Draghi Report Confirms Hydrogen as a Key Technology for European competitiveness

Sep 12, 2024

Mario Draghi report
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The Draghi Report on the future of European competitiveness, released on Monday, September 9, underscores the pivotal role of hydrogen in advancing the EU’s green transition and sustaining its industrial leadership. It also stresses the importance of public-private partnerships in accelerating technology development. A key concept within the report is the focus on hydrogen valleys, which are integral to the Clean Hydrogen Partnership’s strategic research and innovation agenda, acting as catalysts for regional growth.

Key recommendations related to hydrogen:

  1. Scaling Up Hydrogen Production
    The report advocates for significant investment in green hydrogen production, particularly through electrolysis powered by renewable energy. Expanding this sector is essential for the EU to achieve its sustainability goals.
  2. Hydrogen Infrastructure
    Development Building a strong hydrogen infrastructure is identified as a top priority. This includes the construction of pipelines, storage facilities, and cross-border networks to enable efficient hydrogen trade across Europe and beyond. The objective is to support hydrogen adoption in various sectors, such as transportation, energy, and industry.
  3. Regulatory and Financial Support
    The report calls for favorable regulatory frameworks and financial incentives to drive hydrogen innovation and adoption. Simplifying permitting processes and establishing clear standards for hydrogen production and usage are also emphasized as necessary steps to foster growth in this field.
  4. Promoting Collaboration and Innovation
    The report highlights the need for collaboration between the public and private sectors to fast-track the development of hydrogen technology. It encourages the EU to back research initiatives that could lead to advancements in hydrogen storage, efficiency, and distribution. Furthermore, the report emphasizes regional participation, urging the EU to involve more cities and regions in the hydrogen economy, leveraging ongoing initiatives.

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