H2HEAT Activities

Date: 17-04-2024 14:00

Online Link

Seas, oceans, and inland waters are more than just scenic views and recreational spots. They hold the key to many critical aspects of our world, from ecosystems to climate dynamics, and from food provision to energy efficiency. Recognising the importance of these natural resources, the European Parliament is taking a proactive stance by organising workshops to promote knowledge and innovation in the water, marine, and maritime sectors.

The workshops, hosted by the Science and Technology Options Assessment (STOA), are scheduled to take place in the SPAAK 7C50 room and will be streamed online. However, registration is required for those planning to attend in person.

Addressing Key Challenges

One of the primary focuses of the workshops is to tackle significant challenges in the water sector. These include water scarcity, quality, and the need for sustainable fishing, as well as water and wastewater treatment. Discussions will also touch on the management of marine and freshwater ecosystems, the use of critical raw materials, and the advancement of a circular economy.

It’s evident that collaboration across various sectors is essential to address these challenges effectively. This calls for an innovative public-private approach and cross-sector cooperation.

The Water KIC: Enhancing Knowledge and Collaboration

The European Parliament is considering the establishment of a Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC) on water, marine, and maritime topics under the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). This Water KIC would serve as a platform for enhancing cross-border, multi-disciplinary collaboration and fully leveraging the potential of the knowledge triangle in these sectors.

A holistic approach to establishing the Water KIC could address significant economic, environmental, and societal challenges. Waters and ocean-related fields offer a strong knowledge base with high market potential, making this a pivotal initiative for the European Union.

Workshop Programme

The workshop offers a robust program packed with insightful presentations and discussions:

• Welcome Address: Christian Ehler, MEP and STOA Chair, kicks off the event at 14:00.
• Strategic Innovation Agenda for 2021-2027: Pernille Weiss, MEP and STOA Panel member, shares insights on the EIT’s strategic plans.
• Study Presentation: Researchers from Norwegian University of Science and Technology and Aix Marseille University present their preliminary findings.
• Panel Discussions: The workshops include two panel discussions—one on building innovation ecosystems and another on attracting private investment for education and innovation.

The event concludes with closing remarks from Pernille Weiss, MEP and STOA Panel member.

The Impact on Future Policy and Initiatives

The workshops aim to provide policymakers with essential insights for establishing the Water KIC and aligning its goals with EU climate objectives. By reinforcing networks of active stakeholders, the initiative seeks to contribute to ongoing Commission work and shape the future of water and marine innovation.

The event is held in English only, and the live stream link will be shared on the event page. Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of this forward-thinking effort to drive innovation and sustainability in the water sector.

Workshop Agenda and Time

14:00 – 14:10
Welcome by Christian Ehler, MEP and STOA Chair

14:10 – 14:20
The Water KIC in the EIT Strategic Innovation Agenda for 2021-2027
Presented by Pernille Weiss, MEP and STOA Panel member

14:20 – 14:50
Presentation of the study

• Siri Granum Carson, Norwegian University of Science and Technology
• Richard Sempere, Aix Marseille University (video message)
• Sveinung Sægrov, Norwegian University of Science and Technology

14:50 – 15:00
Introduction by the moderator of Panel 1
Siri Granum Carson, Norwegian University of Science and Technology

15:00 – 15:45
Panel 1: Building Innovation Ecosystems

• Manuel Irun Molina, Head of the Grant Implementation Unit, EIT
• Luca Perego, Head of Unit ‘Innovation and EIT’, European Commission, DG EAC (Education and Culture)
• Richard Zalztman, EIT Food CEO
• Q&A session

15:45 – 15:55
Break

15:55 – 16:05
Introduction by the moderator of Panel 2
Sveinung Sægrov, Norwegian University of Science and Technology

16:05 – 16:50
Panel 2: Attracting Private Investment for Education and Innovation

• Durk Krol, Water Europe
• Kestutis Sadauskas, Mission Ocean
• Margherita Cappelletto, Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership
• Joaquim Poças Martins, University of Porto
• Q&A session

16:50 – 17:00
Closing remarks
Presented by Pernille Weiss, MEP and STOA Panel member

The event is web-streamed, and the link will be available on the event page.

