Defining the Future: The EU's Last Hurdle to Set Standards for Low-Carbon Hydrogen
Key Ideas
- The EU aims to define low-carbon hydrogen to advance its hydrogen economy and decarbonize industries, setting ambitious targets for renewable hydrogen uptake.
- Challenges lie in distinguishing low-carbon from high-emission hydrogen sources like blue hydrogen, emphasizing the need for stringent emission calculations and accountability.
- Establishing a clean hydrogen definition based on renewable electricity could pave the way for achieving over 90% emissions savings and aligning with net-zero goals by 2050.
- Stricter criteria for low-carbon hydrogen production, including transparent energy sourcing, emissions verification, and CCS evaluation, can ensure a sustainable hydrogen industry with reduced emissions and fair competition.
Following the EU elections and amidst energy transition discussions, the focus now shifts to defining low-carbon hydrogen. Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson plans to propose a definition by year-end. The EU's significant investments in a hydrogen economy signal a commitment to decarbonizing industries and maintaining global competitiveness. However, recent US clean energy subsidies have challenged the EU's leadership position. The upcoming definition will determine the fate of EU hydrogen in the energy transition and industrial competitiveness. It will primarily address blue hydrogen, produced from natural gas with carbon capture and storage, posing emission risks due to methane and hydrogen leakage. The necessity for a renewable hydrogen foundation, with stringent emission thresholds, is emphasized for achieving substantial emissions reductions and aligning with net-zero goals by 2050. The definition must mandate clean energy inputs, emissions accountability, and CCS performance evaluation, ensuring a transparent and low-emission hydrogen supply chain. Meeting these criteria will be challenging but essential for a sustainable hydrogen industry and fair competition. The article calls for the current Commission to seize this opportunity to establish a strong legacy in the hydrogen sector.