Industrial decarbonisation

Hydrogen will be ‘pivotal element’ in future economy, says EU climate chief

Hydrogen will be essential for Europe's future economy, particularly to store and transport green energy, EU climate chief Frans Timmermans told the European Parliament on Thursday (28 April).

United States lawmakers are at a CBAM tipping point

A levy on carbon-intensive products is in the works in the EU, which would mean producers of EU goods pay for their emissions wherever they are in the world. It will have a serious impact on Europe's trading partners, making dialogue and understanding crucial to its success, writes Mohammed Chahim after a visit to the US.

UAE, Germany sign ‘blue hydrogen’ contract in Abu Dhabi

German vice-chancellor Robert Habeck has secured several hydrogen cooperation contracts with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with the first blue hydrogen expected to be shipped to Germany in 2022.

Key lawmaker pushes 10% ‘low-carbon hydrogen’ target in EU renewables law

The lawmaker in charge of drafting the European Parliament’s position on the EU’s recast renewable energy directive is pushing to include a 10% target for “low-carbon hydrogen” as part of efforts to kick-start the EU market.

Germany, Norway agree tentative plan to build hydrogen pipeline link

With Europe planning to end its reliance on Russian gas as quickly as possible, Norway, the second-largest gas exporter to the EU, "wants to actively contribute to the rapid development of the hydrogen market in Germany" and on the continent.

EU countries agree world’s first carbon tariff, but leave out controversial issues

The EU's 27 economy ministers reached an agreement on Tuesday (15 March) to introduce a carbon levy on imports of highly-polluting goods like steel, cement and fertilisers, but kicked the can down the road on controversial aspects like the use of revenues coming from the scheme.

Berlin woos key gas supplier Norway

Germany’s economy and climate minister Robert Habeck is travelling to Oslo on Wednesday (16 March) to cement the country’s energy partnership with Norway and maximise gas supplies to the continent, including the potential of "blue" hydrogen made from fossil fuels.

Scholz’s master plan for Africa to bypass the EU’s CO2-tariff

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz wants to address Africa's concerns about the upcoming Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) at the EU's external borders by bringing the continent into his so-called "climate club". EURACTIV Germany reports.

EU in balancing act over carbon border levy, industry concerns

The European Commission’s proposed Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism is meant to replace free allowances distributed to industry under the existing EU ETS, but European steelmakers worry the transition will be a mess and leave them without protection from foreign competitors.

Spain calls on EU to endorse renewable energy contracts for industry

The Spanish government has called on the European Investment Bank (EIB) to provide financial guarantees for long-term fixed-price supply contracts for renewable energy, known as Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).

France and Germany to work on ‘common industrial projects’

France and Germany will work on "common industrial projects" such as electrical networks, batteries and hydrogen, French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire said after receiving his German counterpart Robert Habeck in Paris on Monday (7 February).

EU carbon market blurred by volatile prices and speculation, Greens warn

The EU needs to tackle design flaws and speculation on its carbon market to ensure the price of emissions remains high and becomes a more effective tool to drive decarbonisation, according to a report by the Greens in the European Parliament.

Europe’s carbon border levy could pose another post-Brexit challenge for Ireland

The European Union is planning to introduce a levy for carbon-intensive goods later this decade, but it risks creating more post-Brexit problems on the island of Ireland and landing importers of UK goods with potentially expensive new procedures.

Scholz walks EU tightrope in push for ‘international climate club’

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has championed the creation of a "climate club" bringing together large economies pushing for more ambitious climate action. But as the EU pushes for a carbon tariff at its border, he is walking a diplomatic tightrope.

EU ministers mull carbon border tax, argue over nuclear’s green credentials

European Union environment ministers gathered in France Thursday (20 January) to mull climate policy and the merits of a carbon border tax, while airing differences on whether nuclear energy can be classified as "green".

Lawmakers criticise plan for ‘CBAM reserve’ in EU carbon market reform

An EU lawmaker’s proposal to put aside free pollution permits for industry in case plans to replace them by an external EU carbon tariff fails, has been criticised by his fellow lawmakers in the European Parliament.

Put co-innovation at the heart of EU green external relations

The EU needs to intensify its cooperation on green innovation with other parts of the world, writes Mats Engström.

Lawmaker drafts ‘complete overhaul’ of EU carbon border levy

The EU lawmaker in charge of negotiating Europe’s upcoming levy for carbon-intensive imports has recommended drastic changes, including a quicker rollout and adding more products to the scope of the draft legislation.

€860 billion needed to finance German climate goals

The new German government should enable the investment of about 860 billion euros until 2030 to initiate emission reduction activities across all sectors of the economy, the German industry association BDI has said, reported CLEW.