Czechia backs Belgium: countries want blue hydrogen counted towards EU climate targets

The European hydrogen debate is intensifying. A group of member states led by Belgium is pushing for not only so-called green hydrogen, but also low-carbon hydrogen, including blue hydrogen, to count towards meeting the targets of the RED III Directive. The Czech Republic has joined the Belgian initiative, among others, which is a crucial signal for domestic industry, Argus Media reports.

The RED III Directive requires EU countries to ensure that renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs) – in practice, primarily green hydrogen produced through electrolysis using renewable electricity – account for at least 42 % of hydrogen used in industry by 2030, rising to 60 % by 2035. The target is intended to accelerate decarbonisation in energy-intensive sectors such as chemicals and steelmaking.

According to Belgium, however, the current framework is too rigid. A non-paper backed by the Czech Republic as well as Poland, Hungary and Slovakia states that, without adjustments, “significant delays or cancellations” of key decarbonisation projects are at risk. The document warns that countries with limited wind and solar potential face a structural disadvantage, as domestic green hydrogen production remains economically uncompetitive for them and large-scale imports are not viable.