The Clean Industrial Deal accelerates the hydrogen economy by combining investments, regulatory development, and low‑carbon objectives.

In the webinar “The impact of the Clean Industrial Deal on the development of the hydrogen economy” organized by FITech and Hydrogen Cluster, experts delved into current regulations guiding the hydrogen economy from the perspective of business opportunities and risks for companies. The program also included an overview of financing opportunities for hydrogen investments offered by the European Investment Bank. The webinar culminated in a panel discussion led by Jenni Borg from P2X Solutions. This text is a summary of the presentations and discussions from the webinar.

In addition to Borg, the webinar featured professor Kim Talus, Ismo Ulvila, Head of communications at the European Commission Representation in Finland, Marko Janhunen, Head of public relations at Gasgrid, and Jaani Pietikäinen, Head of the EIB Group’s office in Finland.

Professor Kim Talus discussed the role of regulation in hydrogen economy markets and technological development. Regulation creates predictable demand for hydrogen products, which should enable investment decisions to drive development in the sector. The European Union prioritizes the use of renewable hydrogen (RFNBO) and has set significant goals for it. However, the strict RFNBO definition limits the achievement of these goals. EU regulations are generally marked by excessive ideology, lack of technology neutrality, and complex requirements, which slow down the expansion of the hydrogen economy.

Political goals for the hydrogen economy are ambitious, but their realization is uncertain. According to Talus, the Clean Industrial Deal is heading in the right direction, but the situation in renewable hydrogen regulation remains uncertain. Uncertainty relates to, among other things, the assessment of the delegated regulation for RFNBO, the final regulation for low-carbon hydrogen, and the Commission’s views on simplification in the Competitiveness Compass. Hydrogen markets are evolving continuously but at a slower pace than anticipated.

The EU strives for innovation, low carbon emissions, and safety

According to Ismo Ulvila, the EU’s Green Deal — the green development programme — and its associated initiatives served as the launchpad for the Clean Industrial Deal. This has subsequently accelerated the development of renewable energy in Europe. Associated initiatives, such as RepowerEU, the Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA), and the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), continue to serve as strategic tools to ensure energy self-sufficiency, renewable energy, and secure value chains. This development has enhanced the EU’s resource efficiency and strategic autonomy, with the union focusing on targets for 2030, such as increasing renewable energy, creating hydrogen markets, and domestic production of critical materials.

In 2024–2025, regulatory development in the European Union was driven by geopolitical awakening, competitiveness pressures, and the urgency of the green transition. During those years, the union’s message was clear: “business as usual” is not enough, and structural reforms and changes in operational practices are required. The current core themes of EU activities include the internal market, the three D’s (digitalisation, decarbonisation, defence), energy and the competitiveness of low-carbon solutions, as well as innovations and technologies. The Von der Leyen II Commission has made political guidelines related to the clean industrial program, simplification, boosting investments, and skills development. Regulation has emphasized speed, clarity, and feasibility.

Implementation, simplification, and acceleration of investments at the core of activities in 2025

The year 2025 has brought concreteness with it. The EU’s work program for 2025 focuses on the implementation of legislation, simplification, and flagship projects, which include the Start-up and Scale-up Strategy, AI Factories Initiative, and Clean Industrial Deal. Economic security and the availability of critical raw materials have risen as priorities. The Clean Industrial Deal aims to promote low-carbon solutions, competitiveness, and predictability within the framework of 2050 net-zero targets, along with new regulations for public procurement that strive to enhance sustainability and emphasize Europe-centric procurement. Von der Leyen has especially highlighted the need for geopolitical awakening and internal EU investments.

To support the goals of the work program, 14 sectoral working groups have been established, initiating a wave of legislative simplification with the first Omnibus package. The Competitiveness Compass (COM(2025) 30) presents a new framework that contains three main pillars: innovation, competitiveness-low carbon solutions, and security. The Compass aims to close the innovation gap, enhance security, and promote the creation of a common roadmap for low-carbon solutions and competitiveness.

The significant role of regulatory expertise in the development of the green transition and investments

Marko Janhunen emphasized the importance of regulatory expertise in developing companies’ strategic investment projects. According to Janhunen, the Finnish hydrogen cluster has a highly active regulatory group of over 50 people who analyze and interpret the impact of regulation on the business environment. Due to the complexity of regulation, it is important to consider multiple perspectives when assessing the impact of legislation on the business environment.

Investment opportunities for hydrogen projects also influence investments. According to Jaani Pietikäinen, in 2024, the EIB Group’s green financing amounted to nearly 51 billion euros, which was slightly over half of the bank’s total financing. At that time, the financing focused especially on industrial investments, promoting the green transition, innovations, education, healthcare, and the development of the SME sector, with the aim of advancing the green transition.

Towards a sustainable future through the Clean Industrial Deal

The Clean Industrial Deal acts as a catalyst for the development of the hydrogen economy by transforming the European Union’s regulatory and investment environment and guiding the union towards strategic independence and low-carbon solutions. Although challenges and certain uncertainties remain in regulation, the union has a shared vision that aims to accelerate innovation, simplify legislation, and improve competitiveness. This reflects the EU’s effort to shape the global energy industry in a sustainable and effective way.

The measures of 2025 pave the way for the future hydrogen economy, which not only reduces dependence on fossil fuels but also opens new business opportunities and supports combating climate change. The Clean Industrial Deal guides the future of hydrogen and creates a solid foundation for sustainable development in the future.

Text: Riikka Savo, communications and marketing coordinator at FITech