EU Nations Stuck in Disagreement Regarding 'Low-Carbon' Hydrogen during EU Transformation
The European Union (EU) is aiming for a significant shift towards clean technology, with a headline target for clean technology's share of energy consumption to reach 45% by the end of the decade. This ambitious goal is part of the EU's broader aim to slash emissions by 55% during the same period, making hydrogen a major pillar in its emissions reduction efforts.
However, the debate over hydrogen's role in the EU transition continues to be a stumbling block in discussions about boosting renewable energy in the bloc. The issue of low-carbon hydrogen, including nuclear and gas with carbon capture, continues to divide key member states, particularly France and Germany.
France, along with several other EU member states, has written an open letter to the European Commission, urging the inclusion of hydrogen made by "low carbon" technologies in the EU's Renewable Energy Directive. The letter states that limiting hydrogen production to renewable sources alone would slow down the development of the hydrogen economy.
The same group of countries, including Romania, Bulgaria, Poland, Slovenia, Croatia, Slovakia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic, have expressed concerns that opposing "low-carbon" hydrogen could jeopardize the goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2050.
The EU is aiming to produce 10 million tons of green hydrogen by 2030, with the same amount planned to be imported from abroad. The publication of rules classifying renewable hydrogen could help the two sides reach an agreement, according to a senior official.
The push for a deal on the directive is influenced by the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, as the EU seeks to reduce its reliance on fossil fuel imports. However, Germany is opposing the efforts to expand sources of hydrogen, resulting in a deadlock in discussions.
The term "low carbon" includes hydrogen produced by nuclear and gas with emissions captured, in addition to renewable energy. The exact list of EU countries advocating for the inclusion of these technologies is not explicitly specified, but it is known that several EU countries supporting low-carbon hydrogen production technologies have advocated for such inclusion to the Commission.
As the EU strives to reach carbon neutrality by the middle of the century, the debate over hydrogen and its sources continues to shape the bloc's renewable energy landscape. The EU is aiming to reach a deal on the directive before the summer, with hopes that a compromise can be reached to accelerate the transition to cleaner energy sources.
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