The H2Value project, co-financed by the EU Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument under the European Regional Development Fund, has entered a new development phase. While staying true to its original vision—to establish a cross-border green hydrogen value chain in the Baltic region — the project is evolving in response to changing technical and organizational circumstances. The collaboration between partners in Latvia, Estonia, and the Netherlands remains strong, with activities being strategically adapted to ensure continuity and impact.
Initially, hydrogen production was planned for the Tartu region in Estonia, powered by solar energy. However, due to shifts in technical and organizational factors, this approach has been reassessed. Both hydrogen and the project itself are inherently complex and dynamic elements, requiring flexibility and continuous adjustment. Despite these changes, the ambition remains the same: to implement a pilot where green hydrogen is used in a real public transport route.
In this new phase, Latvian partners are playing a central role. The company AI Cooperation, in partnership with Gren Jelgava, is currently working to establish Latvia’s first green hydrogen production facility. The hydrogen will be produced via electrolysis, powered by renewable electricity derived from a biomass source.
Meanwhile, LLC “Jelgavas autobusu parks” is becoming a pilot site for testing hydrogen use in public transport—one hydrogen-powered bus is already in operation in Jelgava.
To ensure the continuity of cross-border cooperation and the full value chain, Estonian partner Alexela is currently supplying hydrogen from Tallinn to Jelgava. This reinforces not only regional connectivity, but also knowledge exchange and cross-border technological integration across the Baltic region.
The project is led by the Latvian Hydrogen Association and includes a diverse consortium of partners from Latvia, Estonia, and the Netherlands: Baltic Innovation Agency, Estonian Hydrogen Technologies Association, Vidzeme Planning Region, New Energy Coalition, and AI Cooperation, LLC “Jelgavas autobusu parks”, and Alexela.
H2Value is closely aligned with the objectives of the European Green Deal and REPowerEU, supporting climate neutrality, energy independence, and a sustainable transition to renewable energy in sectors such as transport and industry—particularly in areas where direct electrification is not feasible. “Hydrogen is not just a clean energy solution—it is a driver of innovation and cross-border collaboration. The evolution of H2Value reflects both the challenges and the potential of a new energy future,” emphasize project representatives.
The project team is preparing to participate in one of the key industry events of the year—the European Hydrogen Valleys and Tech Tour Investment Forum, taking place in Riga on 4–5 September 2025. The event will bring together investors, technology developers, and policymakers from across Europe to foster innovation in the hydrogen sector. More information on the event: https://techtour.com/ehvif25/
Green hydrogen is a key solution for decarbonizing mobility and industry, particularly in hard-to-electrify sectors. H2Value demonstrates both the potential of hydrogen technologies and the importance of a flexible, collaborative approach to ensure Europe’s clean energy transition.
The H2Value project is implemented under the Interregional Innovation Investments Instrument (I3) of the European Regional Development Fund for the 2021–2027 programming period, under grant agreement No. 101083881. The I3 instrument supports interregional investments in innovative green technologies and fosters sustainable growth in sectors such as food systems, agriculture, clean energy, industry, construction and renovation, sustainable mobility, pollution reduction, and climate action.
For additional information: Aivars Starikovs, Latvian Hydrogen Association. E-mail: aivars@h2lv.eu
