A group representing major electrolyzer manufacturers and their components in Europe, known as the Electrolyser Partnership, has called on Brussels to implement measures that ensure the continent’s leadership in this industry. This plea comes at a “critical” moment for European competitiveness, especially in light of China’s aggressive advancement in the field.
In a letter addressed to Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, alongside other senior officials, the group emphasizes the necessity of maintaining and strengthening European manufacturing capabilities. H2B2 Electrolysis Technologies, a global supplier of green hydrogen solutions and one of the signatories, shared this information.
The letter promotes the slogan “Made in Europe” and highlights the booming global market for low-impact environmental technologies, which reached €184 billion in 2023 and is projected to triple by the end of this decade. Given this rapid growth, retaining electrolyzer manufacturing capacity in Europe is deemed essential for not just industrial competitiveness, but also for strategic autonomy and economic sustainability.
Europe has already poured significant political and financial resources into promoting renewable hydrogen as a central tenet of the European Green Deal. As a result of these efforts, Europe has emerged as the “global leader” in electrolyzer manufacturing, with two-thirds of the world’s top manufacturers based in the region.
However, the signatories warn that Europe’s share of global manufacturing capacity is increasingly overshadowed by China, which currently accounts for 40%, a stark contrast to 10% in 2023. This notable rise in China’s market share is fueled by state subsidies and zero-interest government loans, creating an “uneven” playing field that endangers the European industry.
In response, the companies are urging the European Commission to introduce “resilience criteria” designed to protect and support local businesses amid current market distortions. They advocate for a proposal to implement non-price-based criteria in upcoming hydrogen auctions held by the European Bank, ensuring that European funding benefits the electrolyzer industry.
For further insights into the developments in the green hydrogen sector, consider visiting resources like the International Energy Agency (IEA) or the Hydrogen Europe association.
Image and News Source: https://www.infobae.com/espana/agencias/2024/07/22/la-industria-de-electrolizadores-pide-medidas-a-bruselas-ante-el-avance-desmedido-chino/
