The European Hydrogen Bank’s second auction for renewable hydrogen production garnered significant attention, receiving 61 bids from projects across 11 countries in the European Economic Area. Notably, eight bids focused on the maritime sector. The total grant support requested exceeded €4.8 billion, surpassing the available budget of €1.2 billion from the Innovation Fund. These projects collectively target an electrolyser capacity of 6.3 Gigawatts, with an estimated production of 7.3 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen over a decade, contributing to the EU's renewable hydrogen production goals. Wopke Hoekstra praised the high number of bids, emphasizing the Innovation Fund's role in industrial decarbonization and enhancing Europe's competitiveness. Producers bid for a fixed premium per kilogram of renewable hydrogen produced, filling the cost-price gap to make clean hydrogen more economically viable. The auction's success has spurred Spain, Lithuania, and Austria to participate and provide up to €836 million in national funds, showcasing the initiative's potential to mobilize additional support. The evaluation of bids is ongoing, with successful applicants set to sign Grant Agreements by November 2025. The European Hydrogen Bank aims to facilitate the EU's renewable hydrogen production, support private investments, and connect supply with consumers, crucial for achieving the EU's 2030 hydrogen targets. The initiative also offers insights into project costs, competition for support, and market prices. Overall, the overwhelming response to the auction highlights the growing interest in clean hydrogen and its pivotal role in Europe's transition to climate neutrality and sustainable industrial practices. The next steps involve finalizing project evaluations and preparing for future auctions to further drive innovation and investment in renewable technologies.