Planting the Seeds of a Greener Future with Hydrogen in Europe
Key Ideas
  • Europe has successfully invested in wind and solar power but recognizes the importance of hydrogen in decarbonization across various sectors.
  • Hydrogen is seen as a complement to electrification, with examples of successful projects in steelmaking, transportation, and energy storage in Sweden, France, and Italy.
  • Despite a slow start, Europe aims to lead the global market in renewable hydrogen production, emphasizing the need for increased investment and support.
  • Efforts at both the European and national levels, such as the European Hydrogen Bank auctions and IPCEI program, are crucial in accelerating the development of the hydrogen market in Europe.
The article emphasizes the crucial role of hydrogen in the energy transition towards a greener future in Europe. While Europe has made significant investments in wind and solar power, the potential of hydrogen in decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors and enabling long-haul transportation is highlighted. The versatility of hydrogen as an energy carrier for steel production, transportation fuels, energy storage, and grid balancing is discussed, showcasing its vast potential. Success stories in Europe, such as the H2 Green Steel project in Sweden and initiatives in France and Italy, demonstrate the practical applications of hydrogen across industries. The article stresses the need for Europe to accelerate its efforts in developing the hydrogen market to avoid lagging behind global competitors, particularly in light of the slow progress in Final Investment Decisions (FID) for hydrogen projects. Despite challenges such as the cost of renewable hydrogen production and global competition, Europe is urged to invest in clean hydrogen now to secure long-term benefits. Initiatives like the European Hydrogen Bank auctions and the IPCEI program are highlighted as positive steps towards supporting hydrogen production projects. The article calls for increased support at both the European and national levels to drive the hydrogen market forward, mentioning the importance of regulatory frameworks and funding mechanisms. By investing in hydrogen now, Europe aims to establish itself as a leader in clean technology, creating new jobs, enhancing decarbonization efforts, and improving global competitiveness for the future.
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.

© 2025 AdvanceH2, LLC. All rights reserved.