EU Commission Supports 15 Renewable Hydrogen Projects Across EEA
Key Ideas
- 15 renewable hydrogen projects in 5 countries to produce 2.2 million tonnes of hydrogen, cutting 15 million tonnes of CO2 emissions.
- Projects to receive €992 million in EU funding through the Innovation Fund from the EU Emissions Trading System.
- Renewable hydrogen production aims to replace fossil fuels in hard-to-decarbonise sectors, boosting energy independence and creating jobs.
- Spain, Lithuania, and Austria also provide up to €836 million in national funding for projects through 'Auctions-as-a-Service' feature.
The EU Commission has chosen 15 renewable hydrogen production projects in various countries within the European Economic Area (EEA) to receive public funding. These projects are anticipated to generate around 2.2 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen over the next decade, leading to the avoidance of over 15 million tonnes of CO2 emissions. Supported sectors include transport, chemical industry, methanol, and ammonia production. The total financial aid from the EU amounts to €992 million sourced from the Innovation Fund, which is part of the EU Emissions Trading System. The funding will assist in bridging the cost gap between production expenses and market prices, thus facilitating the adoption of cleaner fuels. The initiative aims to scale up renewable hydrogen production, aiding in the transition away from fossil fuels in challenging-to-decarbonise industries and transport segments. This shift is expected to enhance the EU's energy independence, boost security, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the decarbonisation of European industry. Notably, 12 of the selected projects will benefit from fixed premium support ranging from €0.20 to €0.60 per kilogramme. Additionally, the auctions included a specific budget for hydrogen producers catering to the maritime sector. Spain, Lithuania, and Austria are allocating up to €836 million in national funding for projects within their borders through the 'Auctions-as-a-Service' mechanism. This enables EU Member States to identify and financially support eligible projects that align with the auction's criteria but cannot be accommodated by the Innovation Fund due to budget constraints. The 'Auctions-as-a-Service' feature is designed to streamline the process for Member States to leverage the EU-level auction platform and allocate national funds to additional projects efficiently.
Topics
Europe
Renewable Energy
Innovation
Carbon Emissions
Funding
Decarbonisation
Industry
Transport
EU Commission
Latest News