The European Union (EU) remains firmly committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050. It aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030. Such an objective can only be achieved through a comprehensive green energy transition.
A powerful energy carrier
Green hydrogen could become a key component of the future energy mix. Among other methods, the gas can be produced by ‘electrolysis’: an electric current splits water (H₂O) into hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂). To be considered truly ‘green’, this electricity must come from renewable sources (sun, wind, etc.).
Hydrogen is not only used as a raw material in the chemical industry; it is also an extremely powerful energy carrier: its ‘energy density’ is significantly higher than that of batteries. That means gas is perfectly suited to storing surplus energy generated during periods of abundant sunshine (solar panels) and wind (wind turbines).
Furthermore, it can be transported over long distances. Hydrogen is also an ideal fuel for transporting heavy goods. For example, the Belgian maritime company CMB.TECH – a leader in decarbonising maritime transport – has ordered several ships that run partly on hydrogen.
Green hydrogen is primarily seen as a solution for sectors that are difficult to electrify, such as the steel industry and certain forms of heavy transport (freight transport, shipping and possibly aviation).
Belgian Hydrogen Council
As with any new technology, hydrogen must overcome several obstacles before it can gain a foothold. For now, production costs remain very high, and we need investment in infrastructure, storage, and electrolysis equipment.
Many potential customers are reluctant to order large quantities of green hydrogen because it is significantly more expensive than ‘grey’ hydrogen, which is usually produced from natural gas.
Nevertheless, Belgium – and the EU – still believe in its potential. What’s more, our country is positioning itself as a veritable hub for green hydrogen. On the website of the umbrella organisation Belgian Hydrogen Council, you will discover that Belgium is surprisingly active in the hydrogen sector.
Thanks to our ports and shipping companies, for example, we have the ideal set-up for importing and transporting hydrogen. Our companies play a leading role in producing innovative components for electrolysis equipment, and we are home to world-leading companies that manufacture it. We have the expertise to build hydrogen engines and are researching new applications across various domains.
Special Envoy
Nevertheless, Belgium and Europe lack enough renewable energy to produce this green hydrogen. We need to rely on foreign partners in this regard: countries that do have abundant wind and solar power – or possibly other sources – to produce this green energy carrier. Namibia, for example, or Oman.
And that’s where the FPS Foreign Affairs comes into the picture. Indeed, we are ideally positioned – together with the regional trade agencies – to make the necessary contacts and help Belgian companies find suitable partners abroad. For example, we initially supported the Belgian Hydrogen Council, among other things by organising a large Belgian stand at the annual World Hydrogen Summit in Rotterdam.
Furthermore, we play a prominent role in the drive towards greater autonomy in critical raw materials and energy. Since 2024, we even have a ‘Special Envoy for Critical Raw Materials and Energy Security’, who acts as a facilitator and coordinator for our energy diplomacy.
