Physical infrastructure: Hydrogen networks
Shipping
Current status of implementation and existing gaps
The transport of green hydrogen via pipelines to produce e-fuels for shipping could be a viable solution in regions with limited renewable energy resources. This includes connecting supply and demand centres requiring different transport and storage infrastructure.
Examples and initiatives
The European Hydrogen Backbone project aims to connect several hydrogen supply and demand sources within Europe. This includes connecting several gas infrastructure operators within EU member states.
Aviation
Current status of implementation and existing gaps
The transport of green hydrogen via pipelines could be a viable solution in regions with limited renewable energy resources. Hydrogen networks would also be important for hydrogen propulsion systems, for which hydrogen transport, storage and fuel management systems would be needed.
Examples and initiatives
The European Hydrogen Backbone project aims to connect several hydrogen supply and demand sources within Europe.
The Hydrogen Hubs at Airports initiative by Airbus works with several stakeholders to produce, transport and store hydrogen at airports (Airbus, 2025c).
Iron and steel
Current status of implementation and existing gaps
The transport of green hydrogen via pipelines for H2-DRI could be a viable solution in regions with limited renewable energy resources.
Examples and initiatives
The European Hydrogen Backbone project aims to connect several hydrogen supply and demand sources within Europe.
Chemical and petrochemical
Current status of implementation and existing gaps
The transport of green hydrogen via pipelines could be viable solution in regions with limited renewable energy resources.
Examples and initiatives
The European Hydrogen Backbone project aims to connect several hydrogen supply and demand sources within Europe.
Cement
Current status of implementation and existing gaps
The transport of green hydrogen via pipelines could be viable solution in regions with limited renewable energy resources.
Examples and initiatives
The European Hydrogen Backbone project aims to connect several hydrogen supply and demand sources within Europe.
Enablers
Enablers (39)
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Policy and regulation
- 1 Sector-specific emission reduction targets
- 2 Carbon pricing mechanisms
- 3 Economic support for green commodities and fuels: Subsidies
- 4 Economic support for green commodities and fuels: Taxation
- 5 Economic support for green commodities and fuels: Carbon Contracts of difference
- 6 Demand stimulation policies: Green public procurement
- 7 Demand stimulation policies: Mandates and quotas
- 8 Demand stimulation policies: Emission reduction standards
- 9 Demand stimulation policies: Phase out of ICE Vehicles
- 10 Carbon limits in end products
- 11 Product definitions, standards, certification schemes and emission accounting frameworks
- 12 Fast-tracked permitting
- 13 Research and development support
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Technology infrastructure and system operation
- 14 Technology readiness: Reduced demand and improved energy efficiency
- 15 Technology readiness: Direct use of clean electricity
- 16 Technology readiness: Direct use of renewable heat and biomass
- 17 Technology readiness: Direct use of sustainably sourced biomass and biofuels
- 18 Technology readiness: Indirect use of clean electricity via synthetic fuels
- 19 Technology readiness: Implementation of CO2 capture, utilisation and removal measures
- 20 Physical infrastructure: Power grids modernisation and expansion
- 21 Physical infrastructure: Electric charging facilities for EVs
- 22 Physical infrastructure: Hydrogen networks
- 23 Physical infrastructure: CO2 capture and storage networks
- 24 Physical infrastructure: Ports and airports
- 25 Digital technologies and infrastructure
- 26 Quality infrastructure
- 27 Supply-side flexibility and demand-side management via smart electrification strategies
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Market conditions business and finance
- 28 Early market creation measures: Offtake agreements and long-term contracts
- 29 Early market creation measures: Industry coalitions
- 30 Early market creation measures: Emerging business models
- 31 Corporate climate commitments and transition plans
- 32 Ecolabels of green products
- 33 Sustainability-linked investments, climate bonds and sustainable finance taxonomies
- 34 Financing programmes and de-risking instruments
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Supply chain skills and community engagement