Greece Passes First Hydrogen Law: Unlocking the National Hydrogen Economy

Greece has taken a landmark step in its clean energy transition by passing Law 5251/2025, the country’s first dedicated hydrogen legislation. This comprehensive legal framework establishes clear rules for the production, certification, and support of renewable (green) hydrogen, positioning Greece as a future leader in the hydrogen economy.

The new law introduces the Hydrogen Producer Certificate (HPC), a streamlined and fully digital licensing process designed to accelerate market entry for hydrogen producers. This certificate is valid for 25 years and enables projects to benefit from simplified regulatory procedures without the need for secondary legislation.

Hydrogen is now recognised as a strategic enabler for Greece’s energy system, supporting renewable electricity absorption, grid flexibility, and enhancing the country’s potential as a regional export hub for clean hydrogen.

The legislation aligns with key EU directives, including Directive (EU) 2024/1788 and the EU Hydrogen Strategy, reinforcing Greece’s commitment to the European Green Deal and REPowerEU objectives. Projects like Motor Oil Hellas’s 50 MW green hydrogen plant in Corinth and Hellenic Hydrogen’s 100 MW facility at Amyntaio underscore the strong investor interest and early momentum in the sector.

Certification under the new law ensures hydrogen produced meets strict renewable criteria, enabling access to state aid, clean hydrogen power purchase agreements (PPAs), and support mechanisms essential for industrial decarbonisation.

While secondary regulations on technical standards and grid access are forthcoming, the law marks a crucial milestone for Greece’s renewable hydrogen market, promising to boost investment, infrastructure development, and decarbonisation efforts.