“Polish Hydrogen Strategy until 2030 with an outlook until 2040” (Warsaw, October 2021) developed by the Ministry of Climate and Environment is a document that specifies the main objectives and directions for the development of the hydrogen economy in Poland, including the directions of intervention that are desirable to achieve them. The strategy is part of global, European and national efforts to achieve a low-carbon economy. It undoubtedly provides an impetus in the development of the hydrogen economy. The strategy is a response to the so-called EU Hydrogen Strategy published by the European Commission on 08.07.2020.
EU legislation provides a framework for using hydrogen in the energy sector. The EU has not developed a single piece of legislation dedicated to this energy carrier. The framework for hydrogen is scattered in several directives and regulations. Independently, the EU has adopted a number of documents that do not constitute a source of legislation, but set trends and directions for the EU to follow in the future both politically and legislatively.
Hydrogen is an important part of the overall EU strategy for energy system integration adopted by the European Commission on 08.07.2020. At the same time, on the same date, the European Commission adopted the “Hydrogen Strategy for a Climate Neutral Europe” [COM (2020) 301 final] – hereinafter referred to as the “EU Hydrogen Strategy”37. Both documents are part of the European Green Deal and are intended to contribute to accelerating the energy transition and achieving climate neutrality for the Union by 2050. The aim of the first strategy is to create synergies between different energy sectors, promote the most efficient energy investments and facilitate CO2 emission reductions in sectors that are difficult to decarbonise. The EU Hydrogen Strategy, on the other hand, aims to contribute to the widespread use of this fuel in the economy. The EU Hydrogen Strategy envisages creating incentives for both increased production and demand for hydrogen in the EU economy. It is worth noting that the EU Hydrogen Strategy has highlighted 20 key actions that have been implemented by the end of the first quarter of 2022.
Green Deal is a package of policy initiatives that aims to put the EU on the path to a green transition and ultimately to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. It emphasises the need for a holistic and cross-sectoral approach where all relevant policy areas contribute to the superior climate goal. The package includes initiatives in a number of closely related areas, such as climate, environment, energy, transport, industry, agriculture and sustainable finance.
European Green Deal includes, among other things:
“Fit for 55” package was published by the European Commission on 14.07.2021. It consists of 13 legislative proposals on various aspects of the green transition, based on a revitalised ETS. The “55” in the name of the package refers to 55 per cent, the European Union’s new interim emissions reduction target for 2030. The package aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55 per cent relative to 1990, and is scheduled to be implemented by 2030.