The European Commission has approved two significant State aid schemes to ramp up renewable hydrogen production in Austria and Lithuania with a combined funding of €436m. These initiatives are in line with the EU's Clean Industrial Deal, the REPowerEU Plan, and the EU Hydrogen Strategy. The goal is to reduce Europe's dependence on Russian fossil fuels, enhance industrial competitiveness, and achieve the EU's target of 20 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen by 2030. The projects will be facilitated through the European Hydrogen Bank's 'Auctions-as-a-Service' tool. Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just, and Competitive Transition, highlighted the importance of these schemes in boosting renewable hydrogen development and reducing costs. The European Hydrogen Bank, funded through the EU Emissions Trading System, aims to bridge the investment gap in renewable hydrogen production. The State aid schemes in Austria and Lithuania will support the production of 125,000 tonnes of renewable hydrogen, contributing significantly to carbon emission reduction. The financial aid distribution will be through a competitive bidding process overseen by CINEA to ensure transparency and efficiency. This milestone signifies Europe's progress towards a self-sufficient, green hydrogen economy, reinforcing its position in the global renewable hydrogen market.