EU shuts out Chinese hydrogen equipment from subsidy program

Effective ban seeks to shield industry after struggles in solar and wind

20241202N Hydrogen modules

The European Union looks to protect domestic manufacturers of equipment for producing "green" hydrogen. © Reuters

EIKI HAYASHI, Nikkei staff writer

FRANKFURT, Germany -- The European Union is adding restrictions to its subsidy program for "green" hydrogen production that effectively lock out Chinese-made equipment as the bloc looks to avoid a repeat of the damage inflicted on its solar panel industry.

The change is being implemented with the second subsidy auction by the European Hydrogen Bank, slated to begin Tuesday. A project will not be eligible if electrolyzer stacks -- a key component of the equipment used to make hydrogen -- sourced from China account for more than 25% of output capacity.

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