European Chemical Industry News & Insights

EU Renewable Hydrogen Auction Winners Sign Grants for New Production

At a glance
  • The total support amounts to EUR 694,521,237 over ten years.
  • Projects have up to five years to start producing renewable hydrogen.
  • Individual grants range from EUR 8 million to EUR 245 million.
  • The projects aim to produce 1.52 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen, reducing over 10 million tonnes of CO2 emissions.

Overview

Six renewable hydrogen projects have signed grant agreements with the EU Directorate-General for Climate Action, moving closer to implementation. These projects are part of the European Hydrogen Bank initiative, which uses EU Emissions Trading System revenues to support hydrogen producers classified as Renewable Fuel of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO).

Funding and Timeline

The total funding amounts to EUR 694,521,237, distributed over ten years. Individual grants range from EUR 8 million to EUR 245 million, supporting installations with capacities from 35 to 500 MWe. Projects have up to five years from the grant agreement signature to begin hydrogen production.

Project Locations

The selected projects are based in four European countries: Spain, Portugal, Finland, and Norway. These projects will receive a fixed premium payment per kilogram of certified and verified renewable hydrogen produced, with no payments made before production starts.

Impact and Goals

The renewable hydrogen produced will serve various sectors, including maritime, heavy-duty transport, agriculture, and the production of e-methane and e-methanol. Collectively, the projects aim to produce up to 1.52 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen in their first ten years, potentially avoiding more than 10 million tonnes of CO2 emissions.