ACTHYVE: Pilot ACtion on Technology Infrastructures for clean HYdrogen ValuE Chain

At a glance

• ACTHYVE is an 18-month EU project designed to bring hydrogen technologies to market faster, more safely, and more cost-effectively.
• The focus is on so-called “Technology Infrastructures” (TIs), where companies can develop, test, and scale up components and complete systems along the hydrogen value chain.
• The project maps, structures, and strengthens the European TI network in the field of hydrogen and its derivatives.
• Fraunhofer IWES contributes major test infrastructures to the European TI mapping effort: on the one hand, the Hydrogen Lab Bremerhaven, which features power grid emulators for electrolyzer testing with a focus on grid connection, electrical engineering, and generation performance, and, on the other hand, the Hydrogen Lab Leuna, which focuses on electrochemistry, stack test rigs ranging from 5 to 2,000 kW, and system tests up to 5 MW. The institute provides practical expertise on the validation of electrolyzers, power electronics, and coupled wind power-H₂ production systems to analyze gaps between TI offerings and industry needs.
• Together with Fraunhofer ICT, Fraunhofer IWES is leading the development of a coordinated EU network of hydrogen technology infrastructures, including governance and operational models.

The challenge

At present, there is a lack of sufficient suitable test sites for the development, testing, and demonstration of MW-scale electrolyzers and for the interaction of individual technology components in Europe – such as electrolysis combined with jet fuel synthesis – or operation in weak grids. Many companies – especially SMEs and startups – are unaware of existing test facilities or lack easy access to them due to factors such as costs, access rules, or IP issues.

The test facility landscape is fragmented: there are differing national strategies, inconsistent financing and governance models, sometimes strong regional concentration, and some underrepresented countries/regions.

The solution

This is where the ACTHYVE research project comes in, proceeding in three steps:

1. Assessment & needs analysis

A systematic mapping of existing TIs for hydrogen and derivatives in Europe, including technical infrastructure, services offered, business models, and geographic distribution, will be conducted. In parallel, the needs of industry, SMEs, and startups will be assessed, and an analysis of gaps and barriers between supply and demand will be carried out.

2. Strategic roadmap 2035

A European Technology Infrastructure-development strategy and roadmap through 2035 will be developed, featuring four scenarios (e.g., varying market growth, political framework conditions, technological breakthroughs, transformation). Investment priorities will also be identified: Which existing TIs need to be expanded, and where are new ones needed? What new services such as standard tests, certification, and data management are required? Furthermore, proposals for better integration of less well-positioned regions (e.g., twinning with established TIs) will be developed.

3. Implementation pathways & instruments

Proposals are developed for governance structures, coordinated financing models (EU, national, and private funds), and sustainable business models for TIs. In addition, topics such as standardization, certification, safety, data management, training and continuing education will be integrated into the TI offering. A third objective is the creation of a policy toolkit and a white paper with concrete recommendations for policymakers, funding agencies, operators, and industry, as well as the establishment of a digital one-stop-shop platform. The latter is intended to significantly improve the visibility of and access to European hydrogen TIs.

The added value

ACTHYVE provides a structured European approach to hydrogen technology infrastructures. Companies – especially SMEs and startups – gain easier access to suitable testing and demonstration opportunities, can reduce risks and costs associated with developing and scaling their technologies, and can enter the market more quickly. Policymakers and funding agencies gain a robust basis for decision-making regarding future investments and programs. Through better networking, clear priorities, and new services, the research project strengthens the competitiveness of the European hydrogen industry, promotes regional balance, and accelerates the energy transition.