Poland's Hydrogen Industry Boost: Subsidies, Legislation, and EU Negotiations
Key Ideas
- The Polish Government is implementing subsidies and new laws to enhance the country's hydrogen industry, including a PLN 2.7bn electrolyser manufacturing subsidy programme.
- Negotiations with the EU aim to secure additional funds from the European Hydrogen Bank, potentially leading to a national-level auction similar to Germany's scheme.
- Proposed new legislation will define and regulate low-carbon and renewable hydrogen, aiming to reduce investment uncertainty and boost industry growth.
- These initiatives align with the EU's gas and hydrogen market package, setting common rules for renewable gases and natural gas across the EU market.
The Polish Government is proactively bolstering its hydrogen industry through a series of strategic measures. Plans include introducing a significant PLN 2.7bn subsidy programme for electrolyser manufacturing, supported by the BGK bank, with aims to stimulate industry growth. Negotiations with the European Hydrogen Bank for additional funding could pave the way for a national auction system akin to Germany's model. Furthermore, the government intends to overhaul existing legislation to provide clarity and support to the hydrogen sector, addressing the absence of specific regulations for hydrogen in current Polish law. The proposed new act will define and differentiate between low-carbon and renewable hydrogen, aligning with EU standards, and facilitate market operations across various sectors. These efforts demonstrate a positive outlook towards hydrogen within Poland, with a clear focus on driving industry development and competitiveness. Minister Paulina Henning-Kloska's intention to move from 'words to action' reflects a proactive stance towards realizing the potential of hydrogen within the country's energy landscape.