In a report published on Monday 17 February, the Council of European Energy Regulators (CEER) has analysed how the ‘gas package’ can be implemented, taking into account issues relating to liquefied natural gas (LNG) and emerging hydrogen terminals.
CEER notes that this legislative package (one directive, one regulation) - adopted in 2024 for the transition of the European gas system to renewable and low-carbon gases (see EUROPE 13455/26) - extends existing laws for LNG terminals to include hydrogen terminals, while also introducing new rules that impact LNG terminals.
According to the Council of Regulators, the package ensures greater transparency and better use of free LNG terminal capacity, “while allowing more flexible gas trade”.
It goes on to say that regulators need to be attentive to the different options offered by hydrogen terminals. “Hydrogen terminals include not only those dealing with liquid hydrogen but also those dealing with ammonia”, the report states.
In addition, both terminals that offload and convert a liquid substance into gaseous hydrogen for injection into the networks, and terminals that perform the opposite operation (liquefaction and onloading of hydrogen) must be taken into account.
“Given the hydrogen production potential within the EU, it must be considered that liquefaction terminals may arise in the future”, the report stresses.
In more detail, the document includes a table summarising all the new provisions concerning LNG and hydrogen terminals in the gas package.
To see the report: https://aeur.eu/f/fjh (Original version in French by Pauline Denys)