Munich, 30 May 2025 – The EU Commission is planning to significantly tighten the criteria for so-called low-carbon hydrogen. In future, only hydrogen that produces at least 70 per cent fewer greenhouse gases than natural gas will be eligible for funding. In addition, methane emissions from natural gas production are to be set higher, which will make the production of ‘blue’ hydrogen in particular more expensive. The Munich-based hydrogen technology company Siqens GmbH has now also criticised the plan.

The company warns of a setback in the ramp-up of the hydrogen economy if the planned regulations are implemented in this form. Siqens develops and sells methanol fuel cells and an electrochemical hydrogen separation system (EHS), which can be used to produce hydrogen decentrally and economically from existing gas streams.

Dr Thomas Klaue, CEO of Siqens GmbH, comments: ‘The regulations planned by the EU Commission to define low-carbon hydrogen do not reflect reality in their current form. They are overambitious and jeopardise the development of a functioning hydrogen market.

The logic of industrial policy calls for solutions that are open to all technologies. Instead of excluding potentially climate-impacting transition technologies, clear guard rails and realistic paths to climate neutrality are needed. This also includes the use of hydrogen from existing infrastructures – for example through electrochemical separation from biogas or reformates. Using renewable gases, these processes enable significant emission savings and already offer economically viable options for decentralised applications.

Our technology at Siqens enables the decentralised production of high-purity hydrogen at a price of less than two euros per kilogram* – this is a realistic option for industry, municipalities and medium-sized companies.

Europe must not slow itself down in global competition through excessive regulation. If investments are prevented and value chains are blocked, this not only weakens climate protection, but also Europe’s industrial base.

The EU’s goal is the right one – but the way to achieve it must remain feasible. We need more pragmatism, more economic common sense and the courage to consistently utilise existing potential.’

About Siqens
Siqens GmbH, based in Munich, develops technologies for decentralised energy supply based on hydrogen and methanol. Among other things, the company offers highly efficient methanol fuel cells and a new type of technology for electrochemical hydrogen separation. The aim is to provide economical and practical solutions for a climate-neutral energy future – especially for applications in industry, infrastructure and remote supply areas.