The European Commission has published the seventh list of Projects of Common Interest (PCIs), where hydrogen features more prominently than ever, alongside electricity and CO2 infrastructure. The list includes a diverse range of hydrogen-related initiatives – from pipelines and underground storage facilities to import terminals and projects for hydrogen production via electrolysis.
Hydrogen Europe highlights that 100 hydrogen projects were approved out of 199 applications, and notes that the sharp increase in storage-related projects compared to previous PCI rounds reflects the growing focus on hydrogen’s role in ensuring energy security and system flexibility. Hydrogen Europe also points out the persistent geographical imbalance, with most selected projects located in Western Europe.
The next step is the submission of the PCI list to the European Parliament and the Council of the EU, both of which have two months to either endorse or reject the list – without the possibility to amend it.
The inclusion of a substantial number of hydrogen projects demonstrates the EU’s continued commitment to building the so-called European Hydrogen Backbone, with PCI-status projects benefiting from accelerated permitting procedures and potential funding under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).
