Hydrogen Europe has warned that the European Union is significantly behind schedule in meeting its 2030 green hydrogen production goals, with projections indicating that the bloc could fall over 90% short of its target. The warning comes as part of the organisation’s latest Clean Hydrogen Monitor report, which tracks progress in hydrogen deployment and policy implementation across the continent.

The European Union had set an ambitious goal of producing 10 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen annually by 2030, alongside plans to import an additional 10 million tonnes. However, the report suggests that progress remains well below expectations, as investment levels and regulatory alignment continue to lag.

Hydrogen Europe described this as a critical setback for Europe’s renewable energy transition, noting that the continent’s efforts to integrate hydrogen into its energy mix are stagnating. The organisation emphasised that green hydrogen — long considered one of the most promising and efficient renewable energy sources — has not yet achieved the necessary policy and financial momentum to reach industrial scale.

According to the report, the slow pace of investment coupled with a less favourable regulatory environment has restricted the sector’s growth. Despite Europe’s early leadership in setting hydrogen goals, several bureaucratic hurdles and a lack of investor confidence have delayed project development.

EU member states have also been hesitant to impose obligations or clear expectations on businesses, citing a challenging investment climate and concerns about market competitiveness. As a result, many projects remain in planning or early-stage development rather than moving towards full-scale production.

Hydrogen Europe warned that unless the European Union fosters a more enabling policy and regulatory framework, the continent will struggle to meet its own decarbonisation objectives. The report added that Europe may need to rely on imports to meet hydrogen demand, especially during periods of higher energy consumption such as the winter months.

The findings highlight an urgent need for renewed commitment, streamlined regulation and increased funding to ensure that Europe’s renewable hydrogen ambitions remain achievable by the end of the decade.

Source: 

https://energiesmedia.com/hydrogen-europe-warns-eu-to-miss-hydrogen-goal/