EU's Decarbonised Gases and Hydrogen Package: Boosting Market Access and Consumer Protection
Key Ideas
  • Revised EU legislation will enhance market and infrastructure access for renewable and low-carbon gases, including hydrogen, reducing emissions in the energy sector.
  • Common quality standards for gas among Member States will facilitate cross-border trade, with transmission operators mandated to accept gas with up to 2% hydrogen content.
  • Package outlines a phased approach to phase out fossil gas, ensuring renewable and low-carbon gases play a significant role in achieving the EU's climate objectives by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050.
  • Consumers will benefit from clearer information on contracts and bills, easier supplier switching, and enhanced protection measures, promoting the transition to more sustainable heating solutions.
The revised gas market regulation and directive in the EU aim to boost the market access for renewable and low-carbon gases, particularly hydrogen, and improve infrastructure for their integration. By allowing discounts on cross-border and injection tariffs for cleaner gases, national regulatory authorities can make it more cost-effective for these gases to flow through the existing gas grid. Common quality standards will prevent market segmentation, with transmission operators required to accept gas with up to 2% hydrogen content. The package also sets a clear timeline for the gradual phase-out of fossil gas by 2049, encouraging the use of cleaner alternatives domestically. Consumer protection is strengthened with clearer information, easier supplier switching, and measures to shield consumers from high prices during gas price crises. The legislation also supports the development of hydrogen infrastructure by streamlining network planning, encouraging cross-border coordination, and establishing a transparent process for infrastructure needs assessment at both national and EU levels. ENNOH, a new association, will oversee the EU-wide Ten-Year Network Development Plan for hydrogen, promoting dedicated infrastructure aligned with national plans and ensuring cost-efficient development. Overall, the package aims to facilitate the transition to a more sustainable energy system while ensuring consumer protection and enhancing market access for renewable and low-carbon gases, including hydrogen.
ADVANCEH2

Our vision is to be the world's leading online platform for advancing the use of hydrogen as a critical piece needed to deliver net-zero initiatives and the promise of a clean H2 energy future.

© 2024 AdvanceH2, LLC. All rights reserved.