European Commission announces terms for second hydrogen bank auction
Key Ideas
  • The European Commission has released the final terms and conditions for the second auction through the Innovation Fund to support renewable hydrogen producers in the European Economic Area.
  • Up to €1.2 billion in financial support will be awarded to successful bidders over a maximum of ten years, aiming to bridge the gap between production costs and market prices.
  • New resilience requirements, security of supply criteria, and a dedicated budget for maritime sector projects are among the key features of the auction's terms and conditions.
  • The EC is also seeking feedback on a draft delegated act clarifying the methodology for evaluating emission savings of low-carbon hydrogen and fuels.
The European Commission has unveiled the final terms and conditions for its second auction aimed at supporting renewable hydrogen production within the European Economic Area through the Innovation Fund. This auction, a significant component of the European Hydrogen Bank, will offer financial assistance of up to €1.2 billion to eligible producers over a span of ten years. The primary objective is to provide a fixed premium per kilogram of renewable hydrogen produced to help offset production costs and ensure competitiveness in the market. The terms and conditions for the auction include new resilience requirements, an emphasis on achieving security of supply, and support for Europe's industrial leadership. Projects will be scrutinized based on their contribution to essential goods supply and competitiveness. Moreover, the auction features higher maturity level prerequisites, a revised price ceiling, and a special budget allocation of €200 million for projects catering to the maritime sector. This initiative builds on the success of the first auction launched in 2023, which witnessed a significant number of eligible proposals. In tandem, the European Commission is seeking feedback on a draft delegated act concerning the evaluation methodology for emission savings of low-carbon hydrogen and fuels. This legislative step aligns with the EU's commitment to promoting renewable energy sources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The feedback obtained will be crucial in finalizing the delegated act, which, once approved by the European Parliament and Council of Ministers, will further enhance the regulatory framework for sustainable energy transition.
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