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.

Partagez:

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.

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).
The SA-H2 fund, supported by international partnerships and local institutional backing, mobilises 37 million USD to develop export-oriented green hydrogen from South Africa, with an initial concrete project announced.
Turbotech reports successful combustion testing of a hydrogen turboprop, developed through digital simulation with Ansys, marking an industrial milestone in light aircraft using alternative fuel.
France Hydrogène responds to the Cour des Comptes report published on June 5, criticising an incomplete reading of updated targets and the economic impacts of decarbonised hydrogen development.
The Belfort Commercial Court has opened a judicial reorganisation procedure for McPhy, while a renewed call for tenders for its asset sale is now set to close on 13 June.
Plug Power CFO Paul Middleton acquired 650,000 shares on the market, affirming his support for the long-term strategy of the hydrogen-focused company.
The Canadian government is funding an initiative to support 40 SMEs in British Columbia’s hydrogen sector, aiming to increase foreign investment and expand international market share.
Developer CWP Global has paused its $40 billion AMAN project in Mauritania due to a lack of buyers for green ammonia despite favourable local conditions.
A study reveals that the profitability of African green hydrogen exports to the European Union depends on political support from Europe, despite the abundance of ongoing projects on the continent.
Plug Power expands its partnership with Allied Green through a new 2 GW electrolyzer deal tied to a $5.5bn chemical plant in Uzbekistan.
Stargate Hydrogen launches 140 MW factory in Estonia with modular expansion model amid cautious hydrogen investment climate.
The European Commission is considering legal action over RED III delays, as regulatory uncertainty slows renewable hydrogen projects and Union-wide investment.
The Cour des comptes warns of the gap between France’s hydrogen ambitions and the reality of funding and available industrial capacity.