Proposed in 2020, the Clean Hydrogen Strategy was one of the vital elements of the EU’s climate transition strategy. Hydrogen is one of the major decarbonisation pathways for some of the energy-intensive industries. Yet, five years after the proposal, prices for green hydrogen have still not dropped to a competitive level, and green hydrogen is still not being produced at scale to help the much needed decarbonisation, such as in the steel sector, which aggravates the industrial crisis that we are currently facing. 

To address this, we urgently need a proactive industrial policy backed by the necessary funding and measures that boost demand. And we also need more decisive investments in Europe’s hydrogen infrastructure to deliver decarbonisation in Europe’s regions. 

Good examples of the successful integration of hydrogen as a key energy vector and feedstock exist, as laid out by Barbro in her presentation of the Norwegian experience.

Starting in the early 20th century, Norsk Hydro was a pioneer, producing hydrogen via electrolysis to fulfill a vital social mission: producing fertiliser to secure food production for the world. One of the main enabling factors was Norway’s access to cheap and abundant hydropower. This has long been a foundation for industrial development in Norway. Moreover, industrial projects, often located in small communities, have been crucial pillars for building society in our country.

Most importantly, workers have been key to this development: the tripartite collaboration between trade unions, employers, and the government has been fundamental for both Norwegian workplaces and society. In the Norwegian model, trade unions work for growth in production, companies take social responsibility, and the state enables industrial development.

“Social dialogue and strong cooperation between the social partners are the very reasons why industry has managed to both grow and adapt over time. We must preserve the competence we already have and ensure that the hydrogen jobs of the future come with good conditions and broad social acceptance,” said Barbro Auestad, Member of the Board of the Norwegian Industrial and Energy Workers’ Union Styrke.

The lesson learned and the message to the EU level is clear: the Green Industry cannot be built at the expense of social rights – safe, decent jobs are a prerequisite for success and to ensure that society as a whole benefits from industrial development.

The Clean Industrial Deal from the EU will be particularly important in the years ahead, as it connects competitiveness with emissions reduction. But to succeed, it must be built on a new social contract. To deliver the green transition in a socially fair way, it is absolutely essential that trade unions are a part of the process. Hydrogen has a key role as a bridge-builder in the green transition – creating both sustainable industry and good jobs.