The University of Patras, a long-standing leader in research and innovation across Greece and Europe, is not only a key academic partner in LH2CRAFT — it is also a driver of engineering excellence with real-world impact on hydrogen technologies.
At the heart of this contribution is the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics, a powerhouse of knowledge and applied research in the fields of mechanical systems, materials and aeronautical engineering, and sustainability innovation. The department has a proven track record of success in high-profile research initiatives, including numerous Horizon Europe projects, as well as partnerships under Clean Aviation, the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, and several national and industrial programmes.
Their technical expertise has made them an indispensable contributor to LH2CRAFT’s cross-sectoral mission to revolutionize hydrogen storage, insulation, and lifecycle sustainability in the maritime domain.
As part of LH2CRAFT, the University of Patras is leading or participating in several cutting-edge activities, including:
- Developing a framework for the sustainability assessment of membrane tanks, addressing key environmental indicators and performance criteria.
- Systematically exploring innovative insulation solutions, through collaboration with industrial and research partners beyond the maritime sector.
- Designing a large-scale cryostat for membrane panel testing — a first-of-its-kind infrastructure to evaluate insulation materials under realistic cryogenic conditions.
- Contributing to the creation of a circularity framework, addressing the end-of-life phase of membrane tank systems to support recycling, reuse, and material traceability.
- Coordinating the Hydrogen Knowledge Hub, a central platform for knowledge sharing, training, and stakeholder engagement across the hydrogen value chain.
These contributions strengthen LH2CRAFT’s core mission: to accelerate hydrogen technology uptake across maritime and energy sectors by combining engineering innovation, systems thinking, and lifecycle responsibility.
The recognition of the University’s environmental leadership is further underscored by their #2 ranking among Greek universities in the 2025 QS World University Rankings: Sustainability — a testament to their commitment to transformative research that benefits people and planet alike.
By bridging theory and practice, and by fostering collaboration across disciplines and industries, the University of Patras continues to lead the charge toward a decarbonised and resilient future through continuous innovation.
