European Hydrogen Import Infrastructure Meets Deadline at Rotterdam Port Essential for Achieving Repowereu Goals on Schedule
The European Union is making significant strides in the development of the hydrogen economy. The focus is on harnessing both existing private hydrogen pipeline networks and developing new industrial hydrogen networks.
In a joint appeal issued on February 2, 2023, several European companies called upon policymakers to promote technology-neutral regulations for building hydrogen import infrastructure in ports. While the specific names of these companies and the detailed demands in this appeal are not yet publicly available, the call for action underscores the growing importance of hydrogen in the EU's energy transition.
The EU is adopting a technology-neutral approach to promote hydrogen innovation, aiming to foster competition and ensure the most effective and efficient solutions are developed. Financing instruments for hydrogen infrastructure and demand creation are being developed to support this endeavour.
The timeline for meeting the REPowerEU targets, which aim to reduce the EU's reliance on Russian fossil fuels, is also February 2, 2023. The support of hydrogen import infrastructure is considered crucial to meet these targets.
Member States have flexibility in applying third-party access for hydrogen terminals, ensuring a level playing field for various stakeholders. Intra-EU maritime hydrogen corridors are acknowledged as important in the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) and Trans-European Energy Networks (TEN-E), further emphasising the EU's commitment to a comprehensive hydrogen strategy.
The development of the hydrogen economy is a key step towards a more sustainable and secure energy future for the European Union. As the details of this ambitious plan unfold, it is clear that the EU is committed to leading the way in hydrogen innovation.
