Hydrogen

EU Council: Greece Comments on Recast TEN‑E Regulation (Chapters V–VIII)

The Council has circulated Greece’s comments on the second Presidency compromise text for the recast TEN-E Regulation, covering offshore grid planning, hydrogen network development, cross-border cost allocation and ring-fenced congestion income rules. These positions indicate how the final TEN-E framework may shape cross-border electricity and hydrogen infrastructure planning, financing and use of congestion revenues across EU priority corridors, with implications for future PCI investment and network strategies.

23 May 2026, 19:17data.consilium.europa.euEuropean Union

EU Council – France Updates Comments on TEN‑E Recast Second Presidency Text (Chapters V–VIII)

In March 2026 France submitted updated comments on the EU’s proposed TEN-E recast to the Council, responding to the second Presidency compromise text on offshore grids, cross-border cost allocation, congestion income, financing and governance. While no obligations apply yet, France is pressing for stricter limits on applying electricity-style cost allocation to hydrogen networks and on ring-fencing congestion revenues, which could materially shape how future cross-border electricity and hydrogen infrastructure is financed and planned.

23 May 2026, 08:47data.consilium.europa.euEuropean Union

EU Council: Austria Submits Comments on Proposed TEN-E Regulation (Chapters V–VIII)

In March 2026, Austria submitted detailed drafting comments on the Council Presidency’s compromise text for a recast TEN-E Regulation, focusing on offshore grids, hydrogen infrastructure and cross-border cost allocation. These positions signal pressure for stronger EU-level de-risking tools and tariff safeguards for cross-border hydrogen and electricity projects, shaping how future TEN-E rules could influence network investment costs and financing for energy-intensive industry.

23 May 2026, 08:46data.consilium.europa.euEuropean Union

EU Council: Czech Republic Comments on Permitting Directive for Energy Infrastructure (WK 4760/2026, ST 7042/2026)

In March 2026 the Czech Republic submitted detailed comments on the EU “Permitting Directive” proposal, which amends core renewable, electricity and gas/hydrogen legislation to accelerate permitting for energy, grid, storage and charging infrastructure. The comments push back on strict EU-level rules on tacit approval, single digital portals, benefit-sharing, environmental assessment exemptions and grid-connection deadlines, signalling that final permitting obligations for developers and network operators may be softened or reshaped during negotiations.

22 May 2026, 19:00data.consilium.europa.euEuropean UnionCzechia

Germany: Bundestag Holds Hearing On EnWG Amendment For EU Gas And Hydrogen Market Package

Germany’s Bundestag has held a public committee hearing on a major EnWG amendment that will restructure gas networks, integrate hydrogen infrastructure, and implement the EU Gas and Hydrogen Internal Market Package by the 5 August 2026 transposition deadline. This confirms political momentum behind a framework that will govern decommissioning and conversion of gas grids, unbundling and access for hydrogen networks, and long-term investment conditions for gas and hydrogen infrastructure, with strategic implications for utilities, network operators, and heavy energy users.

22 May 2026, 18:50bundestag.deGermanyEuropean Union

Netherlands Issues 2025 Annual Report of the Ministry of Climate and Green Growth on Climate and Energy Policy

The Netherlands has published the 2025 annual report of the Ministry of Climate and Green Growth, confirming entry into force of the Energiewet, adoption of the Wet collectieve warmte, and multi‑billion euro allocations for grids, CCS, hydrogen and nuclear alongside broader climate and industrial policy measures. This consolidates the national climate and energy framework and signals sustained, large‑scale public support for decarbonisation infrastructure, while raising expectations on utilities and industry to deliver projects on time despite grid constraints, permitting challenges and execution risks.

22 May 2026, 10:25zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nlNetherlands

EU TEN-E Regulation – Sweden Comments On Presidency Compromise For Chapters V–VIII

Sweden has submitted detailed comments on the EU’s proposed recast of the TEN-E Regulation, challenging draft provisions on offshore grid planning, cross-border cost-sharing and hydrogen network development. Its push for voluntary cost-sharing and limits on ACER’s role could reshape how future electricity and hydrogen projects are financed across borders, shifting risk allocation for TSOs, project developers and investors once the regulation is finalised.

