Improving framework conditions for electrolyser producers in the EU
Clean hydrogen is indispensable to reducing industrial carbon emissions and contributing to our energy independence from Russia.
The European Commission and the European electrolyser industry have signed a joint declaration containing a wide range of initiatives to improve framework conditions for electrolyser manufacturers in Europe.
The joint declaration was signed by EU Commissioner for Internal Market, Thierry Breton, as well as Nel and other representatives from the electrolyser industry at the Electrolyser Summit in Brussels earlier today.
Thierry Breton, EU Commissioner for Internal Market, said, “We have no time to lose, which is why this European electrolyser summit is so opportune. Today, the industry agreed to a tenfold increase in electrolyser manufacturing capacities in Europe. The Commission will support this important industrial upscaling for an industrial leadership in the clean energy technologies of the future.”
The joint declaration provides a solid foundation for the European Union’s ambitious ‘Hydrogen Accelerator’, which will be a part of the EUs plan to make Europe independent from Russian fossil fuels. This plan, which is called RePowerEU is expected to be communicated by the European Commission on 18 May.
“Demand for green hydrogen is growing extremely fast and we are glad to see the willingness from the European Commission to help us meet our common goals for green hydrogen production and the upscaling of electrolyser manufacturing capacities”, says CEO of Nel, Jon André Løkke.
In March this year the European Commission announced its increased ambitions to double the previous EU renewable hydrogen target to 10 million tons of annual domestic production, plus an additional 10 million tons of annual hydrogen imports.
According to industry estimates, reaching this target will require an installed electrolyser capacity of 90 – 100 GW in Europe, depending on utilisation factors and efficiency rates. Consequently, the electrolyser production capacity must be scaled-up significantly.
“The electrolyser manufacturing capacity must be scaled-up significantly to meet the expected European demand for renewable hydrogen. There is no Hydrogen Accelerator without an acceleration in electrolyser manufacturing. There is no acceleration in electrolyser manufacturing in Europe without adequate regulatory and financial support. Cost-effective and scalable solutions are key qualification criteria. It’s time to walk the talk. We are looking forward to 18 May, when the Commission is expected to present its RePowerEU plan,” says Løkke.
