Recording of Wednesday, May 07, 2025 | The smarter E Europe | Exhibition Program | Language: English | Duration: 19:49 .

Experts Call for Simplified Regulations and Infrastructure Boost in European Hydrogen Industry

In a panel discussion, experts Bertha, Francois, Christian, and Eric delve into the intricacies of funding mechanisms for Europe's hydrogen industry. They emphasize simplifying access to EU funds while retaining strategic consultancy insights crucial for navigating European and national programs. Despite concerns about job impacts from simplification efforts like Foswa's proposals, Bertha insists on the continued importance of consultants due to their comprehensive understanding across various levels. Eric highlights economic challenges in making green hydrogen viable compared to natural gas alternatives and suggests resilience bonuses as potential accelerators. Christian discusses infrastructure projects connecting key consumption points via seven corridors by 2029 but advocates market-based approaches over feed-in tariffs that previously increased energy costs in Germany. Francois notes difficulties scaling renewable hydrogen production without addressing off-taker perspectives adequately—a critical aspect amid significant renewable potentials hindered partly by stakeholder hype globally today. The conversation underscores high costs and regulatory complexities hindering Europe’s progress in its renewable hydrogen sector. Criticism is directed at Europe's indecisiveness compared to China's proactive technological advancements leading manufacturing innovation. Olga Bergman raises concerns over EU regulations on RFNBOs amidst rising CO2 prices imposing double costs on imported hydrogen; François argues current policies alone are insufficient—advocating targets combined with public funding within this complex framework tied closely with electricity markets.

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Talk of session: Implementing the Hydrogen Economy in Europe

After the hype the deception, at least with respect to exaggerated expectations. Against this, we start to see various instruments deploying effects and projects getting built. What effects do the Hydrogen Bank auctions, IPCEI, the Innovation Fund and Valley projects deploy? What questions do research and innovation still need to address? This session provides an overview of the EU level progress and challenges on the path to energy security and decarbonisation.

Further Talks of this session:

Opening of the Forum

Speaker

Olivier Bucheli
President
European Electrolyser & Fuel Cell Forum
Switzerland

To Talk

Hydrogen Horizons: Exploring EU Funding Pathways

Speaker

Berta Paniagua Bernabé
Senior Manager - Global Incentives
Ernst & Young Spain
Germany

To Talk

EU Hydrogen Bank

Speaker

Dr. Christian Weinberger

To Talk

Hydrogen from Renewables - State of Play

Speaker

Francois Paquet
Managing Director
Renewable Hydrogen Coalition
Germany

To Talk

Starting a new Hydrogen Equipment Production in Europe - Outlook and Potential

Speaker

Dr. Eric Rüland
Vice President Sales & Products
RCT GH GmbH
Germany

To Talk