President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen hosted on 10 October the first clean transition dialogue. In her 2023 State of the Union address, she announced holding a series of clean transition dialogues with the industry, to be able to support every sector in building its business model for the decarbonisation of industry. The first meeting was devoted to the topic of hydrogen, as hydrogen has a central role to play in the transition to climate neutrality.
President von der Leyen described the regulatory framework for hydrogen, from setting measurable targets on clean hydrogen by 2030, to speeding up permitting for renewables and grids. "We will soon have a full set of clear rules in place, to support our emerging hydrogen market. We are the only continent where this is the case", she said. "It means clarity and predictability for your investments. We have set the direction of travel, so that you can focus on what you do best – that is to bring ground-breaking innovation to businesses and families across Europe."
She also spoke about the massive investments in hydrogen valleys, hydrogen trains, and clean-steel factories. In addition, the Commission has authorised over EUR 17 billion in State Aid for 80 hydrogen projects across the EU.
In this context, she announced the first auctions of the Hydrogen Bank that should take place in November 2023. "They will be backed by EUR 800 million in European funding. This auction system will reward the most innovative and competitive companies, which can produce hydrogen at the lowest cost", President von der Leyen explained.
This is all complemented by the EU's efforts to develop a global market for clean hydrogen. The EU has signed hydrogen partnerships with countries ranging from Egypt, Kenya and Namibia, to Latin American countries.
"The first hydrogen buses and trains are running in our cities and regions. European ports are racing to build hydrogen infrastructure and corridors. Yet our work is far from finished. On the contrary, it is only starting. Still many obstacles stand in your way", the President said in her concluding remarks, calling for ideas and views from the industry on how to build a bridge between ambition and reality.
