EU parliament to favour e-fuels, hydrogen: EPP lawmaker

The new EU parliament will be more pragmatic in 2024-2029, favour continuation of the internal combustion engine (ICE) beyond 2035 as well as more flexible rules for low-carbon hydrogen, e-fuels, biofuels, and other CO2-neutral fuels, outgoing member of the European Parliament Markus Pieper told Argus. The centre-right European People's Party (EPP) MEP was the key lawmaker behind the EU's revised renewable energy directive.

Will the next parliament favour renewable liquid fuels in spite of provisions for an ICE phase-out?

For me, the end of the internal combustion engine (ICE) has not been decided yet. The next European Parliament will likely have a majority supporting the continuation of ICE beyond 2035. This would provide planning security for investments in innovation and facilities for e-fuels, biofuels, and other CO2-neutral fuels, including power-to-x (P2X) fuels. Instead of an outright ban on combustion engines, there should be a phase-out of fossil fuels, enabling us to achieve climate targets more quickly and cost-effectively, without overloading power grids. We need to start working on a clear legal framework today. The blending of new fuels must be standardised and regulated.

Do you see the EU parliament favouring greater flexibility in the conditions for renewable hydrogen?

Yes, we have a review clause in the renewable energy directive, whereby the European Commission shall submit a report to council [of ministers] and parliament by 1 July 2028. If this assessment indicates that we cannot achieve targets for green hydrogen in industry due to a lack of supply, then we must adjust the definition of green hydrogen. If we do not adapt, the industry may relocate to regions with fewer environmental regulations. We need to be flexible in our legislation and ready to adjust rules due to worldwide competition.

How can a new EU parliament improve on existing legislation for 2030 climate and energy goals?

The magic word is technological openness. We need to get the best out of all energy resources. Additionally, we need to invest significantly more in the energy transition, especially in the expansion of cross-border green electricity projects. The new European Parliament will likely be more pragmatic and realistic in its energy goals.

Does the EU need to rethink the 2040 goals?

There's no need to rethink the 2040 CO2 reduction target of 90pc [compared with 1990 levels]. But we need to rethink how to achieve goals and keep a close eye on China and India. Europe must constantly redefine and adapt legislation as necessary. One crucial step is reaching new trade arrangements [to balance higher EU climate standards for domestic industry than global competitors]. We have to be more realistic.

Do you think EU 2030 targets for hydrogen are too ambitious?

Yes, the target for green hydrogen to represent 42pc of hydrogen used by industry in 2030 is too ambitious from today's point of view. And I currently don't see the capacity to produce enough hydrogen in Europe. As for imports, non-EU producers often do not meet the same standards for producing green hydrogen. This means we'll need to adapt our definition of green hydrogen and consider more low-carbon solutions. The Paris Climate Agreement remains our primary goal. If we can achieve these goals with low-carbon hydrogen, why not? Still, it remains possible to meet the 2030 green hydrogen targets if we adapt the definition.

By Dafydd ab Iago