A Pivotal Gathering on Green Hydrogen & Regional Innovation
Tomar, Abrantes, and Portalegre | May 28–30, 2025
The picturesque Médio Tejo region in Portugal will soon welcome innovators, policymakers, and energy transition experts as it hosts the 5th Study Visit of the UNLOCK Project, a European initiative led by Entrance - Hanze University. This three-day event marks a significant milestone in the advancement of regional green hydrogen strategies and SME development.
A New Format, A New Vision
What sets this edition apart is the integration of the UNLOCK Seminar into the International Conference “Médio Tejo: The Vision of an Emerging European Region”, held at the Museu de Arte Contemporânea Charters de Almeida that opened just few days ago in Abrantes. This transformative event on regional innovation and green hydrogen is the result of close cooperation between the Médio Tejo Intermunicipal Community, the MT21 Agency, IrRADIARE, the Municipality of Abrantes, and the UNLOCK Project.
The conference will gather high-level speakers from across Europe, offering a platform to explore how regions like Médio Tejo can position themselves at the forefront of the green hydrogen revolution.
Event Schedule Highlights
Day 1 – May 28 | Tomar
The study visit kicks off with a Steering Committee Meeting, followed by a session focused on policy improvement to support the energy transition and SME competitiveness. Participants will then enjoy a networking dinner to foster informal exchanges.
Day 2 – May 29 | Abrantes
The spotlight shifts to the International Conference in Abrantes, featuring a series of curated sessions on regional innovation and hydrogen economy opportunities.
Distinguished speakers will include:
- Eva Maydell, Member of the European Parliament (via video message)
- Ambroise Fayolle, Vice President of the European Investment Bank (via video message)
- Manuel Jorge Valamatos, President of the Intermunicipal Community of Médio Tejo
A key panel, "H2 Opportunities for SMEs in the Médio Tejo Region", will spotlight real-world strategies for integrating SMEs into the hydrogen value chain. Speakers include:
- Miguel Pombeiro, First Secretary, CIM Médio Tejo
- João Gomes, Vice-President, Municipality of Abrantes
- Manuel Costeira da Rocha, Technology Director, Smart Energy
- Bruno Faustino, Product Manager, PRF – Gas Solutions
- Moderated by Ricardo Beirão, Technical Director, MédioTejo21
A musical interlude by Tuna Académica de Abrantes will provide a cultural touch to the proceedings.
Later sessions will expand on the international and European hydrogen landscape, featuring:
- Pedro Almeida Fernandes, ENEL Green Power & Thermal Generation Portugal
- Dr. Jorge Antunes, CEO, TecnoVeritas
- Edgar Fernandes, Professor, IST/HyLab
- Teresa Villuendas, Fundación Hidrógeno Aragón
- Rolandas Urbonas, Director, Lithuanian Energy Institute
- Dr. Beata Kviatek, Jean Monnet Chair, and UNLOCK Project Leader
- Kamila Waciega, Director of Energy and Infrastructure, Hydrogen Europe
Infrastructure and connectivity challenges will also be explored in a session moderated by Marco Granja (NOS) and Elsa Ferreira Nunes (IrRADIARE), with contributions from:
- Fiammetta Diani, EU Agency for the Space Programme
- Ricardo Henriques, Project Manager, DST – 5G.RURAL
- Miguel Castro Neto, Professor, NOVA IMS
The day will conclude with a celebration of MédioTejo21’s 16th anniversary, followed by closing remarks from:
- João Gomes, Chairman, MédioTejo21
- Elsa Ferreira Nunes, CEO, IrRADIARE
- With a special note from Erwin Siweris, Programme Director, Interreg Europe
- And a closing toast from Manuel Jorge Valamatos
Day 3 – May 30 | Portalegre
Participants will head to the Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre and the VALORIZA Research Centre for site visits and peer review sessions. The program ends with a networking lunch at the CIM Médio Tejo headquarters—a chance to consolidate ideas and deepen collaborations.
Why This Event Matters
This year’s study visit goes beyond typical networking. It serves as a strategic think tank for regional policymakers, business leaders, and researchers to align their visions for a cleaner, smarter energy future. It also reinforces the Médio Tejo region’s ambition to become a European benchmark in green hydrogen innovation and SME empowerment.
By integrating the UNLOCK Seminar into a broader international forum, this edition fosters greater cross-border cooperation and visibility, bringing together stakeholders from regional authorities, European institutions, and industry trailblazers. This event is a testament to the collaborative efforts and shared vision of all involved.
About the UNLOCK Project
The UNLOCK Project supports the development of regional policies that promote innovation and competitiveness among SMEs, especially within the green hydrogen sector. Through study visits, peer reviews, and knowledge sharing, it aims to catalyze policy transformation across Europe.
To learn more, visit the official UNLOCK Project webpage.