€158 Million Measure Approved by the Commission to Increase Production of Renewable Hydrogen

Yesterday, the Commission approved a €158 million Polish measure to support LOTOS’s Green H2 project of producing renewable hydrogen through water electrolysis. Specifically, this aid will be used to install an electrolyser with a 100 MV capacity, a 50 MV photovoltaic power plant, and a 20 MWh battery storage. The electrolyser will begin operation in 2027 and is expected to prevent the release of 2.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide over its lifetime. The Commission assessed this measure based on EU state aid laws and the 2022 CEEAG guidelines.

?It found that:

• The proposal had sufficient safeguards in order to ensure that there is no distortion of competition and trade in the EU
• Ensured that any technical know-how gained throughout the project will be shared other industry players
• Supports the objectives of other EU initiatives, such as the European Green Deal, REPowerEU, and the EU Hydrogen Strategy

Overall, the Commission’s decision to fund this initiative demonstrates the EU’s overarching goal of ending its dependence on imported fossil fuel and promoting a future of green energy.?