Hydrogen is a chemical element with the symbol H and atomic number 1. It is thelightest and most abundant element in the universe and a basic building block of matter.On Earth, hydrogen is most commonly found in compounds suchas water (H₂O). As anenergy carrier, hydrogen can store and deliver energy without producing harmfulemissions at the point of use.

Renewable hydrogen is hydrogen produced using electricity from renewable energysources such as solar, wind or hydropower. It is typically produced through electrolysis,where water is split into hydrogen and oxygen. When powered by renewable electricity,the entire process is climate-neutral, as no CO₂is emitted.

No. Hydrogen complements electrification. While batteries are ideal for short-distance and light applications, hydrogen is better suited for heavy transport, industry, long-distance mobility and energy storage.

Today, renewable hydrogen is still more expensive than fossil fuels. However, prices are rapidly decreasing thanks to technological progress, larger production volumes and EU support schemes. Projects like EASTGATEH2V help accelerate this cost reduction.

Hydrogen Valleys are regional ecosystems that link hydrogen production, transport, storage and multiple end uses such as mobility, industry and energy. They demonstrate how hydrogen can function as a clean energy carrier within an integrated local system. A Hydrogen Valley typically serves more than one sector within a defined geographical area.

EASTGATEH2V is Slovakia’s first fully integrated Hydrogen Valley, located in the Košice region. It connects renewable hydrogen production with real-life applications in public transport, municipal services, tourism, aviation and industry.

EASTGATEH2V combines large-scale production, multiple real-life applications, cross-border infrastructure and strong community involvement within one regional system.

Renewable hydrogen plays a key role in the European Green Deal and the EU Hydrogen Strategy. It supports the decarbonisation of sectors that are difficult to electrify, such as heavy industry and long-distance transport. It also strengthens Europe’s energy security and reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels.

Hydrogen is produced using electrolysers powered by renewable electricity. The project includes 4 MW of electrolyser capacity, combining both Alkaline and PEM technologies.

Hydrogen will be used in public buses, municipal vehicles, a touristic boat, selected industrial processes and for aviation demonstration activities at Košice Airport.

Yes. Hydrogen has been used safely in industry for decades. All production, storage, transport and use within EASTGATEH2V strictly follow EU safety regulations and international standards.

Hydrogen is very light and quickly disperses into the air. Safety systems are designed to detect leaks immediately and automatically shut down systems if needed. Modern hydrogen infrastructure meets strict safety standards.

From the outside and for passengers, hydrogen buses operate very similarly to electric buses. They are quiet, produce no exhaust emissions and only release water vapour.

Hydrogen can be transported in pressurised trailers, pipelines or in liquid form. In EASTGATEH2V, hydrogen will primarily be transported by road using specialised hydrogen trailers.

Hydrogen has the potential to be used for heating in the future, especially in hybrid systems or blended with natural gas. In EASTGATEH2V, the initial focus is on transport and industry.

No. Green hydrogen is produced using electricity and water. It does not require agricultural land and does not compete with food production.

Local communities benefit from cleaner air, quieter zero-emission transport, new job opportunities, investments, innovation and improved energy independence of the region.

At least 700 new jobs are expected during the project implementation phase. In the long term, the regional hydrogen economy could create up to 15,000 jobs across the value chain.

The Clean Hydrogen Partnership is a European public-private partnership supporting research, innovation and deployment of hydrogen technologies. It brings together the European Commission, industry and research organisations to accelerate the hydrogen transition in Europe.

The project is co-funded by the European Union through the Clean Hydrogen Partnership under the Horizon Europe programme.

It is a cross-border hydrogen infrastructure initiative connecting renewable hydrogen from Ukraine through Slovakia and the Czech Republic to Germany. EASTGATEH2V is an important part of this corridor.

You can participate in public events, demonstrations, open days and educational activities organised within the project. You can also stay informed through the newsletter and social media. You can learn more about the possibilities here.

All updates, public deliverables, videos and publications are available on the EASTGATEH2V website and in the Toolbox section.

The goal is long-term operation. All hydrogen infrastructure and applications are designed to continue after the project ends and become part of the permanent regional energy system.