The Danish government has unveiled its ambitious 2030 plan, titled “Denmark Ready for the Future,” signaling a shift in response to the evolving global competitive landscape. While the hydrogen industry applauds the commitment to strengthening the EU’s green industry, concerns linger about the immediate recognition of the challenges faced by Danish companies in the fiercely competitive international arena.
Tejs Laustsen Jensen, the director of Brintbranchen, a hydrogen industry association, emphasizes the significance of an active green industrial policy in the face of geopolitical changes triggered by events like the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Jensen contends that state aid is a crucial tool for fostering fair competition in the green sector, urging the government to acknowledge the current realities faced by Danish companies.
The government’s pledge to enhance the competitiveness of the EU’s green industry through improved framework conditions and efficient utilization of EU funds is met with approval from the hydrogen sector. Against the backdrop of a transformed geopolitical environment, including China’s expanding influence in strategic sectors, the hydrogen industry sees Denmark’s active green industrial policy as essential to securing a leading position in the European hydrogen market.
Jensen commends the government’s commitment to developing a globalization strategy that aims to provide Danish businesses with optimal conditions to navigate the challenges and opportunities arising from the technological advancements brought about by the green transition and the EU’s proactive industrial policy. This strategy, he argues, is vital for retaining control over critical supply chains and the associated technologies.
While acknowledging the government’s additional investment in the green transition, the hydrogen industry stresses the enormity of the investment required to meet the goals effectively. However, reservations arise as the 2030 plan does not explicitly propose immediate utilization of the EU’s relaxed state aid rules. The industry contends that state support is crucial to empowering Danish and European green industries, especially in the competitive global race for hydrogen technology ownership.
Highlighting the strategic importance of hydrogen technology for Denmark and Europe’s energy independence, the hydrogen industry expresses reservations about setting premature end dates for state aid relaxations. With major players like China and the USA providing substantial state support for an extended period, the industry argues against prematurely limiting support for technologies deemed critical for strategic autonomy.
