Improving policies for engaging SMEs in the green hydrogen ecosystem
Green Hydra helps develop or improve policies for facilitating the participation of SMEs in local regional and national green H2 economies. The project is implemented in the framework of the Interreg Europe programme and co-financed by the European Union.
There is an urgent need for scalable carbon abatement solutions, with the green hydrogen (H2) industry viewed as a crucial opportunity. Green H2 is expected to significantly contribute to the EU's goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2050. To meet these targets, broad industry mobilization is necessary, including engaging small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which make up 99% of businesses in Europe.
While the complex infrastructure of the green H2 ecosystem may pose challenges for SMEs, they can play a vital role in its growth if provided with the right support. Growing investments in research, development, and pilot projects are essential as regions seek to become leaders in the green H2 economy, promising to enhance economic growth, competitiveness, and job creation.
Public authorities and other stakeholders must develop supportive policies to facilitate SME participation in green H2 initiatives. The Green Hydra project aims to improve these policies in 10 EU regions, from leading to lagging areas, by establishing initiatives that promote business opportunities for SMEs across the entire hydrogen value chain, including R&D, engineering, manufacturing, and consultancy.
-Green hydrogen (H2) is crucial for the EU's goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
-Full mobilization of industry is required to meet these ambitious targets.
-Large corporations are increasingly adopting green H2, projecting a global market worth $11 trillion by 2050.
-Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which make up 99% of companies in Europe, have limited or no participation in the green H2 economy.
-Rapid development of green H2 technologies and increasing adaptation opportunities can create new avenues for SMEs to enter the market.
-There is potential for SMEs to benefit from participating in various elements of the green H2 value chain.
-Public authorities and other quadruple-helix stakeholders should enhance support policies and initiatives to promote green H2 development and facilitate SME inclusion in the green H2 ecosystem.
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