The Commission said domestic and international companies showed “significant interest” in the supply-side calls of its Hydrogen Mechanism, drawing offers from more than 260 projects.

This new phase will remain open until 20 March 2026, with potential buyers encouraged to sign up.

The Hydrogen Mechanism falls under the EU Energy and Raw Materials Platform, which aims to match supply and demand for raw materials, natural gas, and biomethane.

Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen said the instrument was off to a “very promising start.”

“The Hydrogen Mechanism is one of the instruments which will help us to make our energy system cleaner, more secure, and more affordable.”

It aims to solve one of the biggest challenges in green hydrogen project development.

Demand for the molecule has remained limited, with production prices far higher than fossil alternatives, putting off buyers often asked to sign up for decades-long offtake agreements.

While the mechanism is unlikely to eliminate cost concerns, policymakers say it could provide demand signals that will support planning and investment decisions.