Here’s a detailed article in English, based on the JETRO news about the European Commission’s delegated act on low-carbon hydrogen production, presented in an easy-to-understand manner:
Europe Sets the Stage for Low-Carbon Hydrogen: A Game Changer for Green Energy
Brussels, Belgium – July 22, 2025 – The European Commission has taken a significant step towards decarbonizing its energy sector by releasing a draft delegated act that will establish clear rules for calculating the carbon emissions associated with producing low-carbon hydrogen. This crucial development, announced by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) on July 22, 2025, is expected to accelerate investment and deployment of hydrogen technologies across the European Union.
What is Low-Carbon Hydrogen and Why is it Important?
Hydrogen is often hailed as a “fuel of the future” because when it burns, it produces only water vapor, not greenhouse gases. This makes it a powerful tool in the fight against climate change, especially for hard-to-decarbonize industries like heavy transport, steel manufacturing, and chemicals.
However, not all hydrogen is created equal. The production method significantly impacts its environmental footprint. Traditionally, most hydrogen is produced from natural gas, a process that releases substantial amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2). To truly be a “green” solution, hydrogen needs to be produced with very low carbon emissions.
The Commission’s Delegated Act: Defining “Low-Carbon”
The core of the European Commission’s new draft delegated act is to set a threshold for what qualifies as “low-carbon” hydrogen. This threshold is based on the total lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions of the hydrogen production process. The aim is to ensure that only truly low-emission hydrogen benefits from the EU’s support mechanisms, such as subsidies and tax breaks.
The proposed rules are designed to be comprehensive, taking into account emissions from:
- The extraction of raw materials: For example, emissions associated with natural gas extraction if it’s used as a feedstock.
- The energy used in the production process: This is a key area, as renewable electricity is crucial for producing “green hydrogen.”
- Transportation and storage: Emissions generated during the movement and warehousing of hydrogen.
- The manufacturing of equipment: The carbon footprint of producing the electrolyzers, pipelines, and other necessary infrastructure.
Key Details of the Draft Delegated Act:
- Emission Threshold: While the exact number is subject to ongoing discussion and finalization, the general principle is to establish a strict lifecycle greenhouse gas emission limit. Hydrogen produced with emissions significantly lower than current conventional methods will be eligible.
- Methodology for Calculation: The act provides a detailed methodology for calculating these emissions. This ensures consistency and transparency across all EU member states and producers. It’s a crucial step to avoid “greenwashing” and ensure genuine environmental benefits.
- Scope of Support: This delegated act is vital because it will directly influence which hydrogen projects can access crucial financial incentives under the EU’s renewable energy directives. This makes it a key piece of legislation for attracting investment into the hydrogen economy.
What About Nuclear-Generated Hydrogen? A Future Consideration
A notable aspect of the announcement is the specific mention that hydrogen produced using nuclear energy will be considered for inclusion by 2028. This indicates a more nuanced approach by the EU, acknowledging the potential role of nuclear power in providing low-carbon electricity for hydrogen production, although it will be subject to separate and thorough review. This phased approach suggests that the current focus is on renewable-powered hydrogen, with a clear pathway for considering other low-carbon sources in the future.
Why This Matters for Businesses and the Economy:
- Investment Certainty: Clear and consistent rules provide much-needed certainty for investors and companies looking to develop and scale up hydrogen production. This can unlock significant private capital.
- Level Playing Field: The standardized methodology ensures a fair playing field for all hydrogen producers within the EU, regardless of their specific technology or location.
- Market Growth: By defining what qualifies as low-carbon hydrogen, the EU is effectively creating a market for these cleaner fuels, encouraging their uptake by industries and consumers.
- Decarbonization Goals: This legislation is a cornerstone in the EU’s ambitious climate targets. By promoting low-carbon hydrogen, the EU aims to significantly reduce emissions across its economy.
- International Implications: As a major economic bloc, the EU’s regulations can influence global standards and practices in the hydrogen sector, potentially encouraging other regions to adopt similar approaches.
The Road Ahead:
The draft delegated act will now undergo a scrutiny period by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. Following this, it will be formally adopted and implemented. This process will likely involve further discussions and potential refinements.
The European Commission’s move to establish clear calculation methods for low-carbon hydrogen is a critical step forward. It signals a strong commitment to building a robust and sustainable hydrogen economy, paving the way for cleaner energy solutions and a more sustainable future for Europe and potentially the world. The clarity provided by this act is expected to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon hydrogen market, driving innovation and significant investment in the coming years.
欧州委、低炭素水素の算出方法を定める委任規則案を発表、原子力由来は2028年までに検討
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The following question was used to generate the response from Google Gemini:
At 2025-07-22 02:50, ‘欧州委、低炭素水素の算出方法を定める委任規則案を発表、原子力由来は2028年までに検討’ was published according to 日本貿易振興機構. Please write a detailed article with related information in an easy-to-understand manner. Please answer in English.