We use cookies
To help provide you with a good experience on our website. By continuing to browse the website, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

European Commission plans to reform the EU electricity market and boost clean hydrogen investment in the European Union in 2023

GO HYDROGEN

European Commission plans to reform the EU electricity market and boost clean hydrogen investment in the European Union in 2023

On 18 October, the European Commission (Commission) published its 2023 Work Programme (Programme). Amongst other initiatives, the Commission proposes the creation of a European hydrogen bank and a comprehensive reform of the EU electricity market in the upcoming year. Both initiatives will be presented within the European Green Deal framework in the course of 2023. - Natlawreview

The creation of a European hydrogen bank, already mentioned by Commission President Von der Leyen in September in the State of the Union speech, intends to foster investment in hydrogen projects and help boost the European Union’s green hydrogen economy. According to the Programme, the bank will be endowed with €3 billion of capital to achieve its goals. The Programme, however, does not confirm whether the initiative, which is set to be published in the third quarter of 2023, will come in the form of a legislative or non-legislative proposal.

Moreover, as regards other EU hydrogen market developments, the Commission is calling on European co-legislators to take swift action and reach an agreement in 2023 on the Commission’s proposals for a regulation on internal markets for renewable and natural gases and for hydrogen; and for a directive on common rules for internal markets in renewable and natural gases and in hydrogen.

As for the comprehensive reform of the EU electricity market, the Commission’s actions are intended to help the European Union prepare to better navigate future energy price volatility, ensure affordable electricity bills, and prepare the European Union for the industrial transformation necessary to achieve its decarbonisation goals by 2050. The proposal will also address the decoupling effect of gas prices on electricity prices. The reform of the EU electricity market is due to be presented in the first quarter of 2023 as a legislative initiative accompanied by an impact assessment.

The Programme also explains that, in order to complement the Commission’s recent intervention in the energy markets with emergency measures addressing the rise of energy prices and supporting the fight against the climate crisis, it is key to strengthen the EU’s resilience and response capacities of critical infrastructure. The latter is at the heart of a five-step plan announced by Commission President Von der Leyen at the European Parliament’s plenary session on 5 October. Building on such plan, the Commission further published on 18 October, a proposal for a council recommendation aiming at maximising and accelerating the work to protect critical infrastructure in three priority areas: preparedness, response, and international cooperation.

Energy Policy and legislation will continue to be a major issue in 2023 for the European Union, both because of the European Green Deal’s objectives and the current geopolitical developments heavily affecting Europe’s energy supply, affordability, and structural resilience.

Relevant news

GO HYDROGEN
U.S. unveils national clean hydrogen strategy and roadmap
USA Administration released the National Clean Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap.
GO HYDROGEN
Daimler, Toyota, & Mitsubishi to partner on hydrogen tech
Daimler and Toyota Hino signed an MOU with Mitsubishi Fuso that will accelerat the development of new, hydrogen trucking tech.
GO HYDROGEN
Enagás partners with Hanseatic Energy Hub; strengthens energy security in Europe
Enagás has been chosen by Hanseatic Energy Hub GmbH as its industrial partner for the operation of the terminal at the Stade industrial park.
GO HYDROGEN
Major hydrogen corridors to pass through Southeastern Europe
Major hydrogen corridors to be connected directly or indirectly to Germany.
GO HYDROGEN
EU and Norway form Green Alliance on carbon capture, hydrogen and offshore renewables
EU and Norway to strengthen their cooperation on clean energy and industrial transition.
GO HYDROGEN
Tata Steel begins hydrogen gas injection trial in blast furnace in Jamshedpur
Tata Steel commenced the trial injection at the plant in Jamshedpur