15 October, 2026
DG GROW has published the European Clean Hydrogen Alliance Infrastructure Roundtable's reaction paper to the European Commission's Electrification Action Plan. The paper highlights the Roundtable's view that successful implementation of the Plan requires an integrated approach to the future energy system. It argues that electrification should be considered alongside renewable and low-carbon hydrogen and other renewable gases, taking account of total system costs, flexibility, security of supply and the differing needs of energy consumers. The paper also invites the European Commission to consider its recommendations when developing the revised EU Hydrogen Strategy.
Ready4H2, a member of the Roundtable, contributed input on behalf of Europe's gas distribution operators. It emphasises that hydrogen distribution networks are a key element of an integrated energy system, connecting producers and consumers while supporting flexibility, renewable energy integration and energy security. The paper calls on the EU Hydrogen Strategy to recognise the role of distribution infrastructure, provide investment certainty, support network repurposing and accelerate hydrogen market development and deployment.
The European Clean Hydrogen Alliance was established in July 2020 as part of the EU Hydrogen Strategy to support the large-scale deployment of clean hydrogen technologies by 2030. The Alliance brings together stakeholders across the hydrogen value chain, including renewable and low-carbon hydrogen production, industrial and mobility demand, and hydrogen transmission and distribution infrastructure. Ready4H2 is a key member, representing the largest group of gas distribution system operators in Europe.
The paper can be found here.
