EU Approves Millions in State Aid for Low-Carbon Hydrogen Technology Development
Key Ideas
  • EU competition officials approved a substantial amount of state aid for 11 companies, including Airbus, BMW, and Michelin, to develop low-carbon hydrogen technology.
  • The Hy2Move project aims to attract private sector investment for projects like developing powerful fuel cells for ships and trains and lightweight hydrogen tanks for aviation fuel.
  • The EU's focus on hydrogen as a solution for decarbonisation has raised concerns about meeting production targets and distinguishing genuinely low-carbon hydrogen from 'blue' hydrogen made from natural gas.
  • Despite doubts and discussions about 'hydrogen hype', the approval of state subsidies totaling €18.9bn reflects a significant commitment to advancing green hydrogen technology in Europe.
The European Commission has given the green light for a substantial amount of state aid to be allocated to 11 companies, including major players like Airbus, BMW, and Michelin, to spearhead the development of low-carbon hydrogen technology. The initiative, known as the Hy2Move project, is a joint effort by seven European countries with the aim of encouraging private sector investment in projects focused on enhancing transport fuels. These projects include the development of powerful fuel cells suitable for use in ships and trains, as well as lightweight hydrogen tanks designed for safe storage of the gas for aviation fuel. The approval of this state aid marks the fourth green hydrogen-related 'Important Project of Common European Interest' (IPCEI) and underscores a total commitment of €18.9bn in state subsidies. Margrethe Vestager, the European Commission vice-president for competition policy, emphasized the importance of hydrogen in decarbonizing transport, highlighting the risks associated with individual states or companies taking on such investments alone. Despite the positive outlook, there are concerns about the ability to meet the 2030 production target of 10 million tonnes of green hydrogen. Additionally, discussions have surfaced about the need for clear criteria to differentiate 'low-carbon hydrogen' from 'blue' hydrogen derived from natural gas, ensuring that the former truly contributes to climate-friendly practices. The approval of such substantial state aid demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing green hydrogen technology despite the challenges and uncertainties surrounding the hydrogen industry's growth and impact in the coming years.
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