European Parliament Pushes for Cleaner Hydrogen Future with RFNBO Rule Revisions

In June 2025, a group of 55 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) called on the European Commission to rethink its approach to the current rules for Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBOs). Their message? The regulations are too rigid and could end up excluding a lot of countries from supplying low-carbon hydrogen to the EU. That, they say, could scare off investment and hurt Europe’s competitiveness on the global stage.

Policy confusion threatens clean energy goals

As the EU races toward its climate targets — including net-zero emissions by 2050 and having 42% of industrial hydrogen use come from renewable sources by 2030 — many believe the current policy setup is working against the clock. The rules are not only seen as overly complicated, but also as a major source of uncertainty that could stall momentum and discourage much-needed private investment in hydrogen infrastructure.

Industry calls for smarter, simpler regulation

Following a surge of interest in the second auction from the European Hydrogen Bank, voices from across the energy sector are urging Brussels to streamline the process. Stakeholders are asking for regulations that are grounded in science, flexible enough to deal with the real-world hydrogen market, and welcoming to investment.

Pressure is mounting on European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to take action and reshape the RFNBO rules so they better support the continent’s larger goals — from industrial decarbonization to leading the global green energy race.