H2SCORE is a European Innovation Action project coordinated by Politecnico di Torino, focused on the development and demonstration of hydrogen-based solutions for Renewable Energy Communities (RECs).
The project aims to enable flexible, resilient and low-carbon local energy systems through the integration of hydrogen technologies within multi-energy infrastructures. At its core, H2SCORE develops a complete Power-to-Hydrogen-to-Power (P2H2P) ecosystem, where hydrogen acts as a long-term and seasonal energy storage solution, complementing short-term storage technologies such as batteries.
The project demonstrates an integrated system combining:
- low-temperature technologies (PEM electrolysers, metal hydride storage, PEM fuel cells) for fast response and grid balancing
high-temperature technologies (reversible Solid Oxide Cells – rSOC) for efficient cogeneration and enhanced system flexibility - The full-scale demonstration is carried out in the Renewable Energy Community of Quarona (Italy), where the system is integrated with both the local electrical grid and the district heating network. This enables increased renewable self-consumption, improved grid stability, and reduced emissions.
In addition to demonstration activities, H2SCORE includes advanced modelling, techno-economic and environmental assessments, as well as replication studies across different geographical contexts (including Switzerland, Spain, Canada and Italy). These activities aim to evaluate scalability, identify optimal system configurations, and support the deployment of hydrogen-based solutions in diverse community-scale energy systems.
The project contributes to the development of integrated energy systems where hydrogen not only provides long-duration storage, but also supports sector coupling and future applications in transport and industry.
