EU approves new rules to establish hydrogen market

The European Council announced on Tuesday the approval of a regulatory package to establish common market rules for renewable gas, natural gas, and hydrogen.

This move supports Europe’s transition away from fossil fuels and aligns with the EU’s decarbonisation goals.

The regulation mandates national network development plans based on joint scenarios for electricity, gas, and hydrogen. Notably, long-term contracts for unabated fossil gas will not extend beyond 2049.

The regulation aims to facilitate the uptake of renewable and low-carbon gases by ensuring a consistent assessment of emissions footprints. Member states have two years to adapt their national legislation to these provisions.