Recast EU Regulation on Gas and Hydrogen Networks [EU Legislation in Progress]

Written by Monika Dulian and Alex Wilson (2nd edition, updated on 25.04.2023).

On 15 December 2021, the European Commission adopted a legislative proposal to recast the 2009 EU Gas Regulation, as part of the hydrogen and decarbonised gas markets package. This reflects the EU’s growing climate ambitions, outlined in the European Green Deal and its ‘Fit for 55’ package.

The proposal aims to support the decarbonisation of the energy sector by increasing the production of renewable gases and hydrogen across the EU, and facilitating their integration in existing or new gas networks. It would create an EU legislative framework for hydrogen networks. It would also oblige existing natural gas infrastructure to integrate a higher share of hydrogen and renewable gases through high tariff discounts; provisions to facilitate blending of hydrogen with natural gas and renewable gases; and greater EU cooperation on gas quality and storage. The proposal likewise includes a targeted revision of the 2017 Security of Gas Supply Regulation to foster greater regional cooperation on gas storage, facilitate the joint procurement of strategic stocks, and encourage Member States to address the growing risk of cyber-attacks on EU energy networks.

In the European Parliament, the file was referred to the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE), which adopted its report on 9 February 2023. The report was endorsed at the plenary session of 15 March 2023. The Council adopted its general approach on 28 March 2023.

Versions

• April 2023: Recast EU Regulation on Gas and Hydrogen Networks (2nd edition)