Regulating the future hydrogen trade in the EU: WTO law considerations

Abstract

The concept for the extensive use of hydrogen as an energy carrier is not new but has regained traction recently. To drive the development of the hydrogen economy, national regulatory frameworks for the hydrogen economy are emerging in many parts of the world, including the European Union. The focus of this contribution is on the interaction of the emerging EU hydrogen policies and regulations with the rules of the WTO. The key finding is that conflicts between the norms of the EU and the WTO can be avoided, but policymakers need to act for this to be accomplished.