This is an in-person meeting. Address: Rue Archimède 61, 1000 Brussels, Belgium. 

This meeting is by invitation only and under Chatham House Rule.

If you would like to attend, please contact: Gabriele Romeo gromeo@ercst.org

During the previous ERCST hydrogen roundtable discussion, the different pieces of the EU H2 policy and regulatory framework were assessed, focusing on its readiness and capacity to adapt to different ambition levels. The discussion was also intended to explore if the framework has been completed or whether there are still some bottlenecks or hindering aspects that should be addressed.

As concluded in the meeting, most of the different pieces of the hydrogen regulatory framework have been proposed and if not fully finalized, they find themselves in final stages of the legislative process. In this sense, it could be argued that the proposed framework is comprehensive and that its architecture has been carefully designed making sure that most of the elements included in the European Hydrogen strategy will be part of this framework.

Beyond its fine architecture, during this discussion we would like to question whether the proposed framework can be regarded not just as complete or comprehensive, but also as an attractive and practical tool to attract investments.

The creation of a decarbonized hydrogen market in Europe will rely to some extent on public support for growth and development. Both, hydrogen consumers and consumers of hydrogen-based end-product will have to pay a higher premium when compared to more carbon intense substitutes and alternatives. In this context and for the second part of this discussion, we would like to leave the regulatory risk/dimension aside and focus on whether financial incentives are quantitative (overall financial envelope) and qualitative (tools and instruments used) enough for EU companies to lead the transition towards a decarbonized hydrogen market.

Questions for discussion:

• Is the proposed regulatory framework practical and attractive enough to direct hydrogen investments to the EU?
• Have enough financial means been provided to make sure EU companies will lead the transition towards a decarbonized hydrogen market?
• Are the financial tools and instruments employed fit for purpose?

Agenda

ERCST materials:

Slides