21 May 2026, 06:53data.consilium.europa.euEuropean Union

Czech Republic Comments on TEN‑E Regulation Presidency Compromise (Chapters V–VIII)

In March 2026 the Czech Republic submitted detailed comments on the EU Council’s second Presidency compromise text for the revised TEN‑E Regulation, focusing on offshore grids, cross‑border cost allocation, CEF funding rules and how future electricity and hydrogen infrastructure will be planned and financed. The positions push against automatic CBCA and strict congestion‑income ring‑fencing, argue for clearer CEF support for hydrogen networks (including repurposed pipelines), and favour greater flexibility for national TSOs and regulators—signals that could influence the final shape of cross‑border energy infrastructure rules and investment incentives.

21 May 2026, 06:53data.consilium.europa.euEuropean Union

CARB Opens Public Comment on LCFS Tier 2 Pathways B0858 (Hydrogen) and B0849 (Renewable Diesel)

In May 2026, the California Air Resources Board opened a short public comment period on two Tier 2 Low Carbon Fuel Standard pathway applications for hydrogen from dairy manure biogas (B0858) and renewable diesel from multiple feedstocks (B0849), with comments due on 2 June 2026. Hydrogen producers, renewable diesel refiners, and other LCFS‑obligated fuel suppliers should review these applications and consider commenting on assumptions that will shape final carbon intensities, credit generation potential, and long‑term compliance strategy.

21 May 2026, 06:50ww2.arb.ca.govUnited States

Hong Kong Plans Hydrogen Safety Subsidiary Legislation Under Gas Safety (Amendment) Ordinance 2025

Hong Kong has confirmed that hydrogen used as fuel will be brought under the Gas Safety Ordinance via the Gas Safety (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, with hydrogen-specific subsidiary legislation to be introduced into the Legislative Council for negative vetting within 2026. This sets a clear timeline for a dedicated hydrogen safety regime and related certification standards, signalling upcoming compliance requirements for hydrogen production, transport, storage, refuelling infrastructure and vehicles in Hong Kong and influencing cross-boundary hydrogen projects and green finance.

20 May 2026, 19:18info.gov.hkHong Kong SAR ChinaChinaSouth Korea

Hong Kong Signs Multi-Party Hydrogen Ecosystem MOU Targeting Full Operation by 2030

Hong Kong has signed a multi-party memorandum of understanding with nine international partners, led by Hyundai Motor Group, to build a comprehensive hydrogen ecosystem that is targeted to be fully operational by the end of 2030. This signals accelerated public-private momentum for hydrogen infrastructure, waste-to-hydrogen projects, and fuel-cell transport in Hong Kong, with likely implications for future regulation, safety standards, and decarbonisation pathways across the region.

20 May 2026, 19:18info.gov.hkHong Kong SAR China

Hong Kong Sets 2026 Timeline for Hydrogen Fuel Regulations Under Gas Safety Ordinance

Hong Kong has amended its Gas Safety Ordinance to bring hydrogen used as fuel under a dedicated safety regime and is preparing subsidiary regulations across the hydrogen supply chain, targeted to commence together in 2026. This creates a clear, upcoming compliance framework for hydrogen projects, so energy, transport and infrastructure operators planning hydrogen investments in Hong Kong should start aligning designs, safety management and cross-boundary logistics with the new gas safety rules.

20 May 2026, 19:17info.gov.hkHong Kong SAR China

Commission Approves €1.3 Billion German State Aid to Support Renewable Hydrogen Production

In May 2026, the European Commission approved a €1.3 billion German State aid scheme to scale up renewable hydrogen production via the European Hydrogen Bank’s Auctions-as-a-Service tool. The decision signals strong public support for clean hydrogen investment in Germany and the EU, shaping market opportunities and decarbonisation trajectories rather than creating new compliance duties.

