MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Recognition of nuclear-derived hydrogen as ‘low carbon’ – E-002277/2024(ASW)

The Commission published on 27 September 2024 for feedback a draft delegated act[1] setting out the methodology for determining the greenhouse gas emissions savings of low-carbon fuels.

The consultation closed on 25 October 2024. As required under Article 9(5) of the Hydrogen and Gas Market Directive[2], the draft is consistent with the methodology agreed for determining the greenhouse gas emissions savings of renewable hydrogen and recycled carbon fuels[3], including the same pathway that considers the emission intensity of electricity based on the annual electricity mix.

The pathway for sourcing fully renewable electricity is specifically required by the Renewable Energy Directive[4] while no dedicated pathway for sourcing nuclear power is set out under the Gas Market Directive[5].

Nevertheless, the Commission intends to explore also these pathways in the context of a future review of the draft delegated act at the latest by July 2028.

The Commission will take into account the feedback received and adopt the final text of the delegated act before submitting it to the European Parliament and the Council, which will have two months to examine the proposals and to accept or reject them.

• [1] https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/14303-Methodology-to-determine-the-greenhouse-gas-GHG-emission-savings-of-low-carbon-fuels_en
• [2] Directive (EU) 2024/1788.
• [3] Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/1185 of 10 February 2023 supplementing Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council by establishing a minimum threshold for greenhouse gas emissions savings of recycled carbon fuels and by specifying a methodology for assessing greenhouse gas emissions savings from renewable liquid and gaseous transport fuels of non-biological origin and from recycled carbon fuels. OJ L 157/20, of 20.06.2023.
• [4] Directive (EU) 2023/2413 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 October 2023 amending Directive (EU) 2018/2001, Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 and Directive 98/70/EC as regards the promotion of energy from renewable sources, and repealing Council Directive (EU) 2015/652, OJ L, 2023/2413, 31.10.2023.
• [5] Directive (EU) 2024/1788 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 on common rules for the internal markets for renewable gas, natural gas and hydrogen, amending Directive (EU) 2023/1791 and repealing Directive 2009/73/EC (recast), OJ L, 2024/1788, 15.7.2024.