The role of financial mechanisms in advancing renewable energy and green hydrogen

Europe's transition toward a low-carbon energy system relies on the deployment of hydrogen produced with minimized carbon emissions; however, regulatory requirements increase system costs and create financial barriers. This study investigates the financial implications of enforcing European Commission rules for renewable hydrogen production from 2024 to 2048. Using a scenario-based modeling approach that draws on European power system investments in renewable energy, the results show that immediate compliance leads to an additional cost of approximately eighty billion euros over twenty-four years, corresponding to a 3.6 percent increase in total system costs. To address this investment gap, the study employs a segmentation analysis of support mechanisms based on existing policies and market practices, identifying seven categories that range from investment incentives and production subsidies to infrastructure and financial instruments. Among these, hydrogen offtake support and infrastructure funding are identified as the most effective measures for reducing risk and enabling private investment. These findings provide strategic insights for policymakers seeking to align their regulatory ambitions with financially viable pathways for integrating renewable energy.