New Commission must remain focused on building up hydrogen value chain – Euractiv
There is no net zero scenario which does not include clean and sustainable hydrogen for hard to abate sectors, transport, and energy storage.
With five years to go until 2030, the new EU Commission cannot let the moment go to waste. To reach our climate targets we need decisive action and unity of purpose from policymakers.
There is no net zero scenario which does not include clean and sustainable hydrogen for hard to abate sectors, transport, and energy storage. Therefore, any measures taken on climate action must continue to include support for the scale up of the comparatively young hydrogen sector.
There is plenty of reason for optimism, as President von der Leyen in her previous term championed the progressing of the Clean Transition Dialogues, which has been instrumental in shaping the future of the clean hydrogen value chain and promoting the transition to a low-carbon economy across Europe.
As we continue the important work of implementing the adopted legislation, further work is needed to ensure that the goals we have set for the decarbonisation of Europe remain achievable. This includes facilitating the Clean Industry Deal and its focus on accelerating project implementation and global cooperation on clean energy transition initiatives, which will be vital for securing European leadership in clean hydrogen technologies and innovation.
We must prioritise the removal of artificial hurdles, like those in the delegated act for renewable hydrogen, currently impeding the rapid scaling of clean hydrogen solutions.
Simplifying regulatory processes within the first 100 days of the new Commission would be transformative for the sector. It will not only foster a more favourable environment for clean hydrogen but also ensure that the EU remains competitive on the global stage.
Equally important is the need to increase financial support in the early-stage deployment of clean hydrogen technologies. Supporting first movers, especially in terms of clean hydrogen offtake, and accelerating the development of transportation, distribution, and storage infrastructure will be essential for scaling up production and ensuring supply chain resilience.
Given that this is the final European Commission mandate before the 2030 targets, and with our ultimate goal of 2050 climate neutrality in mind, it is critical that we leverage every opportunity to meet these ambitious goals.
The success of the clean energy transition will not only depend on our internal policies but also on international cooperation.
The simplification and alignment of definitions for clean hydrogen with other geographies, (as reflected in the delegated acts for renewable and low-carbon hydrogen within the EU and in the U.S. 45V framework), will be pivotal in facilitating the global trade of clean molecules.
Harmonising these definitions will help create a clearer pathway for cross-border investments and the scale up of clean hydrogen technologies.
With bold action, a forward-thinking regulatory approach, and strong international alliances, we can achieve a sustainable, secure, and competitive energy future for Europe.
READ the latest news shaping the hydrogen market at Hydrogen Central
New Commission must remain focused on building up hydrogen value chain – Euractiv, source
