Five-Point Plan to Support Hydrogen Ramp-Up in Europe

The National Hydrogen Council (NWR), together with the Belgian Hydrogen Council and NLHydrogen, the Dutch hydrogen association, has published a five-point action plan to promote the market development of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen. This plan addresses current challenges and aims to accelerate the hydrogen ramp-up in Europe.

Renewable and climate-neutral hydrogen is crucial for Europe’s climate neutrality goals. However, high production costs, regulatory barriers, and infrastructure delays pose significant threats to its ramp-up.

Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands, which account for 30% of Europe’s industrial production and 40% of its current hydrogen consumption, aim to tackle these challenges together.

The action plan focuses on five key areas of action:

1. Simplifying regulatory frameworks to facilitate cross-border hydrogen trade,
2. Investing in a leadership role in hydrogen technologies,
3. Bridging the cost gap between supply and demand,
4. Expanding infrastructure, including import terminals and pipelines, and
5. Promoting cross-border knowledge transfer and training qualified professionals.

The ramp-up of the hydrogen economy in Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands represents a complex blend of opportunities and challenges. These three countries are pivotal players in advancing the market for renewable and low-carbon hydrogen in Europe due to their industrial strength, strategic geographical location, and commitment to building a hydrogen backbone. Overcoming these challenges is essential to ensuring the competitiveness of these countries in the global hydrogen economy and achieving Europe’s broader climate goals.

The action plan underscores the shared commitment to a sustainable energy economy and aims to position Europe as a global leader in the hydrogen economy.