The Sines Arts Centre hosted this first forum, which brought together more than one hundred experts, companies, institutions and stakeholders from the energy sector in Spain and Portugal. The event also marked the final stage of the European project FUTURETECH_H2, a cross-border initiative aimed at strengthening the green hydrogen value chain in the regions of Alentejo and Andalusia.

The forum served not only as a platform to analyse the opportunities associated with this energy vector, but also as a clear call for Iberian cooperation to lead the production, industrial use, distribution and storage of renewable hydrogen in Europe. Participants stressed that Spain and Portugal have a historic opportunity, bringing together one of the cleanest and most competitive platforms on the continent for the development of green hydrogen. In this context, collaboration between Andalusia and Alentejo was highlighted as a key factor in positioning the Iberian Peninsula as a leading producer of hydrogen for the European market.

Throughout the forum, the need to activate support programmes aimed at final consumers was emphasised, as these are considered fundamental to generate effective demand and sustain the growth of green hydrogen supply. Speakers also stressed that the development of the sector requires a stable regulatory framework, economic security and competitive renewable electricity prices.

Some of the most common perceptions associated with this technology were also addressed, particularly the issue of water use. Experts stressed that hydrogen production can rely on wastewater or industrial water, meaning that it does not necessarily compete with resources intended for human consumption.

The working sessions addressed topics such as industrial decarbonisation, the development of new energy infrastructures, specialised training and strategic projects in the sector. These themes were discussed in several thematic panels bringing together institutional representatives, companies and knowledge centres from both countries.

Among these panels, particular emphasis was given to the session titled “Skills, Employment and Training for the Energy Transition”, which included the participation of Diogo Canavarro, researcher at the SOL4R – Solar Radiation and Resources Research Group of the University of Évora. His intervention contributed to the discussion on the need for qualified human resources and specialised training to support the growth of the green hydrogen industry and, more broadly, the energy transition.

The opening session featured Álvaro Beijinha, Mayor of Sines; João Grilo, President of ADRAL; Roberto Grilo, Vice-President of CCDR Alentejo; and Carlos Jacinto Marín, Director-General of the Seville Metalworking Business Federation (FEDEME), who highlighted the importance of joint work in a shared energy transition project.

The keynote opening lecture was delivered by Pedro do Ó Ramos, President of APS – Ports of Sines and Algarve Authority.

Among the projects presented, the Andalusia Green Hydrogen Valley (Moeve) stood out due to its impact on the local supply chain and its ability to attract companies and talent. Progress was also presented by companies such as EVO, which developed the first terminal tractors powered by fuel cells, currently in a pilot phase at the Port of Algeciras, with an autonomy of up to 16 hours.

A significant part of the programme focused on the training needs associated with the development of green hydrogen. Although Andalusia is already working on adapting its educational curricula, experts stressed the need to move towards more specialised training, including technical profiles, dual vocational training programmes and a greater number of internships in companies.

Institutions such as EFP/CTE, the Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre, the University of Évora and AICIA shared their perspectives on how to strengthen human resource qualifications in order to support the business ecosystem and ensure the availability of specialised professionals.

The forum concluded with a technical visit to the Galp refinery in Sines, one of the most important energy infrastructures in the country and a strategic location for the development of green hydrogen projects in Portugal. This activity allowed participants to closely observe the existing infrastructure, ongoing projects and the industrial potential of the region to lead energy transition initiatives.

The FUTURETECH_H2 project consortium, created in November 2023, brings together six partners from the regions of Alentejo (Portugal) and Andalusia (Spain). The project is co-funded by the European Union through the Interreg VI-A Spain-Portugal Programme (POCTEP) 2021-2027 and is currently in its final phase.

The partners involved include the Advanced Centre for Aerospace Technologies (CATEC), ADRAL, the Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre, the University of Évora, the Nao Victoria Foundation and FEDEME, which leads the initiative.

The project aims to develop the green hydrogen value chain in this cross-border area, promoting and showcasing the capabilities of this energy sector as one of the industries of the future. FUTURETECH_H2 has a total budget of €1,366,564.90 and will run until 31 March 2026.

Among the initiatives carried out, the digital simulator for green hydrogen production stands out, having been recognised by Interreg Europe as a success case. The Cross-Border Roadshow, held in cities such as Seville, Huelva, Algeciras, Sines and Évora, also deserves mention. It enabled more than 700 participants, including students and the general public, to learn about the potential of green hydrogen through technological demonstrators presented at each of the five stops.