Find out more

Ana Marcos de los Rios, the Project Manager of H2Heat, recently took part in an engaging session hosted by FEDEPORT in collaboration with CMC. The event was centered around hydrogen transportation activities, specifically targeting bunkering companies at the Port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

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During the session, Ana had the opportunity to connect with various companies involved in the bunkering industry. The gathering served as a platform to discuss advancements in hydrogen transport and how these companies can contribute to a more sustainable future

These collaborative efforts are important for driving forward the hydrogen industry in the region and beyond.

The H2Heat Feasibility Study Técnicas Reunidas Meeting held on Thursday, December 14th in Madrid, marked an important moment in the ongoing H2Heat Project. The day started with the morning arrival at Tecnicas Reunidas, setting the stage for an agenda-packed session. The focus was on the H2Heat Technical Feasibility, where participants shared information regarding the Feasibility Study and discussions as the “Proyecto Básico de Ejecución” (Basic Execution Project) unfolded.

Interview with partners

The meeting continued its momentum into the afternoon, shifting gears to H2Heat Project Progress and Responsibilities. Partners shared organisational progress and explored handover options, with a unique touch added after – interviews with the partners, providing a deeper understanding of their roles.

The event not only furthered collaborative efforts but also provided Partners with valuable insights into the progress and responsibilities surrounding the H2Heat Project and its future.

The interviews put a familiar face on the Partner organisations that will facilitate their deliverables in order for H2Heat to fulfill its potential and ultimately provide a full supply-chain value of renewable energy.

NEXUS, a groundbreaking event, shines a spotlight on the vast potential of Research, Development, and Innovation (R+D+i) in Navarra and throughout Europe. This initiative is thoughtfully organised by ADItech and is proudly financed by the General Directorate of External Action of the Government of Navarra.

The NEXUS Where Navarra meets Europe conference hosted at the Navarra Conference Center and Auditorium in Pamplona/Iruña, agents from the Navarra R&D&i System (SINAI) and other entities of the Foral Community interested in opting for sustainability as the main key to economic transformation.

In this second edition, the second vice president and counselor of Memory and Coexistence, Foreign Action and Basque, Ana Ollo, highlighted in her opening the “high preparation of Navarra to host and develop large European R&D&I projects. ” Likewise, Vice President Ollo wanted to point out that the Foral Community “is one of the four Spanish regions that has been classified as ‘Strong Innovator’ in the 2023 Regional Innovation Classification”, a European index built by the European Commission. with 21 indicators for 240 regions.

After the intervention of the general director of ADItech, Diego Garrido, who wanted to highlight that “Nexus is the ADItech event, which materialises the work that the SINAI coordinator carries out to unite and connect Navarra with Europe”; The opening included the intervention (online) of Magdalena Cymerys, belonging to the General Directorate of Research and Innovation of the European Commission, who carried out an analysis of the state of implementation of the New European Innovation Agenda. One of the objectives of this Agenda is to contribute to the creation of “regional innovation valleys”, which will strengthen and better connect innovation agents in Europe, and for which Navarra has recently presented a proposal in order to create a Valley Regional Innovation in Circular Economy, in collaboration with other European regions.

The NEXUS event, financed by the General Directorate of Foreign Action and organized by ADItech, coordinator of the Navarrese R&D&i System (SINAI), consisted of six sessions corresponding to the themes set by the regional economic transformation agenda S4 : green energy industry; personalized medicine; healthy and sustainable eating; electric and connected mobility; ecological transition and digital transition. Each of these sessions has begun with the presentation of a leading project in Europe, some of them classified as emblematic.

The Six Projects

The six proposed projects Specifically, in terms of large European R&D&I projects, six reference projects have been proposed in this edition of NEXUS.

In the session on green energy industry, the H2HEAT project was presented, which aims to demonstrate the complete value chain of green heating with hydrogen (H2) to heat commercial buildings.

Regarding personalised medicine, the CGI-Clinic’s project has been presented, which deals with the improvement of precision medicine in oncology, optimising the interpretation of genomic data.

In healthy and sustainable eating, the FEAST project has been presented, which aims to generate healthier and more sustainable eating behaviours at all levels and throughout the value chain of the food system.

In electric and connected mobility, the SHOW project was presented, which aims to support the deployment of shared, connected and electrified automation in urban transport, to advance sustainable urban mobility. In this case it has been explained that, during the project, real urban demonstrations will be carried out in 20 cities throughout Europe.

