Hydrogen Policy Environment in the European Union, Current Status of Policy Uptake

Abstract

Hydrogen (H2) can become a crucial technology in building an independent and resilient energy infrastructure. The production and utilisation of green hydrogen will play a crucial role in the energy environment of the European Union in the future. Several strategies were defined, and policy actions were taken. H2 has a comparably high lower heating value and no direct harmful emission during use, so it presents a viable alternative for conventional energy carriers. Independently from the final form of usage, H2 will play a key role in integrating green electricity into the grid, as according to the state-of-the-art, large-scale, long-term energy storage is only feasible in molecules containing H2. H2-based mobility solutions could offer a viable technology for sustainable transportation. This article investigates H2 production and demand in the EU, as well as the directives and incentives of the EU to accelerate H2 production and H2 technologies in general. Based on the existing policies and applications, it reviews the up-to-date status of policy uptake within the EU and gives insights into the different preparedness for the transition to a H2-based energy system of the Member States.