Hyco2
HyCO2 is advancing the next generation of hydrogen compression technology, addressing one of the most critical bottlenecks in Europe’s emerging hydrogen economy. The project focuses on upscaling an innovative metal hydride (MH) compressor to deliver flexible, high-capacity, and cost-effective hydrogen compression for mobility, distribution, and industrial applications.
Over three years, the consortium will develop and demonstrate a modular, thermally driven compressor capable of delivering hydrogen at pressures ranging from 30 bar to 900 bar. The flagship demonstration will showcase the compression of 30 kg of hydrogen in 12 minutes at 900 bar – a major step toward enabling fast, reliable refuelling infrastructure without relying on conventional mechanical compressors.
Unlike traditional compression technologies, metal hydride compression uses heat rather than mechanical energy, eliminating moving parts, reducing maintenance needs, and ensuring oil-free operation. HyCO2 integrates advanced thermal management strategies, waste heat utilisation, and a novel hydrogen-based “heat box” to significantly improve energy efficiency and reduce operating costs. In parallel, the project addresses sustainability at the material level by developing and validating non-toxic, durable, and recyclable metal hydride alloys that reduce reliance on critical raw materials.
With a total budget of approximately €5 million under the Clean Hydrogen Partnership (Horizon Europe), HyCO2 brings together leading research organisations, industrial technology providers, and innovation ecosystem actors across Austria, Switzerland, Norway, Italy, Germany, and Denmark.
As partner and leader of communication, dissemination, and exploitation activities, ICN mobilises its global cleantech cluster network to ensure strong market orientation, cross-border knowledge exchange, and rapid uptake of results across European hydrogen ecosystems. The project aligns closely with ICN’s Energy Thematic Group and supports the objectives of REPowerEU and the Clean Hydrogen JU Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda.
HyCO2 helps make hydrogen compression more scalable, flexible, and sustainable – strengthening the backbone infrastructure needed for Europe’s clean energy transition.
KEY FACTS
Duration: 36 months (2025–2028)
Funding Programme: Horizon Europe – Clean Hydrogen Joint Undertaking
Total Budget: ≈ €5 million
Partners: 7 partners across 6 countries
Focus Area: Hydrogen | Compression Technology | Industrial & Mobility Infrastructure
Technology Scope: Metal Hydride Compression (30–900 bar)
Demonstration Target: 30 kg H₂ in 12 minutes at 900 bar
