Industry associations call on new EU Commission to focus on power-to-x

Synthetic substitutes for conventional oil and gas will be key to decarbonising European industry and the new European Commission must support the development of so-called power-to-x technologies, according to an open letter from a coalition of 17 European business associations. The letter, addressed to new EU Commission vice-president Frans Timmermans, was initiated by German engineering association VDMA. In it, the lobby groups call on the Commission to establish a European Hydrogen Strategy, including a roadmap for the development of an industrialised and competitive hydrogen market. The letter also recommends the Commission promote sector coupling, support research and development, establish a level playing field for all technologies, and "globally promote power-to-x as a crucial technology for reaching the goals of the Paris Agreement." Signatories include the German auto association VDA, the German Petroleum Industry Association (MWV), and the hydrogen start-up Enapter, as well as the European carmaker association ACEA, the European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA) and Airlines for Europe (A4E), among others. "The European Commission assumes leadership by aiming to turn Europe into the first climate-neutral continent. This requires a comprehensive plan to achieve climate neutrality in all sectors by using both existing and innovative technological solutions," the letter says.

Germany's environment ministry recently said that power-to-X technologies will be crucial to reaching climate neutrality, but warned that climate-neutral fuels made with renewables must not become an excuse for neglecting other efforts to cut emissions. "The realisation that we need this technology is becoming increasingly widespread,” environment minister Schulze said in late November. “I see a huge opportunity for Germany's economy. We have the know-how, we have the pilot facilities."