20 May 2026, 17:59ec.europa.euEuropean UnionGermany

Zuid-Holland Grants Environmental Permit for Eneco Diamond Hydrogen Electrolyser in Rotterdam-Europoort

Zuid-Holland has granted a first-phase environmental permit under the Environmental Permitting (General Provisions) Act for Eneco’s large-scale Eneco Electrolyzer hydrogen plant at Rotterdam-Europoort, announced in May 2026. This decision enables development of around 800 MW of electrolysis capacity producing nearly 100,000 tonnes of hydrogen per year and offers a concrete example of how provincial authorities are permitting major hydrogen infrastructure in the Rotterdam industrial cluster.

20 May 2026, 06:19zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nlNetherlands

Czech Republic Proposes "Lex Hydrogen" Amendments to Energy Act to Implement Directive (EU) 2024/1788

The Czech Republic is consulting on a "Lex Hydrogen" amendment to the Energy Act that would complete transposition of Directive (EU) 2024/1788 and establish a national legal framework for the hydrogen market and related infrastructure. Hydrogen producers, network operators and large energy users should monitor this draft closely, as it will shape future licensing, infrastructure investment and market access conditions once adopted.

18 May 2026, 16:07apps.odok.czCzechia

Trilateral Chemical Region 3C‑VaCS Study Assesses Future Chemical Value Chains And Infrastructure

A new DECHEMA-led 3C-VaCS study sets out how the Netherlands–Flanders–North Rhine-Westphalia chemical cluster can remain globally competitive while decarbonising its steam cracker and polymer value chains and infrastructure through to mid-century. It signals that policy design, carbon pricing, CO2 and hydrogen infrastructure choices, and access to circular and bio-based feedstocks will determine which production stays in Europe, so chemical companies should stress-test investment, location, and sourcing strategies against evolving EU climate and trade frameworks.

18 May 2026, 16:02dechema.deBelgiumNetherlandsGermany

Germany: Bundesrat Seeks Stronger Protections in Gas and Hydrogen Network Law

In May 2026, Germany’s Bundesrat adopted a 32-point opinion on draft amendments to the Energy Industry Act implementing the EU gas and hydrogen market package, while the Federal Government rejected most of the proposed changes. The debate signals that rules on gas network decommissioning, hydrogen infrastructure planning and financing, and protections for industrial and household customers are still in flux, with significant implications for long-term energy, investment and transition planning.

18 May 2026, 13:26dserver.bundestag.deGermany

Netherlands Issues Second Decision Note on Industrial RFNBO Annual Obligation Bill (Kamerstuk 36936)

The Netherlands has issued a second decision note and submitted its bill to the House of Representatives to introduce an annual RFNBO obligation for hydrogen-using industrial installations under the EU RED III framework. This moves the proposal into the parliamentary phase and clarifies that future compliance is expected to rely on NEa-administered reporting and tradable renewable hydrogen units, meaning large industrial hydrogen and ammonia users should start assessing exposure, data needs and sourcing options.

15 May 2026, 18:34tweedekamer.nlNetherlands

India BIS Consults On Draft Standards For Orthosiphon Root And Hydrogen Generators

In May 2026, the Bureau of Indian Standards opened public consultations on a new Indian Standard for Orthosiphon rubicundus root used in traditional medicine and a second revision of IS 16509 on safety requirements for hydrogen generators using water electrolysis. These drafts signal upcoming Indian specifications for herbal raw materials and hydrogen equipment that could shape quality controls, testing expectations, and certification conditions for suppliers to the Indian market, so impacted firms should review and consider commenting before the July 2026 deadline.

15 May 2026, 16:21standards.bis.gov.inIndia

Finland Consults on Draft Hydrogen Market Act and Energy Market Law Reforms

Finland has opened a public consultation on a draft Hydrogen Market Act and related energy market legislation to implement the EU’s new gas and hydrogen market rules, with responses due by 8 July 2026. The package will define how hydrogen networks and markets are organised and supervised, meaning energy and industrial companies planning hydrogen investments in Finland should engage early to shape infrastructure access, pricing conditions and future regulatory risk.

15 May 2026, 13:44lausuntopalvelu.fiFinland