In recent months, several important signals have emerged that are worth putting into context. This is not about individual funding calls or technologies, but about the overall direction in which the hydrogen landscape in Europe is evolving.

Following the Innovation Fund – Czech National Info Day, it is becoming increasingly clear that hydrogen is no longer perceived as an experiment, but as a long-term infrastructure topic. At the same time, however, a growing tension is visible between political ambitions, regulatory frameworks and the real feasibility of projects.

Hydrogen is becoming infrastructure – not just technology

One of the most significant developments is the proposed European Grids Package. While it primarily addresses the pressure on electricity grids caused by the rapid expansion of renewables, it also, for the first time, systematically includes hydrogen infrastructure.

Specifically:

  • hydrogen network planning is to become part of the TYNDP (Ten-Year Network Development Plan),
  • ENNO-H is being established as a counterpart to ENTSO-E and ENTSO-G,
  • the European Commission has identified strategic Energy Highways, including two major hydrogen corridors across Europe.

This is a strong signal:
👉 hydrogen is being understood as backbone infrastructure with a multi-decade horizon.

Regulation is driving the market – but at what cost?

At the same time, a large part of the hydrogen market is currently driven by regulation rather than by natural project economics. This is particularly visible in RFNBO, hydrogen mobility and PtX.

  • prices are not driven by technological efficiency,
  • but by requirements on electricity origin, temporal correlation and quotas,
  • demand is often secondary – a response to regulatory obligation.

Regulation has its role in a transformation phase. The problem arises when it begins to limit technological options instead of enabling system optimisation.

Central corridors vs regional reality

European hydrogen corridors clearly focus on:

  • large volumes,
  • imports,
  • long-distance transport.

From an EU energy strategy perspective, this is logical. From the perspective of regions and industry, key questions arise:

  • local availability of hydrogen,
  • cost after transport and infrastructure,
  • dependence on external supply chains,
  • implementation timelines.

This reopens the discussion about regional and decentralised solutions as a necessary complement.

Technology mix is not a weakness – but a necessity

Project experience shows clearly that:

  • no single technology can solve all applications,
  • not every region has the same conditions,
  • not every sector requires the same type of hydrogen.

Industrial demand, mobility, energy systems and PtX applications have different requirements in:

  • supply stability,
  • cost,
  • carbon footprint,
  • investment structure.

This is why a technology-neutral approach is essential.

Key takeaway from Innovation Fund

The Innovation Fund confirms:

  • the EU is ready to invest heavily in hydrogen,
  • but expects system-level impact.

Future development requires:

  • alignment of regulation and operational reality,
  • integrated view of infrastructure and production,
  • open discussion about where hydrogen makes sense.

Hydrogen is not an end goal. It is a tool.

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

Kristýna Váchalová

Hydrogen Business Development