The is an open letter from various EU industry groups to prominent EU policymakers, urging the inclusion of low-carbon hydrogen in the hydrogen targets stipulated by the Renewable Energy Directive (RED III). The current revision of RED III promotes renewable hydrogen with binding targets for industry and transport. Eight member states have proposed that low-carbon hydrogen should also be optionally eligible to meet these targets, a suggestion supported by the Czech Presidency and the Energy Council. The letter argues that both renewable and low-carbon hydrogen are necessary to meet the 2030 climate objectives and achieve EU carbon neutrality by 2050. Excluding low-carbon hydrogen could limit hydrogen’s potential and escalate transition costs, emphasising the need for technological neutrality and flexible energy mixes.
Key takeaways:
- Adoption of a technology-neutral approach, ensuring a level playing field based on carbon content, to establish EU’s industrial hydrogen leadership.
- Support for the Czech Presidency’s amendment to grant member states the option to include low-carbon hydrogen in fulfilling binding hydrogen targets in industry and transport.
- Recognition that both renewable and low-carbon hydrogen are essential to meet decarbonisation goals and secure a reliable hydrogen supply for various industries.