ENNOH welcomes the EU Grids Package and calls for robust, cross-vector infrastructure planning to deliver on EU’s climate and energy ambitions
ENNOH welcomes the EU Grids Package and calls for robust, cross-vector infrastructure planning to deliver on EU’s climate and energy ambitions
(Brussels, 10 December 2025) – ENNOH welcomes the publication of the European Grids Package as an important step forward in developing Europe’s energy infrastructure and enabling greater renewable integration, enhanced energy security, and competitive industrial decarbonisation.
To realise the potential of the EU Grids Package, a truly cross-vector approach that fully integrates electricity and hydrogen is needed. Successful implementation will require coordinated, integrated planning across all infrastructure types, enabling the deployment of energy infrastructure solutions that deliver greater system value. Faster and more harmonised permitting will be essential not only for electricity networks but also for cross-border hydrogen infrastructure.
Delivering the hydrogen infrastructure envisaged in the Package, including the two exemplary Hydrogen Energy Highways and PCIs, requires the development of a dedicated European de-risking framework. At this early stage of hydrogen market development, there is insufficient certainty to support large-scale investment in trans-European hydrogen networks. EU-level tools will be essential to reduce investment risk, attract private capital, and accelerate the deployment of strategically important cross-border hydrogen infrastructure across the EU. Financing instruments such as the CEF, the Innovation Fund, and the future Competitiveness Fund should form part of this de-risking framework.
Furthermore, hydrogen’s role in offshore system development is now recognised as vital for connecting renewable energy zones with demand centres. The Package’s emphasis on integrated offshore planning cannot be effectively realised unless ENNOH and ENTSO-E share equal responsibility for designing offshore system architectures and identifying offshore hydrogen infrastructure needs. Only a fully coordinated approach can ensure that offshore energy is utilised efficiently, maximising system performance and reducing societal costs.
Christoph von dem Bussche, President of ENNOH, stated: “Today’s EU Grids Package marks a decisive moment for Europe’s energy transition. Achieving climate neutrality requires coordinated planning, investment, and operation across all energy vectors. Hydrogen infrastructure is a complementary pillar of a resilient, efficient, and decarbonised energy system, and a de-risking mechanism will be essential to unlock the necessary cross-border investments. This Package can become a cornerstone of Europe’s energy future, provided it is implemented with ambition, strong coordination, and a genuinely system-wide perspective, both onshore and offshore.”
Editorial notes
The European Network of Network Operators for Hydrogen (ENNOH) brings together 37 members from 26 EU Member States. Mandated by Regulation (EU) 2024/1789, ENNOH unites hydrogen transmission network operators to promote the internal hydrogen market, facilitate cross-border trade and coordinate the secure, efficient and technically robust development of the European hydrogen transmission network. Its core tasks include drafting network codes, preparing the hydrogen Ten-Year Network Development Plan and fostering transparency and cooperation among stakeholders. More information is available at ennoh.eu or via info@ennoh.eu.