Our vision is not just local. The Hydrogen Valley of the Košice Region is actively connected with established European initiatives such as the North Adriatic Hydrogen Valley, HEAVENN, Aragon, and SH2AMROCK, and is also becoming part of the Central European Hydrogen Corridor – linking the north, south, and east of Europe through clean energy.

Investments in this area mean:

- new jobs

- support for innovative technologies

- greater energy independence for the region

- improved quality of life for residents.

#### The Hydrogen Valley of the Košice Region – EastGateH2V – an ecosystem for the green energy of the future

The Hydrogen Valley of the Košice Region (EastGateH2V) is a comprehensive initiative aimed at building a fully functional ecosystem for the production, distribution, and use of green hydrogen in the region. Its ambition is to integrate innovations in mobility, industry, and energy into one functional unit – right in the heart of eastern Slovakia.

The project is supported by the European Commission with €9 million from the Horizon Europe – Clean Hydrogen Partnership programme. In addition, it has received two separate grants of €250,000 each from the Joint Research Centre (JRC) for the development of a regional strategy and mapping of hydrogen potential.

Main goals of the project:

- Implementation of hydrogen solutions in regional mobility – buses, bikes, filling stations

- Support for zero-emission industry – green hydrogen as a substitute for fossil fuels

- Development of sustainable energy – combining renewables and local hydrogen production

“EastGateH2V is the first project of its kind in Slovakia and one of the most dynamically developing hydrogen valleys in Central Europe. It represents a unique opportunity for companies, investors, and research institutions wanting to be part of the transition to clean energy.”

#### Key aspects for the hydrogen ecosystem in the region

The Košice Self-Governing Region has already successfully implemented several key steps towards building the hydrogen ecosystem:

- Development of a regional hydrogen strategy with the support of expert partners

- Signing of a memorandum of cooperation with the Technical University of Košice for research and implementation of hydrogen solutions

- Preparation of the first pilot projects in public transport and tourism

- Active communication with investors and technology partners

- Establishment of a hydrogen production company (W2H2 KSK, s.r.o.), and a company for zero-emission transport services (Autobusová doprava KSK, s.r.o.)

#### Support for hydrogen activities

Thanks to the Hydrogen Valley initiative, the Košice Self-Governing Region is becoming one of the leaders in implementing green technologies at the regional level. We are already implementing and preparing projects that bring the hydrogen vision into real practice:

- Hydrogen bikes – an ecological solution for cities and municipalities. Bikes with a range of up to 200 km and refueling time under 2 minutes have already been purchased by the region as a pilot zero-emission micromobility project.

- Hydrogen buses – zero-emission vehicles for suburban transport. Gradual deployment is planned by 2030 as part of the decarbonization of transport infrastructure.

- Hydrogen boat – a new form of sustainable tourism on water. In cooperation with a consortium of partners, the Košice Region has prepared project documentation for building the first hydrogen-powered boat in the region.

- Industrial applications – use of hydrogen in municipal services such as forklifts or waste collection vehicles in cities and suburban areas.

- Electrolyzer for hydrogen production – construction of a 4 MW facility that will enable local production of up to 500 tons of green hydrogen annually for transport and industrial needs.

#### Hydrogen technologies are opening new markets in the East

The Košice Region is creating a favorable environment for entrepreneurs who want to be part of the green economy transition. The hydrogen ecosystem brings a wide range of opportunities across sectors:

- Transport and logistics – opportunities for developing hydrogen vehicle fleets and building infrastructure, including filling stations.

- Industry – hydrogen use in energy-intensive sectors such as metallurgy, manufacturing, or district heating.

- Tourism – development of ecological transport solutions for attractive destinations such as national parks and recreational areas.

- Energy – combining renewable sources with hydrogen production and storage technologies offers new options for community energy and large-scale projects.

“The Košice Region offers a strong vision, real projects in motion, and open partnerships. Enter an innovative ecosystem that connects technology, public institutions, and investors.”

#### Development plan for the hydrogen ecosystem in the Košice Region

The Košice Region has a clear roadmap for the coming years. In cooperation with partners, we are preparing steps that will strengthen infrastructure, increase production capacity, and expand hydrogen use in practice.

Short-term horizon (2025–2027)

- Construction of a 2 MW electrolyzer (March 2027)

- Launch of the first hydrogen filling station (March 2027)

- Launch of the first hydrogen-powered buses (April 2027)

Long-term horizon (2027–2030)

- Construction of an additional 2 MW electrolyzer (March 2029)

- Ensuring production of 500 tons of green hydrogen per year

- Commissioning of a hydrogen filling station

- Increasing the number of hydrogen-powered buses in suburban transport