Green Hydrogen is one of the drivers of the energy transition, that is no longer a far-away concept, but a necessity. This is one of the conclusions from the conference “Green Hydrogen as a Guide to Energy Transition”, held in Belgrade.
The conference brought together representatives of the Serbian Government, experts, industry leaders, and innovative companies to discuss the future of hydrogen projects as sustainable solutions for decarbonisation, energy security, and technological advancement.
The European Union has set an ambitious goal: to become the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, and central to this vision is the development of a resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure, in which green hydrogen will play an important role, said the Deputy Head of EU Delegation to Serbia Plamena Halacheva during opening speeches.
“Recognising the potential of green hydrogen, the European Union has been at the forefront of preparing a comprehensive strategy to harness its potential. The EU Hydrogen Strategy adopted in 2020 is one of the cornerstones of the European Green Deal, designed to accelerate the deployment of renewable hydrogen technologies and create an integrated and competitive hydrogen market. To overcome technical challenges, the EU is investing heavily in research and development of new technologies”, said Halacheva.
The recently adopted Energy Development Strategy for the first time explicitly recognises hydrogen in Serbia’s energy transition, said Advisor to the Minister of Mining and Energy Rade Mrdak.
“”The European Union is recognised as a global leader in hydrogen development, both through strategic planning and through a regulatory framework that positively impacts the private sector and research institutions. Serbia, as a candidate country for EU membership, is following these trends and adapting its regulatory framework to ensure the competitiveness and sustainability of its energy sector,” Mrdak noted.
Energy transition needs to take into account all aspects of society and must be implemented with the least people possible left behind, said Chief of Gas Unit in the European Energy Community Predrag Grujucic.
“It is estimated that by 2030, between 15 and 20 per cent of the natural gas network in the European Union will be repurposed for hydrogen, and I assume a similar situation will occur in Serbia as well”, Grujicic said.
During the day, participants exchanged opinions on the current state in the field of hydrogen production and distribution in the EU and Serbia, as well as what challenges lie ahead. Organisers announced that a conference with the same topics, but on an even larger level, is planned for next year.
Green hydrogen, produced by the electrolysis of water using renewable electricity, offers a zero-emission alternative to conventional fossil fuels.
The priority for the EU is to develop green hydrogen from renewable sources. The REPowerEU Strategy of 2022 set out the aim of producing 10 million tonnes and importing 10 million tonnes by 2030.
By 2050, renewable hydrogen is to cover around 10% of the EU’s energy needs, significantly decarbonising energy intensive industrial processes and the transport sector. Hydrogen stands as a key component in the EU’s strategy to the energy transition, net-zero, and sustainable development.
