"Regions are at the forefront to implement REPowerEU and in particular diversify energy supplies. The Northern Netherlands has the first Hydrogen Valley in Europe with HEAVENN. Those who come to our region can already see what that means: transport pipelines are being deployed and electrolysers being developed, there are more than 30 buses and other vehicles that run on hydrogen as well as hydrogen refueling stations". Tjisse Stelpstra (EPP/NL), Member of the Council of the Province of Drenthe made these remarks during a COR Plenary debate on 'An EU Roadmap for Hydrogen Valleys'.
In response to the hardships and global energy market disruption caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the European Commission is implementing its REPowerEU Plan. Launched in May 2022, REPowerEU is helping the EU to among others produce clean energy and diversify its energy supplies.
Stelpstra emphasised the need of cooperation. "No one can do it alone. Cooperation between Hydrogen Valleys is very important, for example between the Northern Netherlands and Lower Saxony. That is why we are very pleased with the intended Hydrogen Valley Roadmap of the European Commission."
Stelpstra went on to underline some of the challenges that need to be addressed. "On behalf of the EU Hydrogen Valleys Partnership, I was able to share our recommendations with Commissioner Mariya Gabriel earlier this year. These concern financing, regulation and cooperation, for example in hydrogen education which need to be tackled."
Anton Mattle (EPP/AT), Governor of Tyrol said "We are faced with an energy transition. Hydrogen is going to be the main energy resource in the Alpes. We can use other energy resources, but these are not as reliable. Hydrogen, on the other hand, can be restored. To REpowerEU, please take into account green hydrogen that can be a significant part of a green transition."
During a debate on EU Local Matters, members of the CoR also discussed water scarcity and droughts experienced across Europe. Adrián Ariel Zittelli Ferrari (EPP/ES), Director-General for European Union Affairs for the Region of Murcia said “Agriculture plays a key role when it comes to halt desertification in Europe and to ensure soil conservation. We need more support and cooperation measures between administrations at all levels to ensure the sustainability of agriculture, its economic viability and, in some cases, even its survival.”
Hélder Sousa Silva (EPP/PT), Mayor of Mafra said that Mediterranean regions are threatened by water scarcity and that this situation will worsen and impact agricultural and local economies. He appealed for measures to address water drought to be a political priority of the EU and to translate worries into action.
Franck Proust (EPP/FR), President of Nîmes Métropole said "We must reuse water, and we need innovation and research to improve this. But we need real political will, which goes hand in hand with budgets. The best way to save water is to stop leaks throughout our networks, but Local and Regional Authorities cannot finance this on their own, meaning we need help from the European level."