EU Continues Energy Transition Ambitions with RED III Adoption
With the adoption of Directive (EU) 2023/2413 (RED III), the EU is stepping up efforts to cut dependence on fossil fuels. The directive sets new, ambitious targets for renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBO) across the industry, with an important deadline for Member States to transpose this into national law by May 21, 2025.
On September 2, 2024, the European Commission released a crucial Communication offering guidance to Member States on achieving the RFNBO targets in industry and transport.
Breakdown of key elements covered:
- Clarifications on the scope of application for the RFNBO targets in Article 22a;
- Insights into the relationship between RFNBO targets and the broader EU renewable energy goal (Article 3);
- Conditions under which Member States may reduce the RFNBO target (Article 22a);
- Overview of the binding sub-target for RFNBOs in the transport sector (Article 25).
Hydrogen Europe welcomes the European Commission’s guidance on the targets for RFNBO consumption. It provides much-needed clarity and direction for achieving the EU’s RED III implementation goals.
Hydrogen Europe is pleased with the clarification that the refinery route can contribute to the transport target and appreciates the valuable guidance on accounting for hydrogen consumption in refineries.
The clarification on the treatment of derivative imports, aligned with the legal text, is also appreciated, though the potential risk of carbon leakage remains unresolved. However, they regret that some aspects were left unaddressed, especially the implications of Recital 63 concerning the possible exclusion of integrated ammonia plants.
These steps are vital in advancing our industry and ensuring that hydrogen plays a central role in the clean energy transition. Achieving the ambitious goals RED III sets will only be possible if the conditions are met, starting with a predictable regulatory framework.
The European Commission also adopted guidance on other aspects of the Renewable Energy Directive. It includes:
- Heating and cooling (Articles 15a, 22a, 23, & 24),
- Energy System Integration (Article 20a), and
- A recommendation on heating and cooling under the revised Energy Efficiency Directive (Article 26)
Hydrogen Europe welcomes all the guidance documents. The guidance provided for Article 20a of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 to promote renewable electricity integration, includes provisions to mandate data transparency, smart recharging, and market access for small storage.
It could support green hydrogen through better access to renewable data. However, the guidance lacks a clear focus on hydrogen’s role in energy storage and system integration, missing a key opportunity to strengthen the sector’s involvement.
