News

A pioneering project combining wave energy utilization and green hydrogen production is being developed in the Port of Žigljen on the island of Pag (Novalja, Croatia).

Led by the Croatian company Leonitus, the initiative is recognized as Europe’s first wave-to-hydrogen project within the North Adriatic Clean Hydrogen Investment Platform (NACHIP).

The project introduces an innovative technological solution that converts the kinetic energy of sea waves into compressed air and then into green hydrogen.

The system is based on submerged absorbers and dissipators installed below sea level, with a planned capacity of approximately 1 MW and the ability to store energy year-round, particularly for winter demand.

A special feature of the project is its multifunctional breakwater, which not only generates energy but also protects the coastline from erosion, integrates solar energy production, and supports mariculture activities such as shellfish farming.

The entire system has been designed according to circular economy principles, using recyclable materials and generating no waste. The produced energy and distilled water will serve the port and the local community.

The investment is estimated at approximately EUR 5.4 million and forms part of the wider European NACHIP programme, which promotes the development of hydrogen technologies in the North Adriatic region.

The programme brings together 12 partners from Slovenia, Croatia, and the Italian region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, and is coordinated by the Jožef Stefan Institute.

The project goals go beyond technological demonstration. Key expected impacts include reducing dependence on fossil fuels in coastal tourism and maritime sectors, strengthening the local economy, creating new jobs in green technologies, and establishing a model that could be replicated in other Mediterranean regions.

This initiative represents an important step toward the development of sustainable energy systems and the hydrogen economy in the region, while reinforcing the North Adriatic’s role as one of Europe’s leading areas in the transition to a low-carbon future.

Source of content and photo:
https://www.nachip.eu/leonitus-launches-europes-first-wave-to-hydrogen-project-in-novalja/