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ACER supports certification of first hydrogen transmission system operatorThe European hydrogen market is taking a significant step forward: the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) is, for the first time, supporting the certification of a European hydrogen transmission system operator. Specifically, ACER has published its opinion on the planned decision by the Polish regulatory authority URE to certify GAZ-SYSTEM as a hydrogen transmission system operator. This marks the first application of the new legal framework from the Hydrogen and Gas Decarbonisation Package – a precedent for the future development of a European hydrogen infrastructure. Clear rules for hydrogen networks The legal framework is clear: hydrogen transmission system operators may only commence operations if they have first been certified by the national regulatory authority. A key requirement is strict independence from producers and suppliers (unbundling), which is assessed by the European Commission and supported by ACER. In its opinion, ACER confirms that GAZ-SYSTEM meets the criteria for national certification, but at the same time emphasises that the operator’s independence and the clear separation of financial accounting between gas and hydrogen networks must be continuously monitored. Only in this way can transparent regulation, cost-reflective tariffs and fair competitive conditions be ensured in the long term. Europe is moving forward – Austria must not hesitate The ball is now in the European Commission’s court, which is due to submit its own opinion on the GAZ-SYSTEM certification case by 6 April 2026. One thing is clear: in the EU Member States, the new regulatory framework for hydrogen is being gradually put into practice – from unbundling rules to integrated network planning. Against this backdrop in particular, it is clear that Austria must follow suit swiftly. If its role as a hydrogen hub for Central Europe is to become a reality, concrete national regulations for hydrogen networks are needed without delay – particularly regarding certification, unbundling requirements and reliable investment and refinancing conditions. The European legal framework is in place, and the first Member States are already applying it. Now is the right time to establish the necessary legal foundations in Austria too, so that hydrogen infrastructure can be planned, approved and operated – and so that cross-border projects and the emergence of regional H2 clusters do not fail due to a lack of regulatory framework. Conclusion The GAZ-SYSTEM case makes it clear: the hydrogen ramp-up is no longer a debate about the future, but concrete regulatory practice in Europe. Anyone wishing to play a leading role in the European hydrogen landscape must act now. For Austria, this means: picking up the pace, creating regulatory clarity and actively securing its position as a central hydrogen hub in Central Europe. |
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