In a joint declaration published on Monday 15 June on the website of the Permanent Representation of the Netherlands to the European Union, the energy ministers of seven European countries (Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Belgium) have affirmed their commitment to strengthen their cooperation in the hydrogen sector.
In order to contribute to the decarbonisation of the energy system, the seven ministers emphasise that the hydrogen will be produced in a way that reduces CO2 emissions, with an emphasis on hydrogen produced from renewable energy.
This includes a commitment to design a common long-term vision for 100% renewable hydrogen, identify possible targets for 2030 and beyond, and assess the possibility of coordinated definitions and certification or labelling for renewable and decarbonised hydrogen with regard to origin and sustainability, in order to enable the cross-border hydrogen trade.
The seven countries acknowledge the need to put energy efficiency first and increase the direct electrification across all sectors, where technically feasible and cost-effective, but also call on the European Commission to implement a series of measures to support hydrogen development.
In particular, they call on the Commission to develop a roadmap with objectives for hydrogen produced in a CO2 reducing manner by 2030 and beyond, with particular emphasis on renewable hydrogen, and taking into account the respective priorities set out by EU Member States.
They would also like to see a timely action plan presented, followed by legislative proposals to stimulate a liquid market for hydrogen in the next few years, with account taken of the carbon footprint involved in transporting hydrogen.
The document states that the Commission should also promote the uptake of infrastructure projects for hydrogen, including in the upcoming revision of the EU's Trans-European Energy Network Regulation (TEN-E – 347/2013).
The seven signatory countries also call for an assessment of the implications of creating pure hydrogen grids, for example through repurposing of existing gas infrastructure, with account taken of the costs related to adapting and upgrading infrastructure.
Finally, they call on the Commission to mobilise increased financing options, stimulate investment at European and national level and increase support for hydrogen innovation and research, including through the Sustainable Europe Investment Plan, the Structural Funds, the European Investment Bank, the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and Horizon Europe.
Note that this joint statement comes a few weeks before the presentation of the European Commission's hydrogen strategy (see EUROPE 12496/15). Expected for 24 June, this strategy should finally be presented on 8 July.
To read the statement, go to: https://bit.ly/37wWCFp (Original version in French by Damien Genicot)