Europe Facing a New Dispute Over Nuclear Energy
The relationship between France, Germany, and Spain is facing a new challenge as they dispute over nuclear energy. Paris is reportedly upset due to the lack of support from Berlin and Madrid in labelling nuclear-derived hydrogen as “green” in EU legislation. This disagreement could obstruct the construction of a multi-billion euro hydrogen pipeline from the Iberian peninsula to Central Europe via France, and delay Europe’s green energy legislation.
France’s Push for Nuclear-Derived Hydrogen
France, which heavily relies on its aging nuclear fleet for electricity generation, is leading a campaign to include hydrogen produced using nuclear power, known as “red” hydrogen, in the EU’s new renewable energy targets. Currently, the focus is on “green” hydrogen produced using electricity from renewable sources.
Spain and Germany Accused of Breaking Commitments
Paris is now accusing Spain and Germany of not keeping their commitments made at meetings in Barcelona and Paris to consider low-carbon energy, which is a code for nuclear, as clean. France’s energy minister, Agnes Pannier-Runacher, stated that it would not be understandable for Spain and Germany to take different positions in Brussels and not keep their commitments.
The Barcelona and Paris Summits
After much hesitation, French President Emmanuel Macron agreed to the hydrogen pipeline between Barcelona and Marseille in October, and the deal was formalized at a summit with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Barcelona in January. Germany was later added to the project after a joint Franco-German summit in Paris. Paris claims that the agreement was in return for Spanish and German commitments on red hydrogen.
Different Standpoints on Red Hydrogen
In Madrid, officials claim that the dispute is a misunderstanding, and they are willing to be flexible on red hydrogen in other legislation such as the gas market directive, but not in the renewables bill. German officials, however, doubt that there was ever a formal promise to accept red hydrogen as “green.”
Impact on Europe’s Climate Targets
Hydrogen plays a crucial role in Europe’s plans to decarbonize heavy industries, and the European Commission estimates that its green hydrogen initiative will require investment of up to 300 billion euros in new renewable electricity production. At least six EU officials are concerned that this dispute could spread to other policies related to renewable or low-carbon hydrogen, potentially delaying laws needed to meet the EU’s climate targets. The EU is in the process of updating its gas market laws and plans to propose a “hydrogen bank” to fund new projects. Negotiations on the RED-3 directive with the EU Parliament have been postponed this week due to a disagreement on the definition of “renewable” hydrogen.