In the session corresponding to ecological transition, the REDOL project was presented, which aims to transform cities into centers of circularity by implementing zero waste strategies. And finally, at the digital transition table, Dihamics was presented, a digital innovation center (Hub) in Aquitaine that offers companies, in particular SMEs, a range of services designed to promote access to technologies. based on artificial intelligence, to accelerate and guide digital and sustainable transitions in the industry. Horizon Networks It should be remembered that NEXUS is included in the Horizonte Redes initiative coordinated by ADItech and financed by the General Directorate of Foreign Action of the Government of Navarra since its inception in 2020. This initiative was created with the objective of disseminating SINAI agents and companies, the importance of preparing for the multiannual European research framework program Horizon Europe (2021-2027), as well as encouraging their continued and proactive participation throughout the program. The value of this initiative lies in the consolidation of a work methodology that connects the regional interests of SINAI agents and companies with the Navarrese antennas in Brussels.

The H2Heat Project recently embarked on an exciting journey in the vibrant city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, where innovation converges with renewable energy. This groundbreaking project focuses on harnessing renewable energy sources to produce carriers for heating.

Day 1 – Building the Foundation

The first day (27th September, 2023) began at the Explanada Vapores Insulares, where participants gathered. The day commenced with a warm welcome, followed by presentations from key figures who outlined the project’s objectives. The Press Conference was successful and the news has been published in three of the four newspapers in the Canary Islands in the two with the largest circulation.

The European Commission has recognised the particular difficulties faced by islands with isolated energy systems to achieve climate neutrality while ensuring their sustainability as tourist destinations. The Canary Islands have no gas network and so H2 will be an essential RE carrier for decarbonisation. H2HEAT is an ambitious yet realistic project which will deliver deep decarbonization of buildings using locally produced green H2. To realize this vision, H2HEAT will bring together investors, industry, and government to ramp up and coordinate their efforts. 

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They also answered inquiries from the press to ensure everyone had a clear understanding of the project’s goals.

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At the Press Event :

• Joaquin Brito: CEO of PLOCAN
• Javier Franco Hormiga, Director of the Canarian Agency for Research, Innovation and Information Society (ACIISI).
• Raúl Falcón Gracia, Deputy Director of Sustainability Management and Ecological Transition of the Canary Islands Health Service of Health (Servicio Canario de la Salud)
• Dr. Gordon Dalton, Lead Project coordinator

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As the day unfolded, the kick-off meeting agenda delved into various facets of the project. Presentations encompassed planning, acquisition, construction, commissioning, and communication strategies. The presentations were presented by all of the consortium work package leaders. These sessions offered a comprehensive overview of the project’s scope and potential impact. A memorable group photo captured the spirit of collaboration among participants.

The work packages presented:

Work Package 1

Leader – PLOCAN: Planning and preparation phase

Covers overall detailed project plan preparation including budget and detailed Gantt, all required consenting and permitting, EIA, resource and demand forecasting, site survey, techno-economic analysis, H&S strategy and plan. Ongoing environmental impact studies will be completed during the test period.

Work Package 2

Leader – PLOCAN: Definition and acquisition phase

Includes all detailed designs with functional and technical specifications for technologies requiring innovation in the overarching control system procurement. This WP also covers the procurement of the project equipment including components and preparation of the H2 production/storage site.

Work Package 3

Leader – Stargate Hydrogen: Build and installation phase

All technologies and equipment that require innovation and construction will be delivered in this WP. This includes software development relating to the Control System. The RE power cabling will be connected. The Test Team will deliver the Test strategy and plans with comprehensive KPIs, covering FAT, SAT and full demo trials. FAT must be passed at each technology partner facility prior to transport to the H2HEAT location. The H2 facility including electrolyser and storage will be prepared and kitted out. All equipment will be delivered to the PLOCAN H2 site facility or hospital consumer as appropriate and installed.

Work Package 4

Leader – 2G: Commission, Demonstration and Test Phase

This WP will cover the full commissioning, demo and testing of complete supply chain from RE conversion, to hydrogen production and onto generation of heating at the hospital. The demo will include extensive monitoring and optimisation cycles. 

Work Package 5

Leader – EMEC Exploitation and commercialisation

This WP runs in parallel with the above phases working closely with WP7 D&C. It will establish an Exploitation Working Group and deliver the full Exploitation Plan.

Work Package 6

Leader – PLOCAN Project coordination and management

This WP will coordinate all the different activities and manage risks. It will establish the Advisory Board and maximise the effectiveness of these valuable experts. The WP also covers the IP and knowledge management strategy and project contracting.

