The European Commission has published the Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA) as a draft regulation. The law introduces "Made in EU" and CO2 requirements in public procurement, auctions, and funding programs. Strategic sectors affected include steel, cement, aluminium, automotive, as well as net-zero technologies like batteries, solar, wind, heat pumps, and nuclear technology. The proposal now moves to negotiations between the European Parliament and Council.
No demand measures for e-fuels and other hydrogen products
For electrolysers, the IAA provides "Made in EU" requirements in competitive tenders for funding: One year after coming into force, stacks and another main component must originate from the EU, and after three years, stacks plus two components. The same rules apply to state funding of electrolyser manufacturing capacities. Hydrogen derivatives, fertilizers, and e-fuels are not considered with their own demand measures in the entire draft.
Hydrogen Europe calls for improvements
The industry association Hydrogen Europe welcomes the focus on "Made in Europe" but criticizes the limited scope. Hydrogen Europe CEO Jorgo Chatzimarkakis said: "We urge lawmakers to strengthen the law and close the gaps in ambition, scope, and clarity. Europe must ensure that its industry can grow, be competitive, and become a global leader in strategic clean technologies like hydrogen." The proposed quota of 25 percent for low-CO2 steel in public procurement is also too low to create a real lead market.
Read more about the Industrial Accelerator Act in the next issue of H2international.
