Czechia Calls for Reevaluation of EU Hydrogen Production Rules

In a recent appeal to the European Commission, Czech officials and the Czech Hydrogen Technology Platform (HYTEP) have voiced concerns over the existing EU regulations on hydrogen production. They argue that the rules, which were established with expectations of rapid technological adoption, are not only overly optimistic but are also stifling the growth of the hydrogen industry within the country.

The criticism centers around the current EU framework for renewable hydrogen production, which Czech stakeholders claim was based on assumptions of quick industry advancements that have yet to materialize.

"Two years ago, the rules approved for renewable hydrogen production were set too strictly and expected mass deployment of hydrogen technology by now. However, this is not happening and can only be expected in the next decade," explained Veronika Vohlídková, HYTEP’s executive director.

HYTEP's recent policy paper identifies major obstacles including limited availability of renewable electricity, stringent production rules reducing capacity factors, and high capital costs for electrolysers. These barriers have prompted calls for a more adaptable regulatory framework that would allow electrolysers to operate more continuously and efficiently, and for an extension of the current transitional measures which are deemed too short for the industry to mature.

Furthermore, the Czech ministry and HYTEP insist on fair treatment for hydrogen production compared to direct electricity usage, emphasizing the need for policies that encourage hydrogen production when it can enhance overall grid stability and efficiency. This is particularly pertinent for Czechia, where renewable energy potential such as wind and solar is more limited compared to other European regions.

The push for regulatory change is supported by Miluše Trefancová, spokesperson for the Czech Industry and Trade Ministry, who emphasized the necessity of extending the transitional period for hydrogen production regulations by about ten years, until the European hydrogen market is fully operational. This extension, according to Trefancová, is crucial for Czechia to adapt and meet the EU's green hydrogen targets effectively.

This call for reevaluation of the EU's hydrogen production rules highlights a broader issue faced by member states with less favorable renewable resources, as they struggle to meet stringent EU targets without incurring prohibitive costs. The Czech stance is gaining traction among other EU member states, setting the stage for potentially significant shifts in European hydrogen policy in the near future.

Hystar Signs Contract with Techwin to Supply PEM Electrolyser Stacks to South Korea