15/12/23 (Agence Europe) – On Friday 15 December, the European Commission announced that it had authorised a €140 million Portuguese scheme to support the production of “renewable” hydrogen and biomethane. The scheme was notified under the Temporary Framework for State Aid adopted by the Commission on 9 March 2023 (see EUROPE 13138/1) and amended on 20 November (see EUROPE 13296/18). The aid will take the form of a variable premium under a two-way contract for difference for a period of 10 years. It would be awarded following a competitive tender procedure. Producers of renewable hydrogen and producers of biomethane will compete separately. Beneficiaries will also be selected on the basis of the strike price per MWh of hydrogen or biomethane offered. (EV)