16. September 2026
In today’s State of the Union address, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen placed energy security and climate resilience at the heart of Europe’s future, stating that the EU must accelerate its transition toward a more secure, sustainable and independent energy future whilst adapting to the disastrous impacts of global warming.
The members of Ready4H2 and partners are acutely aware of this and know that local gas networks are an essential part of continued gas supplies plus a transition to decarbonised gases such as hydrogen and biomethane. Gas distribution operators are actively getting ready to supply decarbonised gases and reduce emissions; they are preparing their operations for the introduction of new gases by converting networks for hydrogen, complying with new regulations, and developing new business models for transporting these gases.
It is disappointing that there was no recognition of the need for decarbonised gases to be ramped up to keep Europe’s lights on and industries running. Until it is understood that hydrogen infrastructure is not only a decarbonisation asset, but a key tool for strategic resilience and competitiveness - and all that is needed now is the timely creation of regulatory clarity, planning certainty and viable investment frameworks - Europe will struggle to meet its climate targets and will continue to be vulnerable to geopolitical and market disruptions. We need coordinated implementation of the Gas Package by Member States with planning that integrates electricity, gas, and hydrogen, and the regulatory certainty needed for investment in hydrogen infrastructure.
The Commission President has set out a clear course and the gas networks connecting communities across Europe are a fundamental part of this journey. Gas distribution is an essential element. Europe needs both green electrons and green molecules, and hydrogen distributed through local gas networks is one of the fastest ways to make this happen.
