VŠB – Technical University of Ostrava begins construction of hydrogen research polygon

VŠB – Technical University of Ostrava has begun construction of the CEETe H2 hydrogen research polygon in Ostrava. The project, with total eligible expenditures reaching approximately 315.5 million CZK, aims to create a ‘living laboratory’ that connects the entire hydrogen value chain, including production, storage, distribution, and utilization.

The facility is expected to produce up to 150 kilograms of hydrogen daily. This hydrogen will be used to fuel regional and municipal buses operated by companies such as Transdev and Dopravní podnik Ostrava. By integrating research directly with daily transport operations, scientists can collect real-world data and develop a ‘digital twin’—a virtual model of the entire energy system to simulate and predict operational states.

The project is supported by the European Union’s Just Transition Fund, with the Czech Ministry of the Environment providing 268.2 million CZK through the Operational Programme Just Transition. The research polygon is scheduled to run from July 2026 to June 2029, focusing on developing new safety procedures, diagnostic tools, and verifying technologies in conditions close to actual commercial use.