Article 52 Mechanism to support the market development of hydrogen

1.   The Commission may establish a mechanism to support the market development of hydrogen including the elements specified in paragraph 2 to be implemented under the activities of the European Hydrogen Bank. That voluntary mechanism may be in place until 31 December 2029.

2.   The Commission may contract the relevant service provider, applying by analogy the procedure set out in Articles 43 and 44, for the implementation, in particular, but not exclusively, of the following elements:

3.   In order to contribute to the decarbonisation objectives laid down in this Regulation, Member States may ensure liquidity support, including guarantees, for hydrogen under the activities of the European Hydrogen Bank and in accordance with State aid rules where applicable.

4.   Coordination and information exchange in relation to the mechanism referred to in paragraph 1 may be facilitated by the relevant coordination group separate from expert groups dedicated to natural gas.

In the case of hydrogen, such coordination group shall be established and it shall carry out its activities under those of the European Hydrogen Bank.

5.   Prior to the expiry of the mechanism referred to in paragraph 1, the Commission shall submit a report to the European Parliament and to the Council assessing the performance of that mechanism. In particular, the Commission shall assess the contribution of that mechanism to the development of the hydrogen market in the Union.

Where appropriate, that assessment may be accompanied by a legislative proposal to develop a mechanism for voluntary demand aggregation and the joint purchasing of hydrogen.