Hydrogen is most often perceived today as a tool for decarbonisation.

And yes – that is its key role.

But it is far from the only one.

👉 Hydrogen is primarily an energy tool. And this brings us to another crucial reason for developing it: energy self-sufficiency and independence.

Europe and Its Dependence

Recent years have shown one thing very clearly:

Europe is heavily dependent on energy supplies from other parts of the world.

Whether it is:

  • natural gas
  • oil
  • other energy commodities

If supply disruptions or geopolitical tensions occur,

👉 the impacts are immediate.

Prices rise. Uncertainty increases. And we feel the consequences very quickly.

An Impact That Affects Us All

A typical example is oil.

Whenever oil prices rise:

  • transport becomes more expensive
  • transport operators face higher costs
  • and subsequently manufacturers face higher costs as well

👉 The result:

Not only more expensive fuel.

But also more expensive goods.

Including food.

This means that even if we do not directly use oil or gas ourselves,

👉 in the end, higher prices affect all of us.

Why Self-Sufficiency Matters

Energy self-sufficiency does not mean complete independence.

But it does mean:

  • greater stability
  • lower sensitivity to market fluctuations
  • greater control over energy prices and availability

👉 And this is exactly where hydrogen comes into play.

Hydrogen as Part of the Solution

Hydrogen has one major advantage:

👉 it can be produced locally.

For example:

  • from renewable energy sources
  • from biomass and waste
  • in combination with other technologies

This means:

  • lower dependence on imports
  • greater control over production
  • the ability to stabilise prices over time

Economics Are Beginning to Change

For a long time, the main argument against hydrogen was its cost.

But this is gradually changing.

Today we see:

  • increasing energy prices
  • rising carbon allowance (CO₂) costs
  • growing pressure to decarbonise industry

👉 The result:

The gap between conventional energy sources (such as natural gas) and hydrogen is gradually narrowing.

In other words:

👉 hydrogen is becoming economically competitive.

And in addition:

👉 it offers greater stability than fossil energy sources that depend on global markets.

What Does This Mean?

Hydrogen is not only about emissions.

👉 It is about system resilience.

👉 It is about price stability.

👉 It is about partial independence from external influences.

Conclusion

Decarbonisation is important.

But on its own, it is not enough.

If we want a stable and functional energy system in the long term, we must address not only decarbonisation but also:

👉 energy self-sufficiency.

And this is exactly where hydrogen has a firm place.

Personally

I see hydrogen as a tool that connects decarbonisation with energy stability and independence.

And it is precisely in this context that I see its greatest added value for future energy and industrial projects across Europe.

I focus on the development of hydrogen projects and infrastructure strategies in a European context.

Energy independence is not an ideology. It is an economic necessity.

Kristýna Váchalová
Hydrogen Business Development