From 7 to 11 July 2025, the Green Hydrogen Tunisia Camp – From Theory to Action brought together 28 brilliant minds from across the MENA region and Europe for a week of hands-on learning, collaboration, and innovation. Held at the École Polytechnique de Tunisie, this third edition of the Camp was organised by the EU-funded MED-GEM Network, GIZ Tunisia (H2Vert.TUN), the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy, and leading Tunisian institutions ENIT and ENPT, with media support from EU Neighbours South.

The first three days immersed participants in a dynamic summer school covering hydrogen production technologies, Power-to-X value chains, regulatory frameworks, and sustainability modelling. Expert-led sessions were delivered by leading specialists, including Frank Wouters (MED-GEM), Prof. Chiheb Bouden (ENIT), and Dr. Mustapha Taoumi (MED-GEM).

But it was on 9 July that the camp truly shifted gears.

In a 48-hour hackathon, seven teams were challenged to design a scalable Green Hydrogen Valley adapted to the MENA region. Teams hustled day and night with some barely sleeping, sharing lunch boxes and building last-minute pitches in an electric atmosphere that fused pressure with passion. With over half the participants being women engineers, the event stood out as a rare and empowering showcase of female talent in science and energy.

The winning team, Baraka, proposed a large-scale hydrogen valley in Algeria built on advanced desalination, AI tools, and inclusive community engagement. Their bold vision targets the European market while promising local benefits in training and energy access. “The organisers did great and it was an amazing experience,” said Eric, one of the team members. “Honestly, you learn so much in just a few days. I was impressed by how much I learned.”

Nour, also part of the winning team, highlighted the human connection forged through the experience. “I am thankful for the opportunity, it has truly been a pleasure. It was great meeting fellow engineers who are just as committed to renewable energy from engineering schools across Tunisia and the world as well.”

The other teams also impressed with their creativity and depth. From Hydrotrade Valley‘s circular economy approach in Gabès to H2 Rise’s proposal in Dakhla, Morocco, with potential for over 50,000 jobs, and Smart ZH2 Hub’s AI-driven model in Zarzis, the projects demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of regional challenges and opportunities. Another standout idea came from Hybourg, which imagined repurposing an abandoned industrial zone in Menzel Bourguiba, Tunisia into a Dunkirk-inspired hydrogen hub near a steel factory and port. Meanwhile, Hydrogen One and Methanova (featuring Palestinian and Tunisian participants) emphasised energy security, cross-border collaboration, and export strategies grounded in sustainability and circular economy.

As the camp wrapped up, it was clear that these young engineers are not just dreaming of a greener future. They’re already building it. And with initiatives like the Green Hydrogen Tunisia Camp, supported by the European Union and its partners, the region’s transition to clean energy has no shortage of talent to lead the way.