The DESIREE project, with a budget of nearly EUR 4 million, will design, build, and validate a 40-kilowatt multi-stack prototype system for green hydrogen production, supported by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership and co-funded by the European Union.
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Counterparts (13)
Partner
Politecnico di Torino
company · 1 deals
Politecnico di Torino is a leading Italian public university specializing in engineering, architecture, and design, contributing to the infrastructure industry through advanced research, education, and innovation. It focuses on developing sustainable solutions, smart technologies, and skilled professionals for various infrastructure sectors globally.
EIFHYTEC
company · 1 deals
The European Investment Fund (EIF), part of the EIB Group and headquartered in Luxembourg, is a financial institution providing risk finance to SMEs and mid-caps across Europe. With a portfolio of over €23 billion, it supports innovation, digitalisation, and climate action, notably through initiatives like the EIFHYTEC fund which targets early-stage hydrogen technology development.
VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland
company · 1 deals
VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, with approximately 2,100 employees and €258 million in annual net turnover (2022), is a leading European applied research organization based in Finland. It delivers technology and innovation services across diverse sectors including energy, ICT, bioeconomy, and the built environment.
Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)
company · 1 deals
Madrid-based public research institution, the largest in Spain, dedicated to scientific and technological research across diverse fields including energy, environment, materials, and digital technologies. With over 13,000 employees, CSIC focuses on generating knowledge and transferring innovation to society and industry, including areas relevant to infrastructure development and sustainability.
Genvia
company · 1 deals
Béziers, France-based Genvia is a joint venture focused on developing and industrializing high-temperature solid oxide electrolyzer (SOEC) technology for efficient green hydrogen production. Established in 2021 by SLB and CEA, the company aims to deploy its technology for industrial decarbonization and energy transition.
Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
company · 1 deals
Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is a German applied research organization with over 30,000 employees, focusing on developing innovative technologies and solutions for industrial and public clients across various sectors globally. Its research spans energy, digital, transport, and construction, bridging the gap between basic science and practical application.
Universidad de Zaragoza
company · 1 deals
The University of Zaragoza is a public academic institution in Spain, established in 1542. It focuses on education, research, and innovation across various fields, including engineering, architecture, and environmental sciences, contributing to sustainable infrastructure development through R&D and expert advisory.
Commissariat à l’Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives (CEA)
company · 1 deals
The Commissariat à l’Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives (CEA) is a French public research organization with 20,000 employees, focusing on nuclear energy, renewable energies, defense, information technologies, and health. It plays a key role in R&D and technology transfer for France's energy and industrial sectors.
CENER
company · 1 deals
CENER is Spain's National Renewable Energy Centre, a public-private foundation operating five R&D facilities in Navarra, focused on applied research, development, and testing across wind, solar, biomass, and other renewable energy technologies.
Bosal
company · 1 deals
Lummen, Belgium-based Bosal is a global manufacturing company founded in 1923, employing over 2,500 people worldwide. Through its Energy Solutions division, it develops and manufactures industrial heat exchangers and exhaust gas treatment systems for applications like waste-to-energy, biomass, and industrial heat recovery.
Zabala Innovation
company · 1 deals
Zabala Innovation is a European innovation consultancy founded in 1986, with over 400 professionals. It specializes in advising companies and public entities on innovation management, R&D project funding, and technology transfer across sectors including energy, digital, and industry.
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Deal Analysis
A consortium of prominent European research institutions, including Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, CSIC, and CEA, alongside specialized SOEC developer Genvia, are collaborating on the DESIREE project. This nearly EUR 4 million development deal, co-funded by the European Union and the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, aims to design, build, and validate a 40-kilowatt multi-stack prototype for green hydrogen production. The involvement of Politecnico di Torino, Universidad de Zaragoza, and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland further strengthens the academic and research depth. Bosal, a global manufacturing company with an Energy Solutions division, brings industrial heat exchange expertise, while Zabala Innovation provides innovation management and R&D funding advisory.
- Nearly EUR 4 million budget for a 40-kilowatt prototype system.
- Genvia is a joint venture specifically focused on high-temperature solid oxide electrolyzer (SOEC) technology.
- The consortium includes major European research organizations like Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (over 30,000 employees), CSIC (largest in Spain), and CEA (20,000 employees).
- Bosal, a global manufacturing company founded in 1923, contributes industrial heat exchange expertise.
Source Intelligence
KEY DETAILS
The project duration is 42 months. The project aims to design, build, and validate a multi-stack prototype system using Solid Oxide Electrolyser (SOEL) technology. The prototype will combine high-temperature electrolysis with thermochemical hydrogen compression. The system is expected to achieve efficiencies above 85 percent. The project will establish recycling routes for critical raw materials such as nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), lanthanum (La), and strontium (Sr). The project is co-funded under the Horizon Europe programme. The kick-off meeting was in January 2026. The project aims to improve green hydrogen production in a more "sustainable, cost-effective, and efficient way".
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Deal Size
With a total budget of nearly EUR 4 million
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Capacity
design, build, and validate a 40-kilowatt multi-stack prototype system
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Location
involves twelve organisations from six European countries – Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, and Finland
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Announcement
8 March 2026 by Bioenergy International
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Expected Close
Running from January 2026 to June 2029
PARTIES MENTIONED IN SOURCE
C
CENER
developer
"The project is coordinated by CENER, Spain’s National Renewable Energy Centre"
C
Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)
developer
"involves twelve organisations from six European countries – Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, and Finland – Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)"
U
Universidad de Zaragoza
developer
"Universidad de Zaragoza"
P
Politecnico di Torino
developer
"Politecnico di Torino"
G
Genvia
developer
"Genvia"
F
Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
developer
"Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, (through the Institute for Silicate Research ISC and the Center for High Temperature Materials and Design HTL)"
B
Bosal Energy
developer
"Bosal Energy"
E
EIFHYTEC
developer
"EIFHYTEC"
C
Commissariat à l’Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives (CEA)
developer
"Commissariat à l’Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives (CEA)"
V
VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland
developer
"VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland"
Z
Zabala Innovation
developer
"Zabala Innovation"
C
Clean Hydrogen Partnership
investor
"supported by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership"
E
European Union
investor
"co-funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe programme"
high quality
Enriched Mar 9, 2026
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