Work Package 7

Leader – ICORSA Dissemination and Communication and QH engagement

This WP will also run in parallel throughout the project. It will also be responsible for full initial and ongoing socio-economic analysis.

*See the full list of consortium partners here -> PARTNERS

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Day 2 – Immersive Site Visits

The second day (28th of September) of the H2Heat Project event served as an immersive exploration of the project’s practical aspects. Participants embarked on a visit to the H2 production site at the Jinamar Hospital, a pivotal hub for hydrogen production and storage. Experts guided them through the intricacies of hydrogen production, compression, storage, and transport, providing valuable insights into renewable energy solutions. The electrolyser will be installed by partner Stargate Hydrogen in the dedicated PLOCAN on-shore site in Las, Palmas, Gran Canaria. Stargate is a pioneer in next generation green H2 production and zero emission solutions. A key innovation that will be demonstrated are the nanoceramics active materials in Stargate’s electrolyser which contain no precious metals, resulting in significantly lower H2 production costs while maintaining excellent efficiency. RE from the Esteyco OSW turbines will be connected to the H2 facility, together with a grid supply, feeding into a specifically designed control and energy management system (EMS). H2HEAT will firstly understand the hospitals requirements as the heat (including for heating water) as H2HEAT will be supplying a substantial part of the hospital’s overall requirement. 

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In the afternoon, the group journeyed to the CHUIMI Hospital, where they had the opportunity to explore the combined heat and power systems and cutting-edge hydrogen storage facilities. The day’s activities fostered a deeper understanding of renewable energy applications. The H2HEAT project will serve as the replicable model to be rolled out across the SCS hospitals contributing to the SCS ambitious ‘Health Zer0 net Emissions Strategy 2030’ delivering deep decarbonization in the Health sector. 40% of total energy consumed and 36% of greenhouse gas emissions in the EU correspond to buildings, with 79% of that energy used for heating of water and air conditioning.

Partner SCS is in charge of analysing the integration of the H2 vector in its hospitals’ heating and energy systems on the Canary Islands. The control system and EMS will deliver dynamic results which means that the entire system from RE supply to the electrolyser, storage, including the CHP, can compensate for surplus and low amounts of power from renewable power generation by balancing power locally or, on the higher level, with balancing energy in the sub-station .The SCS is part of the Alliance for Transformative Action on Climate Change and Health (ATACH) of the WHO.

2G will also integrate a heat pump as part of the innovative combined heating system, which will use the energy produced by the H2-CHP. The heat pump will have a high Coefficient of Performance (COP) and combined with the H2-CHP heat output, will meet most of CHUIMI heat requirements.

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Day 3 – Offshore Exploration

The third day brought an air of excitement as participants prepared for an offshore adventure. The destination was the PLOCAN offshore platform, a focal point for offshore energy innovations. Contingencies were in place, including a visit to Las Palmas port and the EnerOcean device, should adverse weather conditions hinder the offshore journey.

At PLOCAN, participants received warm greetings from the project’s leadership team and embarked on a tour of the facility. Safety was paramount, with participants provided safety gear, ensuring their well-being during the visit.

The highlight of the day was a boat trip around the PLOCAN Platform and the Elisa wind turbine, providing a close-up view of renewable energy installations. Back on solid ground, they explored electrical systems, gaining insights into export cables and smart grid technology.

The Partners also received an informative presentation on H2Heat plans and equipment, gaining a glimpse into the future of sustainable energy.

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The H2Heat Project’s kick-off event proved to be a captivating journey into the realm of renewable energy. With its commitment to harnessing renewable sources for heating, this project promises a greener future. Stay tuned for more updates on this remarkable initiative that aims to revolutionize how we heat our homes while preserving the planet.

PLOCAN leads the H2Heat project for the production and utilization of hydrogen for heating from marine renewable energy sources.

