UNLOCK 5th event: Pioneering Green Hydrogen in Médio Tejo
Tomar, Abrantes, and Portalegre, Portugal – May 28-30, 2025
The UNLOCK project, led by Hanze University, is set to host its 5th Study Visit in the scenic Médio Tejo region of Portugal. This significant event will bring together key stakeholders, project partners, and leading experts in green hydrogen and energy transition to discuss regional policy improvements and their impact on SMEs.
Day 1: Steering Committee Meeting and Policy Improvements Session (Tomar)
The event will commence with a welcome and introduction, followed by a Steering Committee Meeting where the project's progress and strategic direction will be deliberated. The day will conclude with a session on policy improvements and a networking dinner, providing an opportunity for informal discussions and connections.
Day 2: UNLOCK Seminar at the International Conference (Abrantes)
The second day will feature the UNLOCK Seminar integrated into the International Conference “Médio Tejo: The Vision of an Emerging European Region” at the Museu de Arte Contemporânea Charters de Almeida that has opened just few days ago in Abrantes. This high level event is organized in close cooperation by the MedioTejo region, MT21 Agency, IrRADIARE, Abrantes Municipality, and the UNLOCK Project. Distinguished speakers include Eva Maydell, Member of the European Parliament, and Ambroise Fayolle, Vice President of the European Investment Bank, who will share their insights via video messages. Local leaders such as Manuel Jorge Valamatos, President of the Intermunicipal Community of Médio Tejo, will also address the attendees.
Key sessions will focus on the opportunities for SMEs in the green hydrogen sector with notable speakers from the Portuguese context with a special focus on the Médio Tejo region. In the afternoon, the seminar will continue with sessions with expert speakers and panel discussions. The day will also include discussions on the international and European energy landscape, and infrastructure needs. The day will conclude with a celebration of MédioTejo21’s 16th anniversary, followed by closing remarks from Erwin Siweris, Programme Director at Interreg Europe.
Day 3: Study Visit and Peer Review (Portalegre)
Participants will travel to Portalegre to visit the Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre and the VALORIZA Research Centre. The day will include a peer review session and a network lunch at the CIM Médio Tejo headquarters, offering further opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Significance of the Event
This study visit is a unique opportunity to engage with influential figures in the green hydrogen sector, share knowledge, and forge partnerships that will drive sustainable growth and innovation. Participants will gain firsthand insights into the latest technological advancements and policy developments, positioning their SMEs at the forefront of the green hydrogen revolution.
With all activities, the UNLOCK project is closer to achieving its objectives: improving regional policy instruments to enhance sustainable growth, SMEs competitiveness, and job creation within SMEs in the rapidly developing regional green hydrogen economies.