European Commission opens two consultations for the new hydrogen strategy, until 23 November

On Monday, 26 October 2026, the European Commission launched two consultation procedures to prepare the new hydrogen strategy, open until 23 November. The general call on the “Have Your Say” platform collects feedback on the strategy’s priorities, while the targeted consultation on EU Survey requests detailed information from sector stakeholders. The initiative responds to the slower-than-anticipated development of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen production and use.

In brief There are two distinct channels: general feedback through “Have Your Say” and a targeted questionnaire on EU Survey for authorities, companies, investors and other organisations involved in the sector. Both procedures close on 23 November 2026. For the targeted questionnaire, the deadline specified by the Commission is 23:59 CET. The questionnaire is available in English, but responses may also be submitted in Romanian, as in any official EU language. Participants may leave unanswered any questions that do not concern them. Costs remain an obstacle: ACER estimated that in 2024 the average cost of renewable hydrogen was around EUR 8/kg, four times higher than that of hydrogen produced from fossil fuels. The strategy has not yet been adopted. The Commission’s portal provisionally indicates the fourth quarter of 2026; the consultation does not confer any right to funding and does not automatically change legislation.

Through the call for evidence on “Have Your Say”, citizens, companies and organisations may submit feedback on the scope and content of the future strategy. Contributions concern public policy guidelines and will be taken into account in preparing the document. This channel is separate from the technical and economic questionnaire addressed to market stakeholders.

The targeted consultation seeks to identify concrete obstacles to production, consumption and investment. Hydrogen producers and users, infrastructure operators, technology suppliers, investors, authorities and regulators, researchers, and environmental or consumer organisations are invited to participate. The list includes users in industry, agriculture, aviation and maritime transport.

Responses to the EU Survey questionnaire may be submitted until 23 November, 23:59 CET. The form is in English, but contributions are accepted in all official EU languages. Only relevant questions need to be completed. The Commission asks participating organisations and companies to register in the Transparency Register; this is not a funding application or a project selection procedure.

The new strategy aims to create a more competitive and resilient European hydrogen value chain, with stability and predictability for investors. The Commission is preparing it in parallel with the renewable energy framework through 2040. The European executive notes that, despite existing legislation and support, operational capacities remain limited and many projects have not reached the maturity required for investment.

The challenge is to develop production, demand and infrastructure simultaneously. Producers need competitive energy and buyers, while industrial users must be able to rely on prices and supply before adapting their facilities. Pipelines and storage capacity must be planned in line with actual demand.

ACER’s 2025 monitoring report shows that, in 2024, EU electrolyser capacity increased by 51%, to approximately 308 MW, well below the 6 GW target set for that year. The estimated average cost of renewable hydrogen was around EUR 8/kg, four times higher than that of conventional hydrogen. These are data for 2024, not prices or capacities measured in October 2026. ACER recommends reducing regulatory risks, speeding up permitting and providing targeted support for mature projects in hard-to-decarbonise sectors.

The context also includes the REPowerEU targets for 2030: 10 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen produced annually in the EU and another 10 million tonnes imported. In 2024, the European Court of Auditors criticised the insufficient substantiation and realism of these ambitions and called for their reassessment. The opening of the consultations does not mean that the targets have already been changed.

Renewable hydrogen and low-carbon hydrogen are distinct categories, subject to different European criteria. Their role is particularly relevant in industrial processes where direct electrification is not feasible or cost-effective. For organisations in Romania, the consultations offer an opportunity to present issues concerning energy, financing, infrastructure and industrial use, without participation creating any right to financial support.

After the two procedures close, the Commission will analyse the contributions to finalise the strategy. “Have Your Say” indicates the adoption of a communication in the fourth quarter of 2026, as an indicative timetable, without a precise date. Any subsequent funding or legislative changes will require separate decisions and procedures.