Renewables directive: The impossible integration of nuclear-derived hydrogen?

(EurActiv, 4 Apr 2023) The EU’s renewables energy directive, agreed in principle last week, leaves the door open to nuclear-derived hydrogen, but under conditions that are so challenging that some industry observers say they are impossible to meet.

EU legislators reached a political agreement last Thursday (30 March) on the EU’s renewable energy directive, 18 months after it was tabled by the European Commission.

In addition to the overall 42.5% renewable energy target for 2030, the directive also sets sectoral targets, notably for the share of renewable hydrogen used in industry and transport.

Under that part of the deal, the EU plans to produce 42% of its hydrogen from renewable energy sources by 2030, rising to 60% by 2035.

This is an ambitious target, given that 95% of the EU’s current hydrogen consumption is derived from fossil fuels.

For this reason, Paris and hydrogen industry groups have called for a lower target to apply for countries like France, which already has a decarbonised electricity mix thanks to its fleet of 56 nuclear reactors.

Their demands have been heard, to some extent.

External link

EurActiv, 4 Apr 2023: Renewables directive: The impossible integration of nuclear-derived hydrogen?