Romania has officially launched the Romanian Hydrogen and New Energy Technologies Hub (Ro-HydroHub), a €140 million ($152 million) center of excellence dedicated to advancing hydrogen-based technologies. Funded through the European Union’s Smart Growth, Digitalization, and Financial Instruments Program 2021–2027 (PoCIDIF), the project aims to modernize the nation’s energy sector and support the EU’s broader climate and decarbonization goals, according to Environment Energy Leader.
“Today we are not only launching a project, but we are laying the foundations of a new economic model for Romania – one based on innovation, sustainability and technological excellence,” said Marcel Boloș, Romania’s Minister of Investments and European Projects. He emphasized that this investment, secured after negotiations with the European Commission, is designed to support high-value product development and strengthen Romania’s domestic industrial capabilities.
Ro-HydroHub will be implemented by the National Institute for Research and Development for Cryogenic and Isotopic Technologies – ICSI Râmnicu Vâlcea, in partnership with the POLITEHNICA University of Bucharest, the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, and nine private sector companies. The hub will focus on several key areas: hydrogen production, storage, and supply; fuel cell and electrolyzer development; integration of hydrogen into renewable energy systems; industrial technology transfer; and workforce training through master’s and doctoral programs.
The hub is intended to serve as a national and European center of excellence, facilitating collaboration among academia, industry, and EU institutions to accelerate the adoption of clean hydrogen solutions.
Hydrogen is a central pillar of the EU’s energy transition strategy. According to the European Commission, hydrogen could account for up to 24% of global energy demand by 2050, with the EU targeting up to $510 billion (€470 billion) in investments in hydrogen by mid-century. Ro-HydroHub positions Romania to play a strategic role in this transformation, particularly as part of the European Hydrogen Backbone—a proposed cross-continental hydrogen infrastructure network with potential routes through Romania.
Romania’s commitment to hydrogen also aligns with its National Energy and Climate Plan, which outlines decarbonization of the energy sector and integration of renewables. By investing in hydrogen now, the country aims to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and establish itself as a regional leader in clean energy technologies.
The European Union has placed hydrogen at the forefront of its energy transition strategy, recognising its potential as a clean and versatile energy carrier. Investments in hydrogen are seen as critical to achieving the EU’s climate neutrality goals by 2050 and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Key investments and initiatives
- European Hydrogen Bank The European Hydrogen Bank was established to accelerate the development of a robust hydrogen value chain. It aims to unlock private investments by providing financial support for renewable hydrogen projects and addressing initial market challenges.
- Funding Programmes The EU has allocated significant resources through various funding mechanisms, such as the Connecting Europe Facility and the Innovation Fund. These programmes support hydrogen production, infrastructure development, and applications in transport and industry.
- REPowerEU Plan Under the REPowerEU initiative, the EU aims to produce 10 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen domestically and import an additional 10 million tonnes by 2030. This ambitious target is backed by investments ranging from €86 to €126 billion for core hydrogen infrastructure.
Applications and benefits
Hydrogen is being integrated into multiple sectors, including:
- Energy Storage: To balance renewable energy supply and demand.
- Transport: As a clean fuel for vehicles, ships, and trains.
- Industry: To decarbonise heavy industries like steel and chemicals.
Challenges and future prospects
Despite significant progress, challenges remain, such as high production costs for green hydrogen and the need for extensive infrastructure. However, continued investments and policy support are expected to drive innovation and make hydrogen a cornerstone of Europe’s sustainable energy future.
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