Energy transition: ENNOH lays the foundations for a hydrogen Europe

The European Union is seeking to develop institutions that will help kick-start the hydrogen economy. Alongside the European Hydrogen Bank and the European Hydrogen Backbone (EHB), the European Network of Network Operators for Hydrogen (ENNOH) also began operating early this year. 

ENNOH represents a key step towards creating a single hydrogen market within the European Union, modelled on the natural gas market.This non-profit organisation, whose legal establishment is expected in the fourth quarter of 2025, will bring together hydrogen transmission network operators (HTNOs) to support the development and proper functioning of the internal hydrogen market and facilitate cross-border flows of the fuel.

ENNOH will be responsible for developing network codes, technical recommendations and ten-year network development plans (TYNDPs), which will cover all related infrastructure projects.The organisation will work closely with the European networks of electricity (ENTSO-E) and gas (ENTSOG) transmission system operators to identify synergies and support the integration of energy systems across different energy carriers, helping to decarbonise Europe’s energy system efficiently. 

Czechia has a board member

As preparations continue for ENNOH’s full launch, an interim structure called Pre-ENNOH was established on 11 December 2024, bringing together 37 entities from 26 EU member states.The initiative is tasked with preparing the documents and structures needed for ENNOH’s future operations.Czechia is represented in this structure by Michal Slabý of NET4GAS, who was elected to the board

ENNOH’s organisational structure will include a General Assembly, a Board, an Audit Committee and working groups focused on specific areas.The rules governing these bodies, including election and appointment procedures, are detailed in the draft rules of procedure submitted to ACER and the European Commission.

ENNOH, EHB and the European Hydrogen Bank

ENNOH, the European Hydrogen Backbone (EHB) initiative and the European Hydrogen Bank together form the key pillars for developing the hydrogen economy in the European Union.ENNOH focuses on coordinating hydrogen transmission network operators and establishing a regulatory framework for the efficient and safe operation of hydrogen infrastructure.

EHB plans to build an extensive network of hydrogen pipelines approximately 40 000 km long, connecting 21 European countries by 2040.The European Hydrogen Bank provides financial support through auctions designed to reduce investment risks and promote renewable hydrogen production in the EU.This combination of institutional coordination, physical infrastructure and financial support is intended to help the EU meet its decarbonisation goals through hydrogen development. ​

The European Hydrogen Bank, a European Commission financial instrument, plays a key role in supporting the development of the renewable hydrogen market.In the first round of auctions in 2024, 720 million euros was allocated to seven projects, which bid prices of between 0.37 and 0.48 euros per kilogram of hydrogen, well below the set ceiling of 4.50 euros/kg.The second round of auctions in 2025 received 61 bids from 11 countries, seeking support of more than 4.8 billion euros—four times the available budget of 1.2 billion euros.

Despite the EU’s efforts to support renewable hydrogen, it is already becoming increasingly likely that the EU’s ambitious targets for renewable hydrogen production by 2030 will not be met.