The European Commission’s approval of the “Hy2Infra” program marks a significant milestone in Europe’s journey towards a sustainable energy future. With seven member states pledging billions of euros, this initiative aims to revolutionize the continent’s hydrogen infrastructure.
France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, and Slovakia have committed a total of €6.9 billion to support 33 inter-operable projects under the Hy2Infra program. These projects, which include the deployment of 3.2GW of electrolysers, represent a monumental step towards decarbonizing Europe’s energy sector.
Hy2Infra is the latest in a series of Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI) aimed at advancing hydrogen technology. With a focus on infrastructure development, the program will facilitate the production, transmission, and storage of renewable hydrogen across the continent. This includes the construction of electrolysis capacity, hydrogen transmission pipelines, and storage facilities.
Leading companies such as Air Liquide and RWE are among the 33 entities involved in Hy2Infra, contributing their expertise to electrolysis projects and infrastructure development. Importantly, these projects are designed to collaborate and share knowledge, fostering a dynamic ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders.
The €6.9 billion investment from the EU is expected to catalyze an additional €5.4 billion in private funding, demonstrating the growing confidence in hydrogen technology. By leveraging public-private partnerships, Hy2Infra aims to accelerate innovation, drive down costs, and scale up renewable hydrogen production.
At its core, Hy2Infra aligns with the European Hydrogen Strategy’s vision of achieving climate neutrality by 2050. By laying the groundwork for a comprehensive hydrogen infrastructure, Europe is positioning itself as a global leader in clean energy innovation, paving the way for a sustainable future.