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The European Union is locked in a decisive battle over the future of renewable energy

April 7, 2024

Reuters has reported on the European Union facing a crucial battle over how to address hydrogen produced using nuclear power in its renewable energy targets, as a negotiating deadline approaches.

The dispute represents a major obstacle to reaching agreement on more ambitious renewable energy targets this decade, and is a key pillar of the 27-member bloc's efforts to combat climate change.

The European Union seeks to increase reliance on renewable energy sources, including the use of hydrogen as an energy source in industry, by 2030.

However, there is sharp disagreement about whether hydrogen produced from nuclear power should count toward renewable energy targets; France, with the support of other countries such as Poland and Hungary, is leading a campaign to support “low-carbon hydrogen” made using nuclear energy.

That team argues that nuclear power does not produce carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to global warming, and that the European Union should better support its contribution to achieving climate goals.

On the other hand, other countries such as Germany, Spain, and Austria oppose the recognition of nuclear hydrogen. They demand that EU targets focus on renewable sources such as wind and solar only; To drive the massive expansion of energy sources needed to end Europe's dependence on Russian gas and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.