(Brussels) – Denmark has taken a step forward: The European Commission has approved funding of 1,25 billion crowns (170 million euros) for the production of hydrogen from renewable energies under EU state aid rules. “The measure is intended to contribute to the development of renewable hydrogen in line with the objectives of the EU Hydrogen Strategy and the European Green Deal,” the Commission said in a statement. In addition, it will “support the REPowerEU plan’s aim to reduce dependence on fossil fuels from Russia and accelerate ecological change.”
Money for hydrogen and derivatives
Denmark had reported the sum to the Commission to promote the expansion of the production of green hydrogen and its derivatives - such as ammonia, methanol and e-kerosene - based on PtX technologies.
As part of the scheme, the development of an electrolysis capacity of 100 to 200 megawatts will now be supported. The aid is to be granted through a tender planned for this year, which will be open to all companies that want to build new electrolysers in Denmark. The funding is a direct grant for a period of ten years. Denmark wants to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 percent by 70 compared to 1990 levels and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Climate neutrality in the EU
In the EU, around 2030 percent of energy should come from renewable sources by 45. The commission proposed a share of 2018 percent in 32 and later increased it. According to the European “Green Deal”, there should no longer be any net greenhouse gas emissions in the EU from 2050.
The European climate law that came into force in July 2021, which set the goal of climate neutrality by 2050 and introduced a reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 percent by 2030 as an interim goal, forms the basis of the “Fit for 55” package. The Commission has thus announced changes to the Renewable Energy Directive and the Energy Efficiency Directive with stricter annual targets in order to increase renewable energy production and reduce energy consumption at EU level.
The May 2022 REPowerEU plan includes a series of measures to rapidly reduce the EU's dependence on fossil fuels from Russia by accelerating the energy transition. This also includes accelerating the use of hydrogen.
Photos
Flags of Denmark and the EU in front of Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen, which houses, among other things, the parliament and the official residence of the Prime Minister. © European Union
