EU's Bold Hydrogen Leap: 100 Projects to Transform Energy Networks

2025-12-03 investment

Brussels, Wednesday, 3 December 2025.
The European Commission is backing 100 hydrogen projects to boost energy networks across Europe. These projects are set to revolutionise the energy landscape, providing a significant push towards renewable energy and energy security.

A Strategic Boost for Hydrogen

The European Commission’s decision to back 100 hydrogen projects is a strategic move to revolutionise Europe’s energy networks. This initiative is part of a broader plan that includes 235 projects across electricity, hydrogen, and CO2 transport. By focusing on hydrogen, the Commission aims to bolster renewable energy sources and enhance energy security within the EU. The projects will feature electrolyser plants, pipelines, storage hubs, and import terminals [1].

Accelerating Hydrogen Infrastructure

These projects have been granted PCI and PMI status, which ensures accelerated permitting and streamlined regulatory processes. This means hydrogen developers can expect faster cross-border approvals and clearer regulatory paths. Furthermore, these projects are eligible for EU funding through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), making them financially viable and attractive for investors [2].

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the ambitious plans, Europe faces challenges in scaling its hydrogen sector to meet 2030 targets. The EU Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) reported that, although electrolyser capacity doubled to 308 MW in 2024, the region remains ‘way behind’ its goals. Issues such as slow permitting, regulatory delays, and high electricity prices continue to pose significant hurdles [3][4].

The Bigger Picture

In the global context, green hydrogen is a key player in decarbonising heavy industries and long-term energy storage. However, its cost remains high, estimated at 1.5 to 6 times that of fossil fuel-derived hydrogen. The Hydrogen Council noted a 35% increase in the electrolyser pipeline to accommodate more than 1,400 projects worldwide as of December 2023 [5][6].

Future Prospects

Europe’s commitment to hydrogen projects is a significant step towards its 2050 energy mix goals, where hydrogen is expected to account for 15% of the EU’s energy requirements. This bold leap not only supports the transition to renewable energy but also positions Europe as a leader in the global hydrogen economy [7].

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hydrogen projects energy networks