EU Manufacturers Push for 'Made in Europe' Standards in Hydrogen Sector
Key Ideas
- 20 major electrolyzer manufacturers urge the EU to enforce 'made in Europe' standards for the hydrogen sector to level the playing field against Chinese subsidies.
- European companies aim to enhance the continent's resilience by promoting a robust value chain for renewable hydrogen production and reducing emissions from heavy industries and transport.
- The EU plans to produce and import 10 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen by 2030, emphasizing its commitment to cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
- Efforts are focused on ensuring important parts of the electrolyzer production process are done in Europe to increase European technology utilization and compete with Chinese imports.
Twenty major electrolyzer manufacturers, including Nel Hydrogen, Siemens Energy, and thyssenkrupp nucera, have united to urge the European Commission to mandate 'made in Europe' standards for the hydrogen sector. They highlight that Chinese subsidies for state-owned hydrogen companies create an unfair advantage, prompting the need for a level playing field. The push for European resilience criteria is aimed at bolstering a strong value chain for renewable hydrogen production in Europe, aligning with the EU's ambitious goals to lead in emissions reduction in heavy industries and transportation.
The European Union has set targets to produce domestically and import 10 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen by 2030, emphasizing the importance of transitioning to sustainable energy sources. European manufacturers seek to secure a significant portion of the electrolyzer production process within Europe to align with the EU's hydrogen bank funding requirements. They emphasize the importance of supporting European technology to enable European manufacturers to thrive in the competitive market.
Nel Hydrogen's CEO expressed the importance of driving demand for European technology in the continent to ensure the success of European original equipment manufacturers. The European Commission is actively working on a pilot mechanism to accelerate investments in the hydrogen sector, aiming to provide a transparent market overview for both buyers and suppliers. The mechanism will facilitate connections between European off-takers and suppliers, gathering crucial data on hydrogen demand, supply, and pricing.
Overall, the collaborative efforts of European manufacturers and the EU aim to fortify the European hydrogen sector, enhance competitiveness against foreign counterparts, and pave the way for a sustainable and resilient hydrogen value chain in Europe.