The project aims in the development of a set of actions in the Greek-Bulgarian border region, which are targeted towards the promotion of research efforts, public awareness and the emergence of economic activities, related to the upcoming Hydrogen Economy. The project includes: (a) the establishment of the HYDECON research network between the Chemical Process Engineering Research Institute (CRERI), located in Thessaloniki and the Department of Chemistry of the South-West University of Blagoevgrad (SWU). Both organizations have internationally recognized research activities on hydrogen. CPERI is working on new methods for renewable hydrogen production, while the University of Blagoevgrad has excellent research records in the area of Fuel Cells for hydrogen Utilization. By the establishment of the network the 2 organizations can join their efforts in the directions of more integrated research, provision of better education to their undergraduate and graduate students and participation in EU research projects (b) Public demonstration actions, aiming to increase public awareness about the use of Hydrogen as a new, environmentally friendly fuel, which will take place in both countries. Hydrogen-powered products that are already in use today, like Fuel Cell Scooters and Renewable Hydrogen Production Units will be purchased and demonstrated to the public during local specially organized festivals. (c) Student contests about hydrogen technologies, aiming in exciting the interest of young people and getting them involved into new, state of the art scientific subjects. Todays students are the generation that will be called to further improve the new technology and apply it, either as users or as businessmen (d) Feasibility Study for hydrogen related business opportunities in the Greece – Bulgaria border region. The study which will explore the feasibility of starting business in the H2 field, will be presented before interested audiences in Thessaloniki and Blagoevgrad. The project consortium is comprised of 4 partners, 2 from Greece and 2 from Bulgaria. The two academic partners, CPERI (Greece) and SWU (Bulgaria), will lead the project activities and will provide the scientific basis. The Municipality of Thermi (Greece) will contribute its experience in the organization of festivities for the greater public while being the first Greek Municipality that uses a Hydrogen Fuelled vehicle for municipal service. The ECO Energy Foundation, aiming at promotion and popularization of youth initiatives and creativity in the field of renewable energy systems will implement many of the public oriented activities in Bulgaria and will be the principal organizer of the student contests. Expected Results: The direct and immediate effects of the project can be ranked in the following categories:a. research related resultsResearch and academia will have a significant impact on the technology development and infrastructure requirements for new hydrogen technologies. The HYDECON network that will be created during the project will intensify the research potential in the cross border region. The acquaintance between the research personnel of the 2 institutions that will be achieved during the exchange visits will help them join their efforts in the directions of more integrated research, provision of better education to their undergraduate and graduate students and participation in EU research projects.b. Society related results – public awareness, youth initiatives and creativityPeople will become familiar with this new hydrogen technology and its potential applications. They will stop being afraid of it and will be more willing to use it.Especially young people and students will be actively involved in hydrogen technologies by participating in the students contests. They are the next generation that will use these technologies and they will be prepared and informed.c. business oriented resultsHydrogen technologies have the potential to offer enhanced sustainability benefits in terms of cost-competitiveness, high energy efficiency and flexible reliance on diverse primary energy resources. Hydrogen business opportunities in the future will be many. From product to production to service to transportation and distribution, many business opportunities will exist in the H2 field. The Business community of the cross border region will be aware of the Hydrogen Technology related opportunities that wiil be presented to them during the project.