EU Directive Sets Path for Sustainable Energy Infrastructure Growth
Key Ideas
- European Commission adopts list of Projects of Common Interest (PCIs) and Projects of Mutual Interest (PMIs) to support European Green Deal implementation.
- Directive (EU) 2024/1788 establishes common rules for renewable and natural gases, including hydrogen, driving towards climate neutrality by 2050.
- Projects under the Directive receive priority status, streamlined permitting, and financial assistance from EU programs, encouraging rapid implementation.
- Directive outlines rules for market design, certification, market access, consumer rights, and obligations for gas and hydrogen operators for a competitive and sustainable energy market.
On November 28, 2023, the European Commission (EC) adopted the first list of Projects of Common Interest (PCIs) and Projects of Mutual Interest (PMIs), including 65 hydrogen projects, to support the implementation of the European Green Deal. The Directive (EU) 2024/1788, published on July 15, 2024, establishes common rules for renewable and natural gases, focusing on hydrogen to achieve the EU's climate neutrality target by 2050. The Directive provides priority status, streamlined permitting, and financial assistance for projects to drive rapid implementation. It also sets out rules for market design, certification, market access, consumer rights, and operators' obligations to create competitive and sustainable energy markets. The EC is working with project promoters and Member States to support the projects' swift execution, aligning with the EU's Action Plan for Grids and broader hydrogen and decarbonized gas markets package.