Since the start of the H2CoVE project in March 2024, the Tyrolean project partners from business, science and education have laid essential groundwork in terms of data collection and network development. In the 2025 summer term, H2CoVE project partner HTL Kramsach organised three excursions to provide students with practical insights into hydrogen technologies.
Hands-on experience of green hydrogen technology - HTL-Kramsach started with exciting excursions.
As a kick-off, the first train-the-trainer workshop organised by FEN Research took place at the beginning of March. In May and June, students from HTL Kramsachs’ chemical engineering programme took part in three excursions, providing them with first-hand experience of various green hydrogen technologies and applications.
Pilot project for sector coupling - Energie Steiermark's 'Renewable Gasfield'
The visit to Energie Styria’s Renewable Gasfield offered insights into the entire green hydrogen value chain – from production and storage to its usage. The plant, which is powered entirely by solar energy, is equipped with an electrolyser, compressors and an H₂- refuelling system for the company's own trailers. The system can also be coupled with a methanisation unit: CO₂ from a nearby biogas plant and the green hydrogen produced on-site are used to generate synthetic methane, which can be fed directly into the gas grid.
Hydrogen mobility - a visit to the SASA bus company in Bolzano
The second excursion took the students to SASA SpA-AG focusing on hydrogen use in local public transport in South Tyrol. The company operates bus routes in the cities of Bolzano, Merano and Laives and surrounding areas. In pursuit of sustainability, SASA has been operating hydrogen buses on its routes since 2013. Today, 20 hydrogen-powered vehicles are part of SASA’s fleet, setting an example for sustainable mobility.
Insights into hydrogen projects in Tyrol at the Green Energy Center and MPREIS
The final excursion of the school year highlighted the potential of green hydrogen technologies and related projects in Tyrol. The day began with an insightful presentation by project partner FEN Research at the Green Energy Center Europe in Innsbruck. From there, students travelled with a Hyundai NEXO hydrogen car to the MPREIS Hydrogen production plant in Völs. At this pioneering site, green hydrogen is produced via alkaline electrolysis and can be used both at the Therese Mölk bakery and as fuel for trucks - currently in use with a new Hyundai XCIENT Hydrogen-powered truck. Moreover, MPREIS harnesses the waste heat generated during electrolysis for its own production facilities.
We look forward to further hands-on activities exploring green hydrogen technologies as part of H2CoVE in the upcoming school year!
