Electrolyser manufacturers letter to European Commission

On Tuesday 31st January 2023, Nel along with more than 20 other leading companies sent a letter to European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen. The letter was published ahead of the European Commission’s communication on the “Green Deal Industrial Plan” and calls on the EU to support the development of a truly European renewable hydrogen value chain.

The letter emphasizes the importance of ensuring a level playing field for European manufacturers and preventing de-industrialization. Approximately €10 billion in EU public funding has been made available to renewable hydrogen projects, but some of the money has gone to non-European competitors. EU lawmakers are called upon to ensure that taxpayer money supports the development of the European electrolyser manufacturing industry and jobs.

The letter also calls for the European Commission to consider environmental, social and governance (ESG) and European standards when developing future funding tools and pre-qualification criteria. Further recommendations include that projects should contribute significantly to job creation and centers of excellence, and include sustainability requirements such as recycling obligations and CO2 footprint.