H₂ Directive

Directive (EU) 2024/1788 establishes common rules for the internal markets for renewable gas, natural gas and hydrogen, forming a core pillar of the EU’s Hydrogen and Gas Decarbonisation Package. It replaces Directive 2009/73/EC and modernises the gas sector to support the EU’s climate targets—reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 and achieving climate neutrality by 2050. The Directive facilitates the uptake of renewable and low‑carbon gases, including biogas upgraded to biomethane, by integrating them into existing gas markets, improving grid access conditions, and establishing certification systems for renewable and low‑carbon gas.

It also strengthens consumer rights, increases transparency, and extends security‑of‑supply rules to cover renewable and low‑carbon gases. Additionally, it creates a dedicated framework for hydrogen markets, introducing Hydrogen Network Operators and coordinated hydrogen infrastructure planning. Member States must transpose the Directive by 2026, ensuring national legislation supports the transition away from fossil gas and fosters market conditions enabling biogas/biomethane producers—and other renewable gas suppliers—to inject their gases into networks and participate competitively in the EU energy market.

Relevance to bio-waste and/or circular bioeconomy:

The Directive indirectly supports circular bioeconomy pathways by facilitating the injection and market participation of renewable gases such as biomethane, which can be produced from municipal bio-waste. Its provisions on certification, grid access, and consumer‑market integration create improved conditions for bio-waste‑derived biomethane to compete in the gas market and contribute to decarbonisation.

 EU (EEA relevance)

Full title: Directive (EU) 2024/1788 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 on common rules for the internal markets for renewable gas, natural gas and hydrogen, amending Directive (EU) 2023/1791 and repealing Directive 2009/73/EC (recast) (Text with EEA relevance)

Publication date: 2024

Instrument type: Directive

Binding for EU MS: Yes

Keywords: renewable gas, natural gas, hydrogen, biomethane, market integration, unbundling, gas infrastructure, decarbonisation, consumer protection