Nuclear sector pins hopes on 2026 for ‘low-carbon’ hydrogen label

Nuclear energy advocates are pushing for the European Commission to label nuclear-derived hydrogen as ‘low-carbon’, but several industry sources told Euractiv that would prefer the decision is brought forward to 2026 instead of the scheduled 2028. In late September, the European Commission released for consultation a draft legal text, or ‘delegated act’, setting out criteria to determine whether hydrogen can be officially labeled as ‘low carbon’.

This move drew the wrath of nuclear defenders, as the draft text proposed postponing a decision on whether hydrogen produced exclusively with nuclear energy can be eligible for the low-carbon label until 1 July 2028. Hydrogen produced exclusively with nuclear energy would entail a hydrogen producer signing a power purchase agreement, known as a ‘nuclear PPA’ with a nuclear energy provider.

The nuclear industry wants a decision made much sooner. ‘We strongly advocate for the recognition of nuclear PPAs before 2028. The inclusion of nuclear PPAs would enhance predictability, mobilising private financing for new net zero technologies needed to meet EU climate goals,” a spokesperson for Fortum, the largest Finnish energy producer, told Euractiv.

Source: ECEEE