)

• Registration: Register here

Potential applicants can submit questions in advance to nachip@meta-group.com. All technical answers will be published in writing on the official website following the meeting.

FAQ: NACHIP Open Call & Second Open Day

1. Who can apply for the NACHIP Open Call? The call is specifically designed for SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) that are developing innovative solutions within the hydrogen value chain, particularly those integrated or linked to the North Adriatic ecosystem.

2. What type of projects are eligible for cascade funding? NACHIP supports projects focused on the testing, validation, and integration of hydrogen technologies in real operational environments. This includes mobility, storage, advanced materials, and digital energy optimization.

3. Is the Second Open Day mandatory for applicants? No, but it is highly recommended. This session provides additional clarification on eligibility requirements and funded activities based on the questions received since the launch.

4. How do I register for the online session on January 15? You can register directly through the official NACHIP platform at https://www.nachip.eu/open-calls/open-day/. The event will be held via Zoom at 14:30 CET.

5. Can I submit questions if I cannot attend the live meeting? Yes. You can send your technical inquiries in advance to nachip@meta-group.com. All answers will be published in writing on the website after the session.