Posted on 06 Dec 2022
The European Union and Japan have signed a memorandum of cooperation to spur innovation and the development of an international hydrogen market, Kallanish reports.
Describing the parties as “the frontrunners in hydrogen technology,” the EU said they will work together for sustainable and affordable production, trade, transport, storage, distribution, and use of green and low-carbon hydrogen.
“The cooperation will help to establish a rules-based and transparent global hydrogen market without distortions to trade and investment,” the EU adds.
Under the agreement signed by EU commissioner for energy Kadri Simson and Japan’s economy, trade, and industry minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, the governments aim to develop 100 hydrogen valleys by 2030. The clean energy ministerial hydrogen initiative will also include cooperation on ports and trade, as well as developing global renewable and low-carbon hydrogen targets.
Among other things, the cooperation also seeks an open market, without export restrictions, and standards for qualifying hydrogen as renewable or low carbon, and the associated certification.
Japan is one of the world’s largest importers of natural gas and has been a keen advocate for hydrogen. The EU notes both parties have already committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2040 and to accelerating the clean energy transition as outlined in the EU-Japan Green Alliance.
Now, the European bloc highlights hydrogen can make a crucial contribution to both the green transition and energy security, and seeks to intensify cooperation with Japan. This effort will include governments, industry players, research institutions, and local authorities on areas ranging from policy, regulation, and incentives to best practices, project development, and education and upskilling.
Source:Kallanish
