The Futuretech_H2 project: Promotion and Technological Development of the Green Hydrogen Industry, co-funded by the European Union through the Interreg VI-A Spain–Portugal (POCTEP) 2021–2027 programme, has successfully concluded, fully achieving the objectives set by the consortium. The partnership included entities from the Alentejo region (Portugal) and Andalusia (Spain), such as the Advanced Center for Aerospace Technologies – CATEC, ADRAL, the Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre, the University of Évora, the Nao Victoria Foundation, and was led by the Federation of Metal Entrepreneurs, FEDEME.
Since its launch in November 2023, the project has boosted the green hydrogen value chain in the cross-border region, combining sector diagnosis, technological development, specialized training, a digital simulator, and extensive dissemination and awareness actions.
A Cross-Border Roadshow that brought green hydrogen closer to over 900 peopleOne of the project’s most notable activities was the 1st Futuretech_H2 Cross-Border Roadshow, a travelling initiative that visited five cities in Spain and Portugal: Seville, Huelva, Sines, Algeciras and Évora.
Across its five stops, the Roadshow welcomed more than 900 participants, including students, professionals, institutional representatives and the general public. Through interactive spaces, exhibitions, demonstrators and informative sessions, the initiative played a key role in bringing green hydrogen closer to society and strategic sectors in the region.
The 1st Spanish-Portuguese Green Hydrogen Forum: a key meeting pointFollowing the Roadshow, the city of Sines hosted the 1st Spanish-Portuguese Green Hydrogen Forum, a highly successful event that gathered over 150 participants, along with a wide audience connected via streaming.
This event has established itself as a benchmark space for the exchange of knowledge and experiences among institutions, companies, technology stakeholders and experts from both countries, reinforcing the strategic role of Iberian cooperation in developing this future energy vector.
Innovation and technology: a digital twin recognised as a European success storyAmong the most relevant milestones of Futuretech_H2 is the development of a digital simulator based on digital twin technology, designed for advanced training in green hydrogen production, storage and distribution.
This tool, used during the Roadshow and training activities, has been recognised by Interreg Europe as a “Good Practice” due to its innovative nature, technical quality and contribution to the development of professional skills in an emerging sector.
The simulator has already trained more than 60 professionals from Spain and Portugal and will be integrated into future specialised programmes by several consortium partners.
Training and new business models for the green hydrogen industryThe project implemented several training actions that enabled more than 60 professionals to gain new skills, strengthening the creation of specialised talent adapted to the industry’s evolving demands.
In addition, new business models were deployed in ten real companies — five Spanish and five Portuguese — following an in-depth sector and value chain analysis, thus supporting the transition of industrial SMEs towards green hydrogen.
A project that leaves a legacyFuturetech_H2 concludes with tangible results, European recognition, and a clear path forward for Andalusia and Alentejo to continue working together to promote green hydrogen as a driver of competitiveness, innovation and sustainability.
Cross-border cooperation, the consortium’s commitment and the strong public engagement confirm that the region is ready to play a leading role in the development of this emerging industry, as highlighted in the project’s summary video showcasing its key milestones, activities and transformative impact over more than two years of joint work.
