Brussels approves ENNOH’s provisional statutes to launch hydrogen cooperation

The European Commission has published its opinion on ENNOH’s founding documents, paving the way for the organisation of hydrogen network operators across Europe.

Share:

The European Commission officially released its opinion on May 16 concerning the statutes, internal rules, and preliminary list of members of the European Network of Network Operators for Hydrogen (ENNOH). This endorsement marks a crucial step in the establishment of the new entity designed to structure the hydrogen transmission infrastructure network within the European Union.

Early cooperation under EU legal supervision

The opinion, referenced C/2025/2004, recommends that future hydrogen transmission network operators begin cooperation without delay via ENNOH, while ensuring full compliance with EU law. The Commission’s position echoes that of the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER), published in December 2024, which also called for alignment of ENNOH’s statutes with EU legislation.

The current ENNOH statutes, submitted in August 2024, must now be finalised and published by operators by early July 2025. The objective is to ensure the association, as defined under Regulation (EU) 2024/1789, operates on a legally sound foundation, especially regarding membership criteria and internal procedures.

Towards harmonised governance of the hydrogen network

ENNOH is set to assume, as of January 1, 2027, the responsibilities of the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Gas (ENTSOG) concerning the planning of hydrogen infrastructure development. It will also contribute to the development of harmonised technical and operational codes necessary for the operation of an interconnected EU hydrogen grid.

“It is essential that operators begin working quickly, but within a framework compliant with EU rules,” stated the Directorate-General for Energy in its communication. This framework will also include stakeholder consultation mechanisms and a transparent process for membership admission and rule amendments.

The Commission’s opinion further stresses that prospective members must be certified under the requirements of Directive (EU) 2024/1788 or at least have initiated the process. This condition aims to ensure the integrity of ENNOH’s operation from its initial phases.

Envision announces the official commissioning of the world's largest green hydrogen and ammonia plant in China, powered by an autonomous renewable energy system and entirely AI-driven, with exports planned from late 2025.
Sumitomo Corporation announces a strategic investment in Independence Hydrogen aimed at developing new decentralized hydrogen production and distribution projects in the United States, targeting industrial, logistics and critical infrastructure sectors.
80 Mile announces that it has increased its stake in Hydrogen Valley to 49% and signed a memorandum of understanding with Tecnoparco for the supply of 40,000 tonnes of biofuel per year, aiming to reduce palm oil dependency.
The Hive Coega project, South Africa’s most ambitious green ammonia initiative, enters its operational phase with the release of tenders for essential infrastructure, marking a major step forward for the country in renewable energy production.
The Belfort commercial court has approved the sale of McPhy to John Cockerill Hydrogen, a €600,000 transaction involving majority retention of staff and an industrial project partially funded by European subsidies.
The City of Fresno becomes the latest member of First Public Hydrogen, the first US public authority dedicated to hydrogen development, thus strengthening its energy infrastructure and municipal bus fleet.
The official confirmation in June 2025 by the French government regarding the detection of significant natural hydrogen reserves in Lorraine, the Pyrenees, and Aquitaine could represent a major strategic turning point for national and European energy sovereignty. However, the technical, economic, and environmental challenges associated with its exploitation might slow its large-scale implementation.
Stanwell announces the end of its participation in the Central Queensland Hydrogen Project, a major international hydrogen production initiative, raising questions about the sector's outlook in the region.
Lhyfe becomes the first French producer to obtain European RFNBO certification, delivering the first batches of certified hydrogen and opening access to new support mechanisms for the industrial sector.
Tree Energy Solutions and CPC Finland will produce 125,000 tonnes annually of e-NG at the Finnish port of Rauma, targeting European and international markets with a significant investment.
The European Commission grants €3.5mn to support preparatory work for a Franco-German cross-border network aimed at transporting hydrogen between the Grand Est region and Baden-Württemberg starting in 2029.
French company McPhy Energy awaits a court decision regarding offers submitted during its judicial reorganization, paving the way for probable liquidation and potential delisting of its shares.
The majority-Indigenous-owned Canadian manufacturer HyVera Distributed Energy is introducing an eCat pellet that instantly produces ultra-pure green hydrogen without external electricity and is counting on two pilot plants to simplify industrial supply.
Underground hydrogen storage, essential to support its growth, continues to face significantly higher costs than natural gas storage, along with major technical challenges hindering its competitiveness against conventional energies.
Singapore-based hydrogen specialist Hydrexia seals a protocol with Indonesian gas giant Samator to deploy purification, transport and storage of hydrogen, betting on rapidly growing local demand and export outlets to the Asia-Pacific region.
Cadiz Inc. signs a memorandum of understanding with British company Hoku Energy for a large-scale energy project including green hydrogen, solar power, and digital infrastructure in the Californian desert, projecting annual revenues of up to $10mn.
BP indefinitely halts its blue hydrogen project at the Whiting refinery in Indiana, raising questions about the future of federal funding and the impact on regional plans for a decarbonized hydrogen sector in the United States.
The Polish energy group ORLEN receives a non-repayable grant of €382 million from the National Recovery Plan to finance its renewable and low-emission hydrogen production initiatives.
Georgia Power and Mitsubishi Power announce successful completion of an unprecedented test incorporating 50% hydrogen into an advanced gas turbine, reducing CO2 emissions by 22% compared to natural gas alone.
Neoenergia has begun construction of one of Brazil's first green hydrogen plants, aimed at supplying heavy and light vehicles, with an investment exceeding 30 million Brazilian reais ($5.99mn).