Interview with Mercè Labordena, Smartenergy – Chair of the Renewable Hydrogen & Electrification Workstream
What is the Renewable Hydrogen & Electrification Workstream and why is it important?
SolarPower Europe’s Renewable Hydrogen & Electrification Workstream is a key initiative dedicated to advancing renewable hydrogen and electrification technologies to decarbonise Europe's energy systems.
Electrification, by promoting the direct use of renewable electricity in heating, transport, and industrial processes, plays a pivotal role in the energy transition. Complementing this, renewable hydrogen –produced through electrolysis powered by renewable energy sources such as solar – is essential for replacing fossil fuels in hard-to-decarbonise sectors, including heavy industry, transport, and chemicals.
Globally, nearly 100 million tonnes of hydrogen are produced annually, primarily as grey hydrogen derived from fossil fuels, with Europe accounting for approximately one-tenth of this total. Transitioning these existing users of grey hydrogen to green hydrogen presents a significant opportunity for rapid decarbonisation. As these users already depend on hydrogen in their operations, the substitution process is relatively straightforward, requiring minimal system modifications while eliminating CO₂ emissions from hydrogen production.
This workstream is instrumental in helping the EU achieve its ambitious climate goals, including the recommended target of carbon neutrality by 2040. It tackles key challenges by promoting collaboration among policymakers, industries, and project developers while fostering a competitive market for renewable energy and hydrogen. Its focuses on advocating for appropriate infrastructure development, hydrogen certification frameworks, and public funding support, among many other priorities. These efforts ensure that Europe remains at the forefront of the global energy transition while strengthening energy security and economic resilience.
Why should companies join the workstream?
Becoming part of the Renewable Hydrogen & Electrification Workstream provides companies with a unique opportunity to shape and drive Europe's clean energy future. Members gain access to:
- Shaping Policy and Regulation: Engage directly with European policymakers to shape frameworks such as the Renewable and Low Carbon Hydrogen Certification and the Clean Industrial Deal, ensuring they reflect industry realities and priorities.
- Networking and Collaboration: Gain access to a network of stakeholders, including renewable energy providers and electrification experts. Benefit from the exchange of experiences and insights on promising and successful use cases that can accelerate hydrogen market development, fostering partnerships that drive innovation and scalable deployment.
- Market and Legislative Insights: Stay ahead of regulatory developments and market trends, from the evolving EU Hydrogen Bank auctions to the Electrification Action Plan, empowering strategic decision-making.
- Visibility and Advocacy: Strengthen your company's voice through collective advocacy, ensuring that renewable hydrogen and electrification remain central to Europe's decarbonisation strategy.
What will the future of the Renewable Hydrogen Workstream look like?
The future of the Renewable Hydrogen & Electrification Workstream is dynamic and full of potential. As Europe progresses with its climate agenda, the workstream will concentrate on key priorities:
- Accelerating Deployment: Scaling up renewable hydrogen production by encouraging investment and establishing the right regulatory framework in hard-to-abate sectors (such as industry, aviation and maritime), while tackling market uncertainties and cost barriers including further reducing the cost gap between renewable hydrogen off-takers and producers of hydrogen and its derivatives.
- Policy Leadership: Advocating for robust frameworks such as the Industrial Decarbonisation Accelerator Act and shaping key milestones, including the 2040 Climate Target Plan and the Net Zero Industry Act.
- Integrating Systems: Promoting the integration of hydrogen and electrification, with an emphasis on energy storage and industrial electrification solutions, through effective collaboration with other SolarPower Europe workstreams.
The workstream will continue to be a key driver in shaping an energy system that is not only carbon-neutral but also economically inclusive and technologically advanced. Together, we aim to build a future where renewable hydrogen and electrification power Europe's industries, homes, and transport.
Renewable Hydrogen & Electrification Workstream
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