While Macron worries about the EU, green hydrogen emerges as an energetic solution
Ensuring energetic independence should be one of the EU’s priorities in these times of political uncertainty. It was highlighted as such by French President Emmanuel Macron, in his recent speech at the Sorbonne University, in Paris.
He noted the urgency for Europe to strengthen its sovereignty and strategic autonomy in the face of a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape. Crucially, he argued that Europe could no longer rely on the American security umbrella or on energy imports from Russia and must instead build its own defence strategy and bolster critical industries, particularly in energy.
Macron made it clear that the old model of European dependency on external powers is no longer viable: “The era when Europe bought its energy and fertilisers from Russia, had production in China, and entrusted its security to the US is over,” he declared. “The rules of the game have changed.”
And in addition to financial incentives, Macron emphasised the importance of building a unified European energy market to support strategic energy projects. He called for pursuing a single market for “telecoms, energy, and financial services,” which would reduce regulatory barriers and promote investment in new energy technologies.
In this context, there is no doubt that the EU must prioritise independent energy sources. But which one is the best?
Rise of the emerging renewable energies
Energy research is blooming in Europeo, and emerging renewable energy sources represent innovative advancements in harnessing nature’s power more efficiently and sustainably. There is marine energy, which includes tidal energy, wave energy, and Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC), and geothermal energy, Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) and supercritical geothermal technologies offer new opportunities.
Next-generation solar technologies are also rapidly evolving, with perovskite solar cells offering high efficiency at low costs and concentrated solar power (CSP) harnessing sunlight to produce steam for electricity generation. There’s also advanced bioenergy, floating wind farms, and Space-based solar power (SBSP) which collects solar energy using satellites and transmits it to Earth via microwave or laser beams.
But none is as reliable as hydrogen energy, which is is gaining traction. Hydrogen fuel cells are converting hydrogen into electricity for various applications, and green hydrogen is being produced via electrolysis using renewable electricity, providing a clean fuel source with vast potential for sustainable energy systems.
Green hydrogen and Macron’s plan: a hypothetical
Green hydrogen, produced through the electrolysis of water using renewable electricity, can significantly decrease the EU’s energy dependence on Russia and other foreign suppliers while supporting the EU’s climate goals.
To achieve this, Europe must invest heavily in hydrogen technology and infrastructure. By scaling up green hydrogen production and distribution, Europe can position itself as a leader in clean energy. Macron’s vision calls for massive support for companies in strategic sectors, which could include direct subsidies, grants, and favorable regulatory frameworks to accelerate growth. Public-private partnerships will also be critical, as collaborative funding initiatives between governments and private entities can help scale up production and infrastructure development.
As such, creating a “Hydrogen Backbone Network” across Europe, for instance, would facilitate efficient transportation and distribution of green hydrogen, allowing member states to share resources and reduce supply vulnerabilities.
Macron also reiterated his criticism of the EU for being over-regulated and called for simplifying regulations to support strategic sectors. But streamlining regulations for the hydrogen sector would accelerate the adoption of hydrogen technologies and reduce bureaucratic obstacles for companies operating across multiple countries. Cross-border collaboration and joint ventures between EU member states could help develop shared standards and efficient energy networks, further strengthening Europe’s energy autonomy.
Benefitting industries across the Union
Green hydrogen is a game-changer for the EU’s energy sector. Crucially, it can be stored and transported, providing a resilient solution for managing the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources like wind and solar. By converting surplus renewable energy into hydrogen, Europe can enhance its energy security and reduce its dependency on external supplies.
Moreover, green hydrogen supports the EU’s transportation sector. Hydrogen fuel cells offer a promising alternative for heavy-duty and long-haul vehicles, which are challenging to electrify. Transitioning to hydrogen-powered trucks, ships, and eventually planes could drastically reduce the carbon footprint of European transportation. In urban mobility, buses and trams powered by hydrogen would lead to cleaner cities with significantly lower emissions.
Industrial sectors such as steel, cement, and chemicals, notorious for high carbon emissions due to their need for high-temperature processes, could also leverage green hydrogen as a clean energy source. Utilising hydrogen as both a fuel and a key raw material in these processes could result in substantial reductions in industrial carbon emissions. This would help these traditionally high-polluting sectors move towards sustainability.
In the heating sector, green hydrogen offers innovative solutions for decarbonising both residential and commercial buildings. The use of fuel cells and the potential blending of hydrogen into the natural gas grid can facilitate a shift away from fossil fuels, improving air quality and reducing emissions across urban and rural areas alike.
Then there’s the agricultural sector, often affected by stringent EU environmental regulations, can also benefit from green hydrogen. Recent months have seen protests from farmers concerned about policies favouring sustainability over their working conditions. However, green hydrogen’s application extends to agriculture, positively impacting the production of green ammonia and fertilisers. By shifting to green ammonia, the agricultural sector can reduce its carbon footprint while adopting more sustainable farming practices, contributing to the EU’s broader environmental goals.
The push towards green hydrogen is also stimulating extensive research and development in electrolysis technologies, fuel cell efficiency, and innovative storage solutions. This focus on innovation drives advancements essential for the widespread adoption of green hydrogen. Concurrently, the development of dedicated infrastructure, including production facilities, storage systems, and transportation pipelines, creates opportunities in the construction and engineering sectors, further supporting economic growth and job creation.
Green hydrogen-centric operations are emerging throughout Europe. In Zaragoza, Spain, initiatives are leveraging renewable energy sources for hydrogen production, focusing on applications ranging from industrial processes to transportation. In Italy, the town of Spinetta is home to an innovative green hydrogen operation developing advanced materials tailored for hydrogen production, infrastructure, and mobility. Meanwhile, the Dutch region of Groningen is a leader in the Netherlands’ green hydrogen economy, with projects like HyStock aiming to convert renewable energy into green hydrogen.
Beyond its direct applications, the shift to green hydrogen promises significant environmental benefits. By promoting efficient water use and reducing carbon emissions, green hydrogen contributes to a more sustainable and resilient environment. Additionally, significant investments are flowing into the green hydrogen economy, supported by green finance initiatives, sustainability-focused funds, and public-private partnerships. This financial momentum underscores the economic viability of green hydrogen.
As Macron emphasised, “Europe is mortal, it can die and it depends entirely on our choices, but these choices need to be made now.” Europe must defend what’s important for itself, with allies or alone, to secure its energy future and strategic independence.
