
SURFER is a large-scale demonstration project aiming to integrate renewable hydrogen production into Europe’s energy system by using ‘flexible’ electrolysis. The project aims to validate three electrolyser technologies (PEMEL, AEL, SOEL) across sites in France, Germany, and Norway. Electrolysers should act as dynamic energy buffers to stabilise power grids by producing hydrogen when electricity generation is maximum, thus valorising waste heat, and supporting weak or isolated grids. Operations will represent world-first demonstrations of grid services delivered by electrolysis plants.
Supported by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, SURFER aims to reduce the cost of renewable hydrogen, enhance grid resilience, and create new revenue streams for electrolysis plants by 2027. The project supports Europe’s energy transition by improving renewable integration, energy security, and decarbonisation.
- Beneficiaries
Coordinator: Sintef AS
Participants: Atmen Solutions GmbH - Commissariat a l energie atomique et aux energies alternatives - Dnv AS - Dnv netherlands BV - Energy pool developpement SAS - FFraunhofer gesellschaft zur forderung der angewandten forschung EV - Fundacion tecnalia research & innovation - Genvia - Lhyfe - Nidec asi SAS - Rte reseau de transport d'electricite - Sintef energi AS - Varanger krafthydrogen AS
- Project Locations
France - Germany - Norway
- EU funding
€6 million
- Funding source
Other STEP stories
FiBrane is a groundbreaking method for efficiently transforming seawater into ultrapure water (UPW) needed for offshore green hydrogen production.

Greensand Future is a medium-scale carbon capture and storage (CCS) project aiming to store 300,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year in a former oilfield to support the EU’s net-zero goals.

- Highlighted
HiWhyV aims to establish Sweden’s first large-scale hydrogen valley by linking two regional hubs. It will provide a blueprint for future hydrogen valleys across the EU.