CNH2, partner in H2BLUE, a European project aimed at decarbonising aquaculture and fisheries through renewable hydrogen
The Spanish National Hydrogen Centre (CNH2) is participating in H2BLUE (Integration of Green Hydrogen for the Decarbonization of the Aquaculture and Fisheries Value Chain), a new European project aimed at accelerating the deployment of hydrogen technologies in island and coastal regions and contributing to the decarbonisation of aquaculture, fisheries, port activities and maritime transport.
H2BLUE began on 1 September 2026 and will run until 31 August 2029. The project has a total budget of €7,020,892.22, of which €5,514,620.92 is funded by the European Union.
The initiative is funded by the Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument under the I3-2025-INV2a topic and is coordinated by the Consortium for the Design, Construction, Equipment and Operation of the Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands (PLOCAN). The consortium brings together research organisations, companies, SMEs, public authorities and entities linked to the maritime, energy and agri-food sectors in Spain, Portugal and Bulgaria.
The project will focus particularly on the Canary Islands and the Azores as representative territories in which to develop, demonstrate and validate integrated renewable hydrogen value chains under real maritime and port conditions.
H2BLUE will combine renewable energy sources with hydrogen production and various fuel cell applications. Its demonstration activities include the installation of pilot hydrogen refuelling stations, the integration of hydrogen-powered vessels and the assessment of pathways for ammonia production and use.
These solutions will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with port operations, maritime transport and local industries, while strengthening the resilience and energy autonomy of island territories.
The project will also address the development of replicable business models and governance systems aligned with regional smart specialisation strategies and European energy transition objectives.
H2BLUE also includes a cascade funding mechanism under the Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP) – Integrating, Validating and Scaling Hydrogen Innovations scheme. It has a budget of €2 million and a 100% funding rate.
An open call will support up to 50 European SMEs, at least half of which must be based in less developed, transition or outermost regions.
The forthcoming call will be divided into two strands:
- Strand A – Integration and Hydrogen Needs-Solving Challenge for the Blue Economy: aimed at technology-provider SMEs developing complementary hydrogen solutions and technologies. Selected companies will be able to apply for up to €60,000 for technology integration and demonstration activities.
- Strand B – Hydrogen Validation and Adoption Challenge for the Blue Economy: aimed at end-user SMEs and early adopters interested in validating and replicating hydrogen-based solutions in real blue economy operating environments. Selected companies will be able to apply for up to €20,000 for validation, operational adoption and replication activities.
CNH2’s role in H2BLUE
CNH2 is participating in H2BLUE as a project partner and has been allocated an EU contribution of €315,817.34.
CNH2 will develop and test a 20 kW PEM fuel cell system for integration into an offshore aquaculture service vessel. The system will be designed taking into account the specific operating conditions of the maritime environment, including vessel motion. In addition, the effects of exposure to saline environments on the fuel cell’s main components will be analysed to assess their performance and durability under these conditions.
CNH2 will also work on sizing a second, lower-power PEM system intended to replace the diesel engine of an auxiliary unit used in aquaculture feeding operations, thereby contributing to the electrification and decarbonisation of this equipment.
These activities will be complemented by technical and regulatory advice on hydrogen safety, certification, interoperability and regulatory compliance. CNH2 will also provide specialised training and lead Deliverable D6.6, focused on developing training materials for hydrogen integration and alignment with the regulatory framework.
Project details
Reference: 101309851
Programme and call: I3-2025-INV2a / Topic: I3-2025-INV2a – Interregional Innovation Investments Strand 2a
Partners: PLOCAN (ES) – GOBCAN (ES) – ULPGC (ES) – ITC (ES) – CANEXMAR (ES) – ACUIPALMA (ES) – NAPESCA (ES) – ELIMAT (ES) – CE (ES) – CMC (ES) – FRCT (PT) – FINANÇOR (PT) – ADFMA (PT) – CNH2 (ES) – EIT FOOD (ES) – FMV (ES) – BSA (BG).
Affiliated Entity: FCPCT ULPGC (ES)
Duration: 36 months
Further information is available at:
