Hydrogen is called to play a fundamental role in the European energy transition, with Spain as one of the key points. The European Commission seeks clarity with two proposals presented today in which it defines how its generation has to be to be considered renewable, where it accommodates hydrogen of nuclear origin and fossil energies.
"It is a crucial component of our strategy for an effective clean energy transition and to phase out Russian fossil fuels in some industrial processes. Clear rules and a reliable certification system are key for this emerging market to develop and establish itself in Europe," said Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson.
The first document specifies under what conditions hydrogen or hydrogen-based fuels can be considered renewable, while the second presents a methodology for calculating the greenhouse gas emissions they generate.
The big issue is knowing when hydrogen can be considered renewable, because other energies are needed to put the electrolyzers that generate it to work. "Unless the electricity system is already largely decarbonised (90% renewable), it is crucial to meet the electricity demand for its production with additional renewable electricity generation," he says. That is, install new renewables so that the start-up of electrolysers does not pull fossil energy. All this will have to be demonstrated by the producers, whether they are connected to the conventional electricity grid or if they have their own renewable installation.
The notable point is that it also classifies "low-carbon hydrogen" as that "derived from non-renewable sources that produce at least 70% less greenhouse gas emissions than fossil natural gas throughout its entire life cycle." , which makes room for hydrogen of nuclear origin, something for which France was pressing.
In this way, it is sought to increase the installed renewable capacity without adding pressure to the existing network. 500 TWh of renewables are needed to meet the target by 2030. "The rules are to ensure that these fuels can only be produced from "additional" renewable electricity generated at the same time and in the same area as their own production," is assured.
The objective with the REPowerEU plan -to get rid of Russian dependency- is to produce 10 million tons of renewable hydrogen at the domestic level -14% of consumption- and import another 10 million by 2030, helping to meet the objective that renewables are 45% of the energy produced.
The application of the directive would be gradual, both for member countries and for third parties that want to export renewable energies that have to meet the objectives set. With them it is clarified how they can count towards the renewable objectives set for the states. "It will provide regulatory security to investors," it is defended from Brussels. "It will help channel EU funds towards renewable hydrogen and guide the approval of national state aid schemes," it adds.
The proposal will now go to the European Council and the European Parliament, with two months to give the go-ahead or knock it down.
