Hydrogen greenwashing stalks EU net zero plans

Hydrogen greenwashing stalks EU net zero plans

European utilities propose converting gas plants to hydrogen to meet renewable targets, yet the process suffers from severe inefficiency, losing nearly 70% of energy during conversion. This drastic energy loss and rising costs undermine the practical viability of such infrastructure, casting doubt on the feasibility of relying on hydrogen for rapid decarbonization. Furthermore, undefined “hydrogen-ready” standards allow operators to claim environmental friendliness without committing to actual clean fuel usage. This ambiguity creates significant risks for greenwashing, as companies may exploit vague definitions to justify continued fossil fuel dependence under the guise of future sustainability. The article is critically relevant to greenwashing because it exposes how premature labeling and lack of regulatory clarity enable misleading environmental claims. Without strict definitions and proven technologies, these strategies risk misleading consumers and policymakers, potentially delaying genuine transitions away from carbon-intensive energy sources.