Brussels, 15th February 2024

Dear Madam President von der Leyen, Dear First Executive Vice-President Ševčovič, Dear Commissioner Hoekstra,

Congratulations on the successful start of the European Hydrogen Bank!

The Innovation Fund pilot auction, which was announced at the European Hydrogen Week in November 2023, is a true success, with 132 bids received. The interest of the European hydrogen economy is huge, and this has been clearly demonstrated.

We would like to congratulate you for setting up the European Hydrogen Bank, only a year after its announcement. It will bring about the ramp-up of the European hydrogen industry and enhance European competitiveness as a whole. We are looking forward to the evaluation and are confident that it will be incorporated into the design of further auctions this year.

We are also pleased that the demand for hydrogen will be stimulated, for example through the notification of the H2 Global program by the German Government. After all, €3.4 billion is now available to be used for contract-for-difference agreements accordingly.

Overall, we see that the European Hydrogen Bank is taking shape and is making gradual progress. We thank you for your energy, we stand ready to support you and make hydrogen a success for our fellow citizens.

With best regards,

Jorgo Chatzimarkakis
CEO of Hydrogen Europe

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