Might also be interesting for AFC27 Apr 2026 10:39
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The IF25 Hydrogen Auction of the European Hydrogen Bank has "2025" in its name, but was launched on the 4th. December 2025 and opened on 19. February 2026 closed. After that, the EU Commission reported: 58 bids from 11 countries, 8.4 billion euros requested funding and projects with up to around 4.3 GWe of possible electrolyser performance. This is not yet installed capacity. But it's a relevant pipeline.
A new rule of origin is particularly interesting: At least 75% of the electrolysers used in a funded project must come from a country outside China. For this share, the stacks must also be manufactured outside of China. In addition, a maximum of two defined, stack-related main components may come from China. Stacks themselves do not count as one of these two components. The EU here expressly understands the electrolyser as a hydrogen production unit without a balance of plant.
This is important because it is not about 75% of any component. The focus is where technologically much is decided: stack, membranes, diaphragms, electrodes, bipolar plates, PTL/GDL, seals, interconnectors and the associated manufacturing and quality competence.
For commissioning, the IF25 call requires a plant handover report including a successful performance test. In addition, the plant must be able to prove the nominal capacity specified in the bid at the time of commissioning.
If the submitted 4.3-GWe pipeline is fully implemented, at least 3.2 GWe of electrolyser and stack capacity of non-Chinese origin would be required. This is not a subordinate clause in a funding guideline. This is a serious demand drive for supply chains, development and industrialization outside of China — and thus also for the European hydrogen economy.
I expressly welcome this move.
Europe has experienced how quickly value creation, scaling and manufacturing depth can be lost with solar PV. With hydrogen, the race has not yet been decided. Many technologies are on the rise. Many supply chains are just becoming industrially resilient. Right now, it depends on whether Europe only promotes projects - or also builds up industrial substance.
Of course, this rule will not solve all problems. Non-Chinese supply chains are not automatically cheaper, faster or more available. There will be bottlenecks. Manufacturers and suppliers must show that they master quality, series capability and delivery capability.
But the direction is right. This is not protectionism at any cost. It is a step towards more resilience, more technological independence and more European value creation in a strategic industry. Not a panae - but an important signal.
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