On Tuesday, November 28, the European Commission adopted a decision to support 166 projects of common interest (PCIs) and projects of mutual interest (PMIs) aimed at modernisation of the European energy system. The decision is meant to foster implementation of the European Green Deal and achievement of European goals in the field of climate change.

One of the 166 approved projects is the project on the creation of a hydrogen corridor between Ukraine, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Austria and Germany. This corridor plays a significant role in the context of strengthening Ukraine’s energy security and is of key importance for its integration with the European energy network. In addition, the mentioned project will serve as a powerful driver for the development of hydrogen industry in Ukraine and will facilitate access of Ukrainian-produced hydrogen to the European energy market. All of this will help Ukraine accelerate its transition to the use of green energy sources and synchronise with Europe on the path of economic and political transformations.

The list of projects of common interest and projects of mutual interest was adopted by the European Commission for the first time. 65 out of 166 listed projects have to do with hydrogen energy which confirms the EU’s commitment to the green transition policy. Projects supported by the European Commission will be subject to advantages in the form of simplified permitting and regulatory procedures, as well as be eligible for financial support from the EU’s European Connectivity Instrument. The European Commission expects that the implementation of the supported projects will help double the capacity of the EU’s networks by 2030 and reach the share of energy obtained from renewable sources of 42.5%.