German government advisors say EU gas package insufficient for hydrogen ramp-up
Clean Energy Wire
The EU Commission's proposals for adapting the gas market to climate targets are not enough to ensure a rapid scale-up of the hydrogen economy, according to Germany's hydrogen council, which advises the government. "The project only partially fulfils the requirements for the rapid development of a Europe-wide hydrogen network, for cross-border hydrogen trade and transport, and with regard to affordable charges and investment security," the council said. "This effectively prevents the rapid, cost-effective development of a hydrogen network from the existing natural gas network in Germany and beyond," said the council's head Katharina Reiche, adding the use of synergies of any kind between gas and hydrogen grids would become impossible. The council called on the government to push for corresponding changes to the Commission proposals.
The Commission published its proposals on the role and rules for natural gas and renewable gases in December, in the second part of its “Fit for 55” package of energy and climate legislation. The proposals aim to make sure the EU reaches its 2030 climate target. Low-emission hydrogen is considered a central element to reach the target of climate neutrality, in particular for industries such as steel.
