Renewable hydrogen electrolyser manufacturers, including Spain’s ARIEMA, call on the European Commission for greater support for the european value chain
The European Electrolyser Manufacturers Association, of which ARIEMA is a member, yesterday sent a letter to the European Commission outlining a series of requests aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of the European electrolyser industry in the face of growing competition from third countries.
In its letter, the alliance of companies proposes the implementation of “European standards” designed to ensure that the EU industry remains competitive in the global market.
“Now, more than ever, we need to maintain Europe's technological leadership in the field of electrolysers, with the aim of ensuring [the continent's] energy security and industrial competitiveness,” the letter explains.
They also justify the need for greater protection for European industry by pointing to similar policies implemented at national level by its closest competitors, such as the United States and, above all, China.
Protecting European industry
Among other measures, the Association is calling on the Commission to provide support for green hydrogen consumption during the initial stages, demonstrate greater support for the “made in Europe” renewable hydrogen value chain, promote the creation of skilled jobs, and encourage research, development and innovation (R&D&I) in so-called “Centres of Excellence”.
To avoid the risk of the continent's “deindustrialisation”, the letter warns, it is essential that “future funding mechanisms such as the EU Sovereignty Fund and/or the Hydrogen Bank support the development of the electrolyser manufacturing industry in Europe”. In other words, European taxpayers' money should not end up supporting industries outside the EU.
Finally, they propose that the European Commission take environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) best-practice principles into account when defining the requirements for accessing new rounds of funding.
This letter has been sent ahead of the forthcoming meeting of EU Heads of State, convened to discuss the implementation of the industrial plan for the European Green Deal. The meeting will take place between 8 and 10 February.
As manufacturers of electrolysers using our own “made in Spain” technology, with more than 20 years of experience in the sector, at ARIEMA we fully support the contents of this letter and are committed to continuing to collaborate through the European Electrolyser Manufacturers Association to promote a strong European industry that is a leader in the global market.