HYVOLUTION is the acronym of an Integrated Project "Non-thermal production of pure hydrogen from biomass" which has been granted in the Sixth EU Framework Programme on Research, Technological Development and Demonstration, Priority 6.1.ii, Sustainable Energy Systems. The aim of HYVOLUTION: "Development of a blue-print for an industrial bioprocess for decentral hydrogen production from locally produced biomass" adds to the number and diversity of H-2 production routes giving greater security of supply at the local and regional level. Moreover, this IP contributes a complementary strategy to fulfil the increased demand for renewable hydrogen expected in the transition to the Hydrogen Economy. The novel approach in HYVOLUTION is based on a combined bioprocess employing thermophilic and phototrophic bacteria, to provide the highest hydrogen production efficiency in small-scale, cost-effective industries. In HYVOLUTION, I I EU countries, Turkey and Russia are represented to assemble the critical mass needed to make a breakthrough in cost-effectiveness. (c) 2006 International Association for Hydrogen Energy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.