The Canary Islands Ocean Platform (PLOCAN) is at the forefront of a consortium comprising eleven institutions and companies from Spain, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Estonia, and Ukraine. This collaboration is aimed at developing a project known as H2Heat, focused on harnessing renewable marine resources to produce hydrogen for heating and electricity generation. The primary application will be at the Insular Maternal and Child Hospital Complex in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

The Panelists

Present at a press conference today were Javier Franco Hormiga, Director of the Canary Islands Agency for Research, Innovation, and Information Society (ACIISI); José Joaquín Hernández Brito, Director of PLOCAN; Raúl Falcón, Deputy Director of Sustainability Management and Ecological Transition at the Canary Islands Health Service (SCS); and Gordon Dalton, Coordinator of the European project “Innovative Production of Renewable Energy Vectors for Heating from Renewable Energies (H2Heat).” The project aims to utilize offshore wind energy to generate manageable green hydrogen for heat production, thereby reducing fossil fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The consortium participants have commenced a three-day work session for the project’s launch. With a budget of 13 million euros, of which 10 million is contributed by the European Union, and a duration of 5 years, the overarching goal is to demonstrate the complete value chain of green hydrogen (H2) heating for commercial buildings. These buildings are responsible for 40% of total energy consumption and 36% of greenhouse gas emissions in the EU, with 79% attributed to water heating and air conditioning.

“We will harness offshore wind energy from the ELICAN project to produce renewable, sustainable, and locally sourced hydrogen energy, from the oceans to hospitals,” emphasized Director of the ACIISI. He stressed the importance of renovating buildings to reduce energy consumption and emissions, as buildings surpass land transport in this regard.

The Director of PLOCAN expressed satisfaction with the substantial involvement of Canarian partners in the project and underscored the importance of testing various technologies related to the blue economy, ocean observation, biodiversity, and the digital transition in the Canary Islands, which will enhance competitiveness.

He also announced the plan to commence hydrogen production, ranging between 100 and 200 kilograms, by the end of 2025. He extended gratitude to the Canarian Health Service for their collaboration, as it plays a central role in the healthcare system’s green transition.

The Deputy Director of Sustainability Management and Ecological Transition of the SCS reaffirmed the Ministry of Health’s commitment to reducing polluting emissions into the atmosphere. “With the SCS’s participation in this project, we intend to position the public hospitals of the Canary Islands at the forefront of sustainability, as health systems are an integral part of society,” he stated.

In this context, Falcón highlighted that the Ministry of Health’s collaboration in this initiative aligns with the “Zero Net Emissions Health Strategy 2030,” which seeks to decarbonize the SCS through reducing the carbon footprint in the activities of healthcare services in the archipelago.

The H2Heat project, titled “Innovative Production of Renewable Energy Carriers for Heating from Renewable Energies,” introduces key innovations, including the production of highly combustible hydrogen using an innovative 1 MW electrolyser powered by marine renewable energy. It combines advanced combustion technology burners (cogeneration) designed for hydrogen operation with heat pumps, along with an infrastructure for transporting hydrogen from the production facility to the end user.

Renewable energy will be supplied by the Esteyco offshore wind turbine, the electrolyzer will be located at the EMALSA facilities in Jinámar, and the cogeneration burner and heat pump will be situated at the Complejo Hospitalario Insular Materno Infantil de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (CHUIMI).

In collaboration with the Canarian Health Service (SCS), H2HEAT aims to demonstrate the complete utilization of green H2 for heating and, subsequently, energy. This will serve as a replicable model for all SCS hospitals, enabling the SCS to fulfill its “Zero Net Emissions 2030 Health Strategy” and achieve substantial decarbonization. The project introduces the concept of a “Hydrogen Valley” on the island of Gran Canaria, with plans for expansion throughout the archipelago.

The comprehensive and complementary combination of experience and knowledge brought by the consortium partners will ensure efficient achievement of the project’s technical objectives, reduce the cost of H2 fuel for consumers, and develop replicable business models for large-scale commercial use of H2 as an alternative to direct heating in Gran Canaria.

The partners of the H2Heat project include: PLOCAN; Esteyco Spain, specializing in fixed and floating wind turbines; Neodyne Ireland, responsible for electrical engineering and EMS control; Stargate Estonia, handling the electrolyser, compressor, and storage; 2G Spain, responsible for H2 cogeneration; ICoRSA Ireland, in charge of dissemination, communication, and public engagement; CMS Spain, engaged in public engagement in Gran Canaria; EMEC United Kingdom (Orkney Islands), contributing expertise in H2 distribution networks, business models, and techno-economics; SCS/CHUIMI Spain, representing the Canarian Health Service; Canarian Agency for Research, Innovation, and Information Society of the Government of the Canary Islands (ACIISI); and SPLP Ukraine, offering expertise in electrolyzer research.