Latvia and Estonia collaborate to test potential of green hydrogen

Over the next three years, the Latvian Hydrogen Association, waste management company ZAAO, the Vidzeme Planning Region and partners from Estonia and the Netherlands will work together to plan, develop and test the potential of green hydrogen in the transport sector in smaller regions, using the cooperation between Estonia’s Tartu and Latvia’s Vidzeme region as an example. The “Supporting the Regional Development of the Green Hydrogen Fuel Value Chain for Transportation in Estonia and Latvia” (H2Value) project will establish the first inter-regional green hydrogen value chain in South Estonia (Tartu) and Northern Latvia (the Vidzeme region).

As freight transportation and car ownership continue to grow and the transport sector remains one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the European Union, solutions to make vehicles more efficient and promote the wider use of low and zero emission vehicles are high on the agenda. Replacing existing cars with electric vehicles is often cited. In Latvia, for example, residents can receive financial support towards buying a new or second-hand electric car or a new externally chargeable hybrid car. However, in many parts of the world, hydrogen is slowly taking steps towards becoming the fuel of the zero-emission future. 

Aims to establish green hydrogen production plant

The H2Value project kicked off at the end of 2022. Its main goals are to establish a small-scale solar-powered green hydrogen production plant in the Tartu region, establish a green hydrogen refuelling station and test the feasibility of transporting green hydrogen by road as a fuel source to power specially adapted cars.

Green hydrogen, also known as clean or renewable hydrogen, gets its name from the electrolysis of water into hydrogen and oxygen, using electricity from renewable energy sources (solar and wind). Crucially, this process does not produce greenhouse gases. “Technology- and export-intensive sustainable renewable energy production is a priority area for smart specialisation in the Vidzeme region, and one of our tasks is to ensure that new models and systems for renewable energy are developed and implemented,” says Laila Gercāne, Head of the Development and Projects Department of the Vidzeme Planning Region.

Inspired by Hydrogen Valley in Netherlands

Here in Europe, the Northern Netherlands region has set itself the goal of becoming a ‘Hydrogen Valley’ by 2026 – a geographic area containing the entire hydrogen value chain, from production, transport and storage to the use of hydrogen to generate electricity, heat homes, ensure manufacturing and transport services. However, for smaller regions, this alternative energy source poses a number of challenges due to a lack of knowledge on how to use it safely in the transport sector. A major aspect is the high cost of the technology needed to produce green hydrogen for small consumption volumes. Another is the lack of necessary infrastructure. The first step that the project partners agreed on is to devise an international green hydrogen energy system development plan to calculate the costs of the technologies required to produce green hydrogen, store and transport it, which will form the final per kg price of the hydrogen itself. 

The H2Value team from Latvia consists of the Latvian Hydrogen Association, waste management company ZAAO and the Vidzeme Planning Region. Estonia is represented by Tartu Municipality (lead partner), the Baltic Innovation Agency, the electricity company ESTIKO Elekter, Estonian Association of Hydrogen Technologies, and Alexela. From the Netherlands, the New Energy Coalition will contribute to the project and share its experience. 

The H2Value project has received funding from the European Union under grant agreement No. 101083881.

Author: Lelde Beņķe (labsoflatvia.com). Publicity photo.