A new study from the EU Commission, prepared by the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research and Artelys, assesses hydrogen as a one of the two pillars for complete decarbonisation alongside renewable energy.  

The study, entitled “The Impact of Industry Transition on a CO2-Neutral European Energy System”, provides a comprehensive view of the energy transition in Europe, with a focus on the decarbonisation of industry. Reduction of CO2 emissions by up to 95% is possible by 2050, but only with increased use of hydrogen in combination with massive development of renewable energy sources. 

Jorgo Chatzimarkakis, CEO of Hydrogen Europe, said: “What is absolutely positive is the recognition in the study of the central role of hydrogen – alongside renewable electricity – for the decarbonisation of European industries. What is also encouraging is the recognition that these quantities of hydrogen can be produced in Europe in the next twenty-five years and do not have to be imported.”  

“For Germany, however, the study is also a wake-up call. In the model, Europe’s largest economy is theoretically eliminated completely as a producer of hydrogen and, due to a lack of competitiveness, becomes the main importer alongside Belgium and the Netherlands – mainly from France, Spain, and the UK. However, a prerequisite to this is the development of a corresponding European infrastructure that can transport and store hydrogen,” he added. 

The study estimates that hydrogen and electricity will together represent up to 80% of all energy use by 2050, corresponding to a demand of about 8000TWh, mostly supply by renewable energy sources. The study highlights that a strong hydrogen network is crucial to maximise the least-cost renewable resources, overcoming potential limitations such as insufficient electricity infrastructure. As such, Europe must recognise the need of a hydrogen backbone and the role of existing gas pipeline networks as essential to a new and unified European energy infrastructure. 

Hydrogen Europe welcomes the conclusions of the study, which strengthens the current energy system knowledge and expands our understanding with new methodologies. Close European cooperation, particularly in infrastructure development, integration, and adaptability, will be key to achieving a successful hydrogen economy in line with Europe’s sustainability, energy security and industrial competitiveness goals. Hydrogen Europe remains committed to working with all stakeholders, including Member States and industry partners, to contribute to this important transition. 

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For more information 

• The full study can be downloaded here