Regional Hydrogen Observatory

By project UNLOCK

Published on 30 January 2025

Italy

Puglia

About this good practice

The Regional Hydrogen Observatory (Osservatorio Regionale sull'Idrogeno) was created to address the need for a structured approach to hydrogen development in Puglia. The region, a leader in renewable energy, identified hydrogen as a key solution for decarbonization, energy security, and industrial innovation. However, the lack of coordinated data, research, and policy support hindered its large-scale adoption, prompting the establishment of the Observatory in 2019.

To achieve its objectives, the Observatory collects and analyzes hydrogen-related data, monitors economic and research activities, and promotes stakeholder collaboration. It organizes meetings, research initiatives, and policy discussions to support the regional strategy. Additionally, it advises policymakers on regulatory frameworks and fosters partnerships with national and EU institutions.

The Observatory is composed of representatives from regional institutions, universities, and research centers (such as ENEA and CNR) working on hydrogen technologies. It also includes major industry players (such as ENI, SNAM, Edison), environmental organizations (such as Legambiente, WWF), and representatives of regional safety and protection bodies to ensure a multidisciplinary approach. The beneficiaries of its work include policymakers, businesses investing in hydrogen, research institutions, and local communities, all contributing to and benefiting from the region’s transition to a hydrogen-based economy.

Expert opinion

The Regional Hydrogen Observatory in Puglia brings together a wide range of stakeholders and its main activities are collecting and analysing hydrogen data, monitoring economic and scientific activities, supporting regulatory guidance, and promoting cooperation with national and EU-level institutions. It is established as a working group under Puglia’s Department of Economic Development. The EU has identified that, for example, the complexity of coordinating policies, regulatory frameworks and the lack of fully coordinated data (among other obstacles) across countries and sectors are barriers to the large-scale adoption of green hydrogen. Initiatives such as the European Hydrogen Bank and the European Clean Hydrogen Alliance focus on collecting and coordinating hydrogen-related data at the national and EU levels, but the Regional Hydrogen Observatory has a complementary role at the regional level. Regional-level efforts like the Hydrogen Observatory in Puglia are valuable for supporting and developing national and EU-wide hydrogen strategies. The Observatory is a practical tool that other regions could apply to support their transition to green hydrogen.

Mart Veliste

Works at Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform

Resources needed

The Observatory consists of 25 experts in renewable energy, hydrogen, research, and policy. Managed by a working group under Puglia’s Department of Economic Development, it operates without direct funding, leveraging existing regional structures for cost-efficient administration.

Evidence of success

• Policy contribution: supports the Regional Strategy on Hydrogen and updates the Regional Energy and Environmental Plan (PEAR).
• Stakeholder engagement: involves 25 experts from industry, research, and policy, fostering collaboration.
• Cross-sector integration: advances hydrogen initiatives across energy, mobility, and industry sectors.
• Cost efficiency: operates without funding, leveraging existing regional structures.

Potential for learning or transfer

This practice is highly valuable for other regions due to its collaborative governance model involving experts from diverse sectors and its cost-efficient structure, leveraging existing resources. Key success factors include alignment with regional energy policies and the ability to foster cross-sector collaboration across energy, mobility, and industry. Potential challenges include implementation in regions with less-developed administrative frameworks or weaker stakeholder networks. While direct transfers have not yet occurred, this model demonstrates strong potential for adaptation in regions seeking to develop hydrogen economies, particularly where there is an emphasis on renewable energy integration and efficient policy coordination.