Driving Sustainable Infrastructure: The Hydrogen Economy Conference in Estonia
Key Ideas
- Low-carbon hydrogen plays a pivotal role in the energy transition, requiring infrastructure and financing for optimal development.
- The conference in Pärnu, Estonia, focused on strategic actions for sustainable hydrogen infrastructure and financing, emphasizing its importance in green transport.
- EU and national policymakers are urged to facilitate cooperation and best practices to ensure a financially viable and environmentally sustainable future for the hydrogen sector.
- Key stakeholders emphasized the need for extensive dialogue, partnerships, and public support to advance the hydrogen economy effectively.
The conference 'Offshore Power for E-Fuels: Boosting the New Hydrogen Economy' held in Pärnu, Estonia, highlighted the crucial role of low-carbon hydrogen in the energy transition. Key stakeholders came together to discuss strategic actions for developing sustainable infrastructure and financing for hydrogen and its derivatives, focusing on green transportation. Sustainable hydrogen, particularly in the transportation sector and hard-to-abate industries, is essential for decarbonization. Synthetic e-fuels, created using renewable sources, offer a low carbon footprint and are vital for reducing emissions in long-distance freight, marine, and air transport. The conference emphasized the need for EU and national policymakers to provide means for effective implementation, promoting cooperation among Member States and sharing best practices to increase hydrogen production capacity. Stakeholders stressed the importance of directing resources wisely, prioritizing hard-to-abate sectors, and establishing ecological and social standards for a fair and safe transition. The event's joint conclusions will be published on the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) website, including messages to be shared with EU institutions.