WaterstofNet
WaterstofNet
WaterstofNet is a knowledge and collaboration platform.
ID: 316080946928-45
Lobbying Activity
Response to Roadmap on REPowering the EU with Hydrogen Valleys
4 Sept 2023
WaterstofNet welcomes the initiative of the European Commission to outline the strategic framework for reaching the REPowerEUs objective of doubling the number of Hydrogen Valleys in the EU by 2025 by preparing a roadmap. Hydrogen valleys constituting fully fledged hydrogen value chains within a limited geographical space form a key stepping stone to the roll-out of the European hydrogen economy. WaterstofNet is a non-for-profit knowledge and collaboration platform that develops and coordinates projects in the Benelux region and coordinates a Hydrogen Industry Cluster. Our industry cluster (the Waterstof Industrie Cluster) unite 160 companies, based mainly in Belgium but also partly based in the Netherlands, which are already actively investing in hydrogen technology or are investigating how they can develop activities in this sector in the future. WaterstofNet is also a member of Hydrogen Europe. We fully endorse the position paper Hydrogen Europe submitted in reaction to this call for evidence. With regards to the specific needs of the Benelux region, we have however several additional recommendations. Recommendations While the Clean Hydrogen Joint undertaking has already played an important role in the realization of hydrogen valleys across Europe, the objective of doubling the number of valleys in the EU by 2025 will require increased budgets for valleys of different kinds and scales. Additional call topics for small, medium and large scale hydrogen valleys are crucial for accelerated development. Funding for hydrogen valleys should allow for variations in needs. For example, while there might be a strong need and case for the scale-up of clean hydrogen production in Southern Europe, North-Western Europe might better prepare for large-scale imports and transit functions in combination with local end-use. Funding calls should allow for these variations as it optimizes the European hydrogen economy as a whole. Focus on existing industrial and chemical clusters can maximally leverage the CO2 reduction potential of hydrogen valleys while providing a way to retain industrial leadership and jobs in the EU. Technology neutrality and the establishment of a level playing field for hydrogen end use applications is key for the successful roll-out of valleys in different parts of the EU. For example, local expertise in hydrogen combustion engines in Belgium creates opportunities for both the upscaling of hydrogen end-use as well as European industrial leadership in clean technologies. Hydrogen valleys should form a key mechanism for Europe to maintain its large industrial base and attract pioneering production projects at the same time. Hydrogen valleys should enable the development of a fully-fledged hydrogen infrastructure consisting of an internationally interconnected hydrogen transport backbone, a distribution network, import terminals for hydrogen and its derivatives and a comprehensive network of minimum refuelling stations. The support for hydrogen valleys should both stimulate excellent hydrogen research & development (R&D) by supporting recurring innovative large-scale pilots along the entire value chain from production to end-use and support the development to higher TRL levels towards industrial scale by supporting coherent & focused research programs. The organization of training and education on hydrogen should be a key focal point within hydrogen valleys, as knowledge is an important raw material that we export worldwide. Also the broader European society must be informed about hydrogen and the upcoming societal changes, or we risk of ending up with endless appeals and legal court cases against hydrogen projects and pipelines.
Read full responseMeeting with Kathleen Van Brempt (Member of the European Parliament)
18 Oct 2022 · Duurzaamheid: waterstof - APA