Community Hydrogen, Emissions Trading, and Renewable Energy for Inclusive Net-Zero Transition

COHERENT aims to accelerate the transition to zero-inertia, 100% renewable energy systems by integrating hydrogen production, advanced AI, and inclusive policy frameworks at community level. The project’s objectives are fourfold: i) develop modular multi-energy models that capture local resources and socio-economic factors; ii) design and implement hydrogen-based community trading mechanisms and a tailored Community Emissions Trading Scheme (C-ETS); iii) validate next-generation lowcarbon technologies (e.g., electrolysers, fuel cells, heat pumps) through lab-based testbeds and real-time digital simulators; and iv) formulate inclusive policies ensuring that disadvantaged groups can participate equitably in net-zero transitions.To achieve these goals, COHERENT will combine power systems engineering, AI/federated learning, blockchain-enabled marketplaces, and regulatory analyses. The consortium will work closely with industry partners to translate simulation outputs into practical solutions, such as automated energy sharing platforms with hydrogen certification. Through secondments, participatory workshops, and open-science data practices, researchers and stakeholders will co-create place-based strategies aligned with the European Green Deal, the Hydrogen Strategy, and REPowerEU targets. The project’s emphasis on stakeholder engagement and equity guarantees that technical advancements support both rural and urban communities, fostering fair, knowledge-driven innovation. By promoting synergy between local resources, hydrogen integration, and policy incentives, COHERENT will deliver robust, replicable results, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and setting a global example for a just and sustainable clean-energy future.