AG9 Policy Recommendations: The EUSALP Region - A European Frontrunner Area for Green Hydrogen
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Hydrogen Strategy of the European Union has defined ambitious targets to develop a European hydrogen economy. In this context, the Alpine territory is transforming into a pioneering area for green hydrogen: Most Alpine countries have endorsed national hydrogen strategies, and several Alpine regions have adopted - or are developing - regional roadmaps and strategies, are setting up pilot projects, are establishing hydrogen valleys and are advancing cross-border collaboration and infrastructure.The Alpine area holds strategic relevance in the context of European green hydrogen economy implementation and technical testing: With a high incidence of renewable energy, heavy industries in the Alpine forelands that represent amongst the most productive European areas, and its function as a European transport corridor that connects the South and the North of Europe, the region is well-positioned to pioneer green hydrogen deployment. It has the potential to become a European frontrunner for green hydrogen-based long term energy storage and industrial decarbonization, aligning regional innovation with the climate goals of the European Union (EU).
To untap the potential of green hydrogen in supporting the energy transition, several key challenges need to be tackled. These include high production costs, the safeguarding of hydrogen applications as the most effective CO2 emission reduction technology, the lack of infrastructure to match offer and demand, as well as the need to intensify multi-level, trans-regional and cross-border collaboration. To advance the Alpine area into becoming a frontrunner area for green hydrogen, EUSALP Action Group 9, that has the mission to make the Alpine territory a model region for renewable energy and energy efficiency, calls on decision-makers and stakeholders to commit to the following policy recommendations:
Regional level: Green hydrogen initiatives need to align with the EU definition of renewable hydrogen and with climate policy goals focusing on application areas where hydrogen has the highest decarbonization potential, for instance, in the hard-to-abate sector. Regional hydrogen strategies need embedding into regional energy and climate plans, supported by continuous monitoring of environmental and economic impacts and policies. Communication about the benefits and risks is essential to raise public understanding and acceptance for the implementation of hydrogen initiatives.
Regional and national level: Regional hydrogen initiatives need alignment with national strategies and support from corresponding structures (e.g., one-stop shops and stakeholder platforms) to strengthen the sustainable hydrogen economy ramp-up. Education, training, and upskilling programs are needed to meet the growing demand for skilled labor in the hydrogen sector.
EUSALP/Interregional and transborder collaboration: Promote the exchange of good practices from hydrogen projects and valleys across the Alpine region, focusing on financing, governance, and cross-border infrastructure. Address policy gaps, for instance, in transborder infrastructure. Coordinate public funding and joint pilot projects to efficiently develop hydrogen infrastructure, including “hydrogen valleys.” Establish shared technical, regulatory, and operational standards to ensure seamless integration and interoperability of hydrogen ecosystems across the region.
The Policy Recommendations have been elaborated by the members of the Actions Groups of EUSALP, reflect the expertise of the AGs members and are meant for voluntary implementation by the decision makers when it comes to the Alpine Region.