This reply was submitted on behalf of Cerame-Unie, the Association of the European Ceramic Industry. Our membership is drawn from the national ceramics associations and companies across Europe with whom we work to provide solutions to challenges affecting the industry in Europe and globally.
Due to the high energy intensity of the industry, our members have a particularly strong interest in EU energy regulation.
Currently, the production of ceramics in Europe relies on natural gas as the main energy carrier (80% gas, 20% electricity). Our sector is committed to decarbonise significantly and reach net zero emissions by 2050, in line with the goals under the EU Green Deal.
In order to achieve this ambitious goal, we believe that green hydrogen (hydrogen generated with renewable electricity) can play a major role. However, the extent to which hydrogen can in fact become a substitute for natural gas for our producers depends on two main preconditions which are not in the hand of our industry.
Please consult through the link below, the response of Cerame-Unie to the Open Public Consultation on the Hydrogen and Gas Market Decarbonisation Package: