BRUSSELS (Reuters) – The European Court of Auditors (ECA) stated the EU green hydrogen goals are unrealistic and unlikely to be met despite billions in funding.
The European Commission plans to produce 10 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen by 2030 and import another 10 million tonnes. These targets are integral to reducing the bloc’s dependence on Russian energy imports. #EUgreenhydrogen
In a report, the ECA said those targets were based on “political will” rather than robust analysis, and the EU is far off track to meet them.
Brussels set another target to install at least 40 gigawatts of renewable hydrogen electrolysers by 2030. A hydrogen lobby group suggested this idea in documents, the auditors found.
Despite EU funding of 18.8 billion euros for green hydrogen projects, only projects adding less than 5GW capacity by 2030 are advanced. Projects totaling around 50GW are in earlier assessment stages. This funding aims to boost the EU green hydrogen industry. #EUgreenhydrogen
To meet its climate commitments, the EU relies on green hydrogen. It uses renewable energy to split water without CO2 emissions. The EU plans to decarbonize industries like steel and fertilizer manufacturing with it.
“The EU’s industrial policy on renewable hydrogen needs a reality check,” said auditor Stef Blok, who led the report.
The ECA said the European Commission should devise a more targeted approach to allocating scarce EU funding, and update its policies to incentivise hydrogen projects.
A Commission spokesperson said it took note of the report, and acknowledged the hydrogen market was taking shape “gradually”.
