On Tuesday 31st January 2023, more than 20 leading companies, including 11 electrolyser manufacturers, sent a letter to European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen, ahead of the European Commission’s communication on the “Green Deal Industrial Plan”. The letter, supported by Hydrogen Europe, calls on the EU to support the development of a truly European renewable hydrogen value chain.

The letter urges the creation of a level playing field for European manufacturers to prevent any risk of de-industrialization. Approximately €10 billion in EU public funding has been marked for renewable hydrogen projects, but some of that money has already gone to non-European competitors. The signatories call upon EU members to ensure that European electrolyser manufacturing industry and jobs benefit from the financial support on the table.

The letter also recommends that proposed projects should clearly contribute to job creation and centres of excellence and include sustainability requirements such as recycling obligations and CO2 footprint. ESG and European standards should be considered when devising other funding tools and pre-qualification criteria.

See the full letter in attachment.