(fra kommisjonsforslaget) 

Reasons for and objectives of the proposal

Hydrogen is an integral part of the European Union's strategy for achieving climate neutrality by 2050, as outlined in the EU Hydrogen Strategy 1 . The strategy positions hydrogen as a versatile energy carrier capable of decarbonising sectors that are challenging to electrify. By promoting the production and use of renewable and clean hydrogen, the EU aims to scale hydrogen technologies, reduce dependency on fossil fuels, and propel sustainable economic growth. This vision is further supported by the REPowerEU plan 2 , which aims to reduce dependency on fossil fuel imports and accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources, including clean hydrogen production and utilization across various sectors.

The potential of hydrogen to facilitate decarbonisation is acknowledged within the UNECE framework, where it is considered a viable fuel option for non-road mobile machinery (NRMM) 3 . This recognition highlights hydrogen’s environmental benefits and its capacity to significantly lower emissions from NRMM engines. Despite this international acknowledgment, hydrogen is not listed as a reference fuel under Article 25 of Regulation (EU) 2016/1628. The absence of hydrogen in the regulatory framework limits the NRMM sector's ability to transition to more sustainable technologies, hindering the EU's goals of reducing carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels as outlined in the European Green Deal 4 . Without recognizing hydrogen as a reference fuel, the EU risks innovation and market entry for hydrogen-powered NRMM, thereby missing out on technological advancement opportunities.

Therefore the proposal aims at:

Closing the Regulatory Gap: The primary objective is to amend Regulation (EU) 2016/1628 to include hydrogen as a reference fuel, ensuring that EU regulations are consistent with international standards and aligned with the Union's environmental and climate objectives.

Facilitate Decarbonization and Enhance Energy Security: By incorporating hydrogen into the regulatory framework, the initiative supports the EU's strategy to reduce carbon emissions and achieve climate neutrality by 2050. It helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels and contributes to a resilient and sustainable energy system.

Stimulating Innovation and Industrial Competitiveness: Recognising hydrogen as a viable fuel encourages innovation within the NRMM sector, supporting research, development, and deployment of hydrogen technologies. It aligns EU regulations with UNECE standards, facilitating international trade and maintaining the competitiveness of EU manufacturers globally.