Researchers at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands have found that long-term revenue guarantees are essential to making large-scale green hydrogen projects financially viable. The study modeled a 200 MW electrolyzer in the Rotterdam-Rijnmond industrial cluster, comparing wholesale electricity purchases, green power purchase agreements (PPAs), and a hybrid configuration combining dedicated renewable generation with PPA-backed electricity supply. The levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) was approximately €7.2/kg to €7.3/kg for the PPA and hybrid configurations, compared with €7.7/kg for wholesale electricity sourcing. However, all three configurations remained financially unviable without additional support. Monte Carlo simulations showed that a hydrogen contract for difference (CfD) covering 100% of production over 15 years could significantly improve project bankability by stabilizing revenues and reducing financing costs. Under this scenario, the renewable-integrated configuration had a 0% to 6% probability of negative net present value (NPV), compared with higher risks under shorter contracts or partial volume coverage. The researchers said policymakers should prioritize long-term revenue support, allow integrated renewable energy and hydrogen projects to compete alongside PPA-based developments, and coordinate supply-side incentives with measures to stimulate renewable hydrogen demand.
France’s Council of Ministers has presented its draft 2027 budget law, which aims to mobilize more than €5 billion in private investment in the hydrogen sector through three measures. The first is a double-auction mechanism to support the development of synthetic sustainable aviation fuels (e-SAF), addressing the gap between the 10- to 15-year commitments needed to secure investment and the shorter purchasing commitments that fuel buyers are generally willing to make, often no longer than three years. The package also includes an incentive to reduce fuel carbon intensity, known as IRICC, which is expected to mobilize nearly €2 billion in private investment for hydrogen projects. The government also plans to launch the second tranche of its Hydrogen Support Mechanism (MSP), worth €1.2 billion. “The twelve French projects that could come online between 2030 and 2035 currently represent over 800,000 tonnes of annual e-SAF production capacity and more than €14 billion in potential investment,” said France Hydrogène. “Realizing these projects would mobilize 3.4 GW of electrolysis capacity, equivalent to 40% of the target set by the National Hydrogen Strategy for 2035.”
Hyster has delivered a hydrogen fuel cell-powered reachstacker to Rotterdam Shortsea Terminals (RST) in the Netherlands as part of a joint initiative to explore hydrogen’s role in decarbonizing port operations and logistics. The RSJ46-33XDH/62 reachstacker is designed primarily to handle 45-foot containers, including open-top containers, and features a 45-foot spreader. It uses a 60 kW Nuvera fuel cell engine to generate electricity, supported by a 130 kWh lithium-ion battery, and incorporates Hyster’s standardized software architecture. RST, Berkman Energie Services, Hyster, STC Next and HarbourHUB are developing a field laboratory to demonstrate a modular hydrogen refueling station and a hydrogen-powered reachstacker developed in the Netherlands.
Gruber Logistics has used a hydrogen fuel cell truck to deliver goods to two cargo handlers at Milan Malpensa Airport in northern Italy. The operation took place in the airport’s Cargo City logistics area. “This was not merely a technological demonstration, but an operation integrated into the normal flow of airport logistics: the vehicle transported the goods and made the relevant deliveries within Cargo City,” said Edison, which collaborated on the initiative with Gruber Logistics and airport operator SEA Aeroporti.
Ballard Power Systems has received an order from Siemens Mobility for 24 FCrail fuel cell modules, each rated at 200 kW, with a combined capacity of 4.8 MW. The modules will power 12 Mireo Plus H hydrogen passenger trains for Romania’s Railway Reform Authority (ARF), according to the Canadian fuel cell manufacturer. “This represents the largest commercial deployment of the Mireo Plus H platform to date, the first outside of Germany, as well as the first fleet of Mireo trains in Eastern Europe,” said Ballard. Deliveries of the fuel cell modules are scheduled for 2027 and 2028, with the trains expected to enter passenger service in 2029.
Alfa Laval has been selected to supply cooling systems for the electrolyzers at the Onuba H₂ project in Andalusia, Spain, part of the region’s Green Hydrogen Valley. Developed by Moeve, the project is described as one of the largest green hydrogen developments in southern Europe. The facility is planned to have an initial electrolysis capacity of 300 MW, with the option to add another 105 MW, and is expected to produce 45,000 metric tons of green hydrogen annually. Alfa Laval will supply 60 heat exchangers for the project.
