Belgium has said it is committed to pushing the international trade of hydrogen and its derivatives, having assumed the rotating presidency of the European Council on Monday (January 1).

Now responsible for the functioning of the Council, the Belgian presidency said it will focus on promoting a “credible certification system and market platforms” to ensure transparency and trigger investments in hydrogen.

The presidency has said it will work with the European Commission on the Hydrogen Bank, among other initiatives, including a “potential EU hydrogen import strategy.”

Additionally, it noted the need for the bloc to “rapidly advance” the development of renewable and low-carbon energy sources and carriers, adding, “Increased investments into an integrated and future-proof energy network is essential to this end.”

A key arm of the EU’s REPowerEU hydrogen plans is its 2030 goal of importing 10 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen, in addition to the 10 million tonnes of domestic production.

In the latter months of 2023, the EU had been establishing and exploring partnerships with regions predicted to boast high hydrogen production potential as it looked to secure supply.