Spain and France have engaged in talks driven by divergent views on hydrogen classifications, as the European Union weighs how to label green hydrogen. The discussions involve the broader plan for a trans-European hydrogen transport network, sometimes referred to as H2Med, which would connect Spain, Portugal, and France with potential involvement from other EU members. This initiative aims to facilitate cross-border energy infrastructure and strengthen the single market for hydrogen as a clean energy carrier.
Despite a recent diplomatic flare, Spain has sought to keep relations steady while maintaining a firm position against equating hydrogen produced from nuclear power with hydrogen generated from renewable energy, a stance supported by Paris and increasingly considered by the European Commission. At an industry forum in Madrid, discussions focused on the strategic importance of interconnections at the European level. Representatives emphasized a robust commitment to building the infrastructure needed for a future energy system, underscoring the goal of reliable hydrogen supply across member states.
The European Commission indicated that, in its current calculations, some hydrogen produced using electricity from nuclear power plants could receive a label similar to renewable hydrogen. This development aligns with France’s nuclear energy emphasis and has sparked debate within the EU. Spain has publicly rejected this initial interpretation, and high-level officials have voiced their strong opposition in recent days. The matter even prompted a formal complaint from the French Embassy in Madrid, as coverage in major outlets reflected ongoing tensions surrounding the issue.
Spain’s vice president pressed the point that hydrogen should not be categorized as green simply because low-emission electricity is used. The position is that hydrogen produced with nuclear energy should be distinct from renewable hydrogen and should not enjoy the same regulatory advantages in future EU classifications. While France has a right to pursue hydrogen production using electricity from its nuclear reactors, it remains clear that nuclear hydrogen and renewable hydrogen are not interchangeable in the EU framework. The core argument is to avoid mixing different hydrogen types in forthcoming regulatory definitions.
Ribera also acknowledged that discussions about how France might feel supported in its nuclear strategy are important for bilateral relations. Yet she stressed that the broader political and regulatory implications must be handled with care; mixing renewable hydrogen with low-emission hydrogen is a delicate issue requiring careful regulatory attention. In this context, adherence to EU rules and a clear, transparent approach to classification are essential for maintaining cohesion among member states.
From a technical standpoint, hydrogen production relies on electricity, and electrolysis splits water into hydrogen and oxygen. When the electricity powering electrolysis comes from renewable sources like wind or solar, the result is typically labeled as green hydrogen. In contrast, hydrogen produced with electricity from nuclear power falls into a category often discussed as low-emission hydrogen, and some refer to it informally as pink hydrogen because of its nuclear energy source. The debate centers on how to reflect these production realities within a shared European catalog of hydrogen types.
The Commission’s proposal seeks to harmonize the classification of hydrogen across the EU, potentially equating certain low-emission hydrogen with renewable hydrogen under specific conditions. Member states have a month to react to the Commission’s delegated acts, with Spain indicating it will thoroughly study Brussels’ documents before deciding on its official position. While no formal statement has been issued yet, Madrid has not ruled out filings or formal objections to prevent the proposal from taking effect if it were to be adopted as written. The dialogue continues as European institutions and member governments work toward a clear, coherent framework for hydrogen that supports energy security and climate goals across the union.