Amethyst

The effects of climate change and massive use of fossil fuels in the Alps should encourage alpine actors to strengthen measures for energy sufficiency and efficiency, and the development of renewable energies. A new energy vector, hydrogen (H2), has many advantages to be a key player in the energy transition. Easily produced by renewable electricity, it can be used for many purposes: mobility, industries, operations in tourist areas.

AMETHyST overall objective is to support the deployment of local alpine green hydrogen ecosystems where several green H2 applications are combined on a geographical area with high potential for H2. It will pave the way to the implementation of Alpine hydrogen Valleys and an alpine post-carbon lifestyle, through the raising of capacities and understanding of public authorities and implementation of pilot projects, with the support of sectoral agencies and innovation clusters. AMETHyST contributes to the European Strategy for H2 in 2030, e.g. green H2 technologies deployed at large scale to reach all hard-to decarbonize sectors.

AMETHyST increases the capacity of public authorities, designs support services to deploy green H2 solutions, mainly in touristic areas as flagship project for energy transition, and includes green H2 in local and regional energy strategies and plans. An Alpine green H2 package is developed to help public authorities support concrete H2 projects. Based on the results of the pilot projects, a “Local Alpine green hydrogen ecosystem model” identifies and provides the constituent elements of hydrogen’s territorial approach, combining production, storage, distribution and uses. Policy recommendations to support green H2 development are elaborated and shared with EUSALP and regional policymakers to reinforce the role of public authorities.

Alpine public authorities face similar challenges when supporting green H2 solutions. Transnational project activities allow them to use and build on a proven H2 development model.

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