The European Commission has launched a call for transmission system operators (TSOs), hydrogen network operators (HNOs) and other relevant organisations to participate in a non-binding market test for planned hydrogen transport and storage infrastructure.

The initiative will form part of the next round of the EU Hydrogen Mechanism, which is expected to take place later in 2026 and will focus specifically on the development of energy infrastructure.

The new round follows the results of the mechanism’s first phase, held in April, and aims to help infrastructure developers measure market interest in planned hydrogen pipelines, storage facilities and other related projects before making binding investment decisions.

A three-step market-testing process

The Hydrogen Mechanism provides a standardised procedure to collect non-binding expressions of interest from potential infrastructure users. The process will consist of three main stages.

First, the Commission and participating TSOs or HNOs will agree on the technical and commercial parameters of the infrastructure projects to be tested.

The Commission will then invite registered market participants to express their interest in using the proposed infrastructure and will collect the relevant information.

Once the round has closed, infrastructure developers will receive full access to the collected data, helping them evaluate potential demand and advance the planning of their projects.

Applications open until 7 September

Organisations interested in taking part must contact the Commission at EU-Energy-Platform@ec.europa.eu by 7 September 2026. Submitting an expression of interest does not create any binding commitment.

The Commission will subsequently contact applicants to arrange a demonstration of the Hydrogen Mechanism and discuss the conditions under which the individual market tests could be conducted.

The mechanism is part of the EU Energy and Raw Materials Platform, which supports European companies in securing energy products and critical raw materials while strengthening competitiveness, decarbonisation and security of supply.

According to the Commission, the Hydrogen Mechanism is designed to address some of the main barriers slowing the development of Europe’s hydrogen market, including uncertainty over supply and demand, insufficient infrastructure and difficulties accessing financing.

By connecting buyers, sellers and infrastructure developers, the initiative seeks to improve market visibility, facilitate commercial partnerships and support investment in the infrastructure needed to expand the European hydrogen economy.