European Hydrogen Week
Leaders of Europe’s hydrogen industry gathered in Brussels this week for European Hydrogen Week. Their message was clear: hydrogen is Europe’s path to resilience and energy autonomy.
The event strongly underlined the importance of a resilience strategy built on hydrogen.
Key takeaways were consistent:
- Despite challenges, the numbers show hydrogen is advancing across Europe, with growing investments and strong projects moving forward.
- Europe still has a unique opportunity to lead in hydrogen demand and innovation.
- Simplification of rules, investment support, and the creation of lead markets are essential.
At the same time, calls to the European Commission are becoming louder – “simplify the rules and requirements”!
Green hydrogen projects are being delayed or cancelled, while electrolyzer manufacturers warn of survival challenges. Eight leading companies have addressed a letter to the Commission, stressing the sector is in immediate danger.
Meanwhile, action is being taken: the German government has adopted the draft Hydrogen Acceleration Act, aiming to fast-track hydrogen infrastructure through simplified permitting, procurement, and approval procedures.
The law grants hydrogen projects “overriding public interest” status until 2045, ensuring priority in approval processes. It covers the full hydrogen value chain – from production, import and storage to transport, pipelines, and synthetic fuels. Measures include binding deadlines, digitalization, and simplified rules, expected to accelerate decarbonization projects in industry, shipping, and aviation. The draft will now be debated in the Bundestag and Bundesrat.
