Hydrogen
The aim of the regulation of hydrogen networks is to guarantee the establishment of secure, efficient and future-proof infrastructure by creating a binding legal framework for network operators. The framework of provisions serves to ensure transparent and non-discriminatory network access for all market participants. Hydrogen network operators are required to develop uniform contractual standards and update their network development plans on a regular basis. This creates incentives for investment while strengthening cooperation among network operators. Regulation thus makes a fundamental contribution in the long term to the establishment of hydrogen as the key energy source within the context of the energy transition.
Balancing in the hydrogen network ensures a balance between the quantities injected into and withdrawn from the network within a defined period of time. The ruling chamber lays down the relevant market rules for balancing in the hydrogen market and monitors the proper balancing of hydrogen quantities in the individual balancing groups.
Article 78 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1789 allows major new hydrogen infrastructure to be exempted for a set period from the provisions of Regulation (EU) 2024/1789 and from access regulation under Article 36 of Directive (EU) 2024/1788, subject to certain conditions.
Capacity can be taken to mean the functional right of a network customer to use infrastructure in line with the rules of the relevant entry or exit contract. Ruling Chamber 7 lays down the market rules for capacity management, including the calculation, offer and allocation of capacity by network operators and the use of capacity by network customers. Within the scope of its responsibility, the ruling chamber is entitled to issue more detailed provisions on appropriate, transparent and non-discriminatory conditions for network access.