Publications Archive

Climate-friendly hydrogen can make an important contribution to reducing carbon dioxide. At present, however, the new technology is hardly profitable for industry. In order for the market to develop quickly and generate the necessary funding, the EU is planning a European Hydrogen Bank. The Centre for European Policy (cep) sees great opportunities in this instrument, but also risks – above all the danger of over-subsidisation.

Access to rare metals is crucial for the success of the energy transition. Recycling of these metals represents the missing link in the European Green Deal - environmentally friendly and free of resource limitations. The Center for European Policy (cep) has examined the recycling potential of permanent magnets used in wind power and e-mobility. The result: obstacles still outweigh the benefits.

Whether as a substitute for natural gas in heating, for the production of synthetic fuels or as a raw material for the chemical industry: green hydrogen produced by electrolysis with the help of renewable energies is considered the driving force of the energy transition. Since production and use should be as close to each other as possible for a rapid market ramp-up, the Centrum für Europäische Politik (cep) sees the North Sea regions of the Netherlands and Germany as a future joint hydrogen centre of the EU – if Brussels' bureaucracy does not become a brake.

In the EU, greenhouse gas emissions are to be reduced to zero by 2050. On the way there, they are to be reduced by 55 percent by 2030 compared to 1990. To achieve this goal, the Commission has presented a comprehensive package of measures ("Fit for 55") for all sectors. The Centre for European Policy (cep) considers central proposals to amend the directive on emissions trading for industry and energy to be questionable. The think tank fears production and emissions relocations to third countries.

Scarce resources, exploding prices: The existence-threatening energy crisis forces the EU and Member States to cushion the costs for consumers and companies without jeopardising energy-saving incentives. The Centrum für Europäische Politik (cep) calls for a quick implementation of the Commission’s proposal for an emergency regulation. However, interventions in the electricity market should be limited to this winter.

Surging energy prices as a result of the Ukraine war are vehemently urging the European Union to turn away from fossil fuels. Brussels therefore sees potential in green hydrogen. The Center for European Policy (cep) considers this energy carrier to be an important, albeit limited, element on the path towards a decarbonized European economy.

In response to the Ukraine war, the European Union wants to completely phase-out imports of fossil fuels from Russia by 2027. By the end of this year, imports of Russian gas are already to be reduced by two thirds. The think tank Centrum für Europäische Politik (cep) advocates targeted payments to households and businesses as compensation for further price increases. The Freiburg experts, however, reject the EU-wide price limits for gas and electricity being considered by the EU Commission.

The EU wants to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 55 percent by 2030 compared to 1990. Therefore, the share of renewable energies in the EU shall increase to 40 percent by 2030. The Centrum für Europäische Politik (cep) sees rigid targets for the industry for using renewables as a competitive disadvantage for the EU.

Shortly before the deadline on 21 January, the German government commented on the European Commission's plan to declare nuclear power and natural gas sustainable. The think tank Centrum für Europäische Politik (cep) sees a lever to legally stop the taxonomy.

 The European Union wants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. With this aim, the production of offshore renewable energy – such as wind, wave and tidal energy – is to be increased fivefold from the current twelve to a total of 61 gigawatts. The amount of renewable energy as a proportion of overall energy consumption is therefore to rise significantly. The Centrum für Europäische Politik (cep) has analysed the EU’s plan.