The current geopolitical context has exposed several shortcomings of the EU energy system, leaving households and industry to face sharp energy price increases. The role of natural gas as a transitional energy carrier is now uncertain. Industries relying on a mix of natural gas and hydrogen for their GHG emissions reduction are having to reconsider their investment plans.

We are witnessing the beginning of major changes in industrial value chains and the energy sector, induced by heightened climate change policy targets. Industry and citizens are looking for a vigorous EU hydrogen market, one that will be able to deliver renewable and low carbon hydrogen in large volumes and in the shortest time-frame possible, bringing us closer to a climate neutral society.

However, this has to be created from the very beginning, with currently no hydrogen economy in place, nor the basic infrastructure to deliver it to end-consumers. The Commission proposals on an EU framework to decarbonise gas markets, promote hydrogen and reduce methane emissions are set to deliver on this ambitious agenda, trying to solve the most pressing issues we are experiencing today.

Relisten to this EURACTIV Hybrid Conference to find out how to ramp up hydrogen production and speed up the steel industry's transition in the current context of an unprecedented energy crisis. Discussed questions included:

- What are the key requirements to create a well-functioning hydrogen market?

- Will the EU Gas & Hydrogen package be fit to deliver and ramp up hydrogen production in a short timeframe?

- Can the decarbonisation of the steel industry be a proof of success for the hydrogen framework itself?

- Should the EU consider prioritising the limited volumes of hydrogen available before 2030 to the industrial sectors most in need?