Hydrogen Sector Joins Call for EU Industrial Revival

The Antwerp Declaration Community (ADC), representing more than 1300 companies, associations and trade unions across Europe, met in Antwerp and called on EU heads of state and government to take urgent and decisive action to support European industry.

Their message was clear: Europe cannot be resilient, safe or strong without a strong industrial base  and this foundation is currently under pressure.

Only 11% of the Draghi report’s recommendations have been implemented so far.

The group puts forward three key priorities:

• Reduce energy costs
• Ensure fair global trade and improve access to finance and
• Promote and support “Made in Europe” products.

These priorities are also important for the Hydrogen Industry.  Hydrogen Europe emphasized that the EU should swiftly implement the Draghi recommendations to strengthen Europe’s global competitiveness. “Made in Europe” policies should help scale up domestic clean tech manufacturing, including renewable and low-carbon hydrogen, where Europe still has strong market potential.

The sector got support from the French President Emmanuel Macron, also speaking at the EU leaders’ summit in Antwerp. He has called for major changes to Europe’s hydrogen framework. He is urging simpler rules, stronger “European preference” policies, and additional funding to help Europe compete with heavily subsidised global rivals.

Macron said the current hydrogen market has become overly complex due to internal disagreements between member states. He argued that rules such as the strict renewable electricity requirements for RFNBOs have added unnecessary complexity and slowed down market development. Under these rules, only directly linked renewable power can be used to produce certified green hydrogen, while nuclear energy is excluded.

More info:

The Antwerp Declaration for a European Industrial Deal
https://www.h2-view.com/story/macron-urges-overhaul-of-eu-hydrogen-rules-in-competitiveness-push/2137493.article/