What are the National Hydrogen Strategies across Europe?

The EU has specified the required use and implementation of hydrogen through the EU Hydrogen Strategy in both regulatory targets and investments in infrastructure and hydrogen supply. Many countries have prepared for this with individual National Hydrogen Strategies. These National Hydrogen Strategies are key to promoting the actual implementation and application of hydrogen in Europe, whilst considering energy security and economic impact.

Assessing National Hydrogen Strategies of 8 Member States

In their latest brief, experts Fran Pope, Ksenia Tolstrup, and Lisa-Marie Mohr consider the existing EU framework to promote renewable hydrogen and take a closer look at eight Member States’ National Hydrogen Strategies.

• The Netherlands
• Germany
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• Austria
• Denmark
• Portugal

5 key takeaways

1. An EU-wide hydrogen strategy is in place, supported by EU-wide targets, regulation and funding support. The EU regulatory framework is set through REDIII, its Delegated Acts and the Gas and Hydrogen Package. Individual Member States are then mandated to transpose these into national legislation. Funding opportunities are available through the European Hydrogen Bank auctions and, Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEIs).
2. Many Member States, like the ones analysed in this report, show high interest in green hydrogen, with high operational capacity targets, national funding and subsidy opportunities. This report shows the interest in building hydrogen value and supply chains as well as setting up hubs and hydrogen valleys.
3. Hard-to-abate sectors, decarbonisation and transport via pipelines are prioritised throughout the EU, with a particular focus of building hubs and domestic networks around industrial areas. These areas have the most off-takers. National and cross-border networks are being built through hydrogen pipelines and/or repurposing. Additionally, mobility is a popular area of interest.
4. Low operational electrolyser capacity means that both EU and national green hydrogen targets are not being met and the total volume of green hydrogen in the market remains low.
5. There are a broad range of funding and investment opportunities on both EU and national levels. On a European level, the European Hydrogen Bank offers large-scale opportunities, and state-level opportunities through Auction-as-a-Service (AaaS).

Download the brief on National Hydrogen Strategies

This brief further addresses key projects, national policy and regulatory frameworks, and national subsidy programmes and funds. It also highlights progress on renewable hydrogen targets.