The European Network of Network Operators for Hydrogen, ENNOH, will accelerate the development of the hydrogen market in Europe – Director Abel Enríquez reveals what’s in the playbook of the new organization.      

The emerging hydrogen economy needs some ground rules. ENNOH (the European Network of Network Operators for Hydrogen) commenced a voluntary cooperation at the beginning of 2025 to fulfil the regulatory tasks assigned by the EU’s Hydrogen and Decarbonised Gas Market Legislation Package adopted in 2024. Director of ENNOH, Abel Enríquez, explains that ENNOH will advance and promote the cross-border hydrogen market in Europe, while admitting that there are challenges, too. 

– We are preparing an organisation for a market that does not exist yet, Enríquez says in Helsinki, where he appeared at Gasgrid’s Hydrogen Development Forum in September 2025.    

The change, however, is coming. Enríquez firmly believes that the most important drivers for the hydrogen economy and infrastructure are rooted in Europe’s twin objectives of climate neutrality and energy security.  

– Hydrogen is absolutely crucial for decarbonising sectors that cannot rely solely on electrification, such as steel, refineries, chemicals, maritime transport, or aviation, he says, adding that hydrogen complements the power system by providing cost-effective, large-scale storage and system flexibility while facilitating the integration of renewable electricity and ensuring energy system integration.  

– Hydrogen not only helps make our energy system stronger, but also enhances our very much needed resilience, energy security, and geopolitical independence in Europe. 

EU plans hydrogen regulation for the long term 

Presently, the EU framework integrates hydrogen into the 2030 and 2050 decarbonisation plans. These goals translate into specific policies and financial incentives, such as the adoption of binding targets in industry and transport outlined in the Renewable Energy Directive, the EU Hydrogen Bank, Connecting Europe Facility, and TEN-E framework.  

– Furthermore, the 2024 Hydrogen and Gas Market Package lays out dedicated hydrogen rules on network access, tariffs, and planning, thereby reducing uncertainty and enhancing investor confidence. 

Taken collectively, Enríquez thinks that these current and upcoming measures will further position hydrogen not only as a climate solution, but also as a key element of Europe’s competitiveness, resilience, and energy security strategy. 

ENNOH is the facilitator of the emerging hydrogen infrastructure  

But what exactly is the role of ENNOH in all of this? – Enríquez replies that ENNOH’s mission is to facilitate the development of the emerging EU hydrogen infrastructure system in a coordinated way. 

– Our role is comparable to that of both ENTSO-E and ENTSOG in the electricity and gas sectors: we propose the planning framework, market rules, and technical recommendations, and we will provide transparency tools necessary to build an integrated, interoperable, and efficient hydrogen system for Europe.  

This means a wide range of things: preparing the first Ten-Year Network Development Plan (TYNDP) for hydrogen, drafting network codes, publishing rules, recommendations and data systems. 

– All these provide market participants with a more predictable and non-discriminatory environment in which to invest and operate. 

Presently, ENNOH finds itself in a “startup mode,” with a small team of professionals gearing up for the Big Change. Enríquez, having spent 16 years in Brussels, has seen the evolution of not only the Hydrogen Economy but also the Green Transition from its infancy and, therefore, has the experience to put it all in perspective. 

– With hydrogen, the biggest hype is already behind us, and we’re in a more mature process now. Some projects are being delayed or cancelled, but now it’s a matter of moving forward with the “good ones”, which will develop further the European H2 market, he says. 

Finland has the opportunity to be a real forerunner in hydrogen  

All Hydrogen Transmission Network Operators (HTNOs) in the EU are obliged to become ENNOH members. They constitute the backbone of ENNOH, says Enríquez. But how does one make sure that smaller countries, such as Finland, are included in the ENNOH planning and decision-making processes? 

– The Finnish operator, Gasgrid, like other operators from other countries, participates fully in the planning and modelling activities of ENNOH, in drafting network codes, and in the internal processes that shape our various publications and deliverables, Enríquez replies. 

What’s more, Enríquez is convinced that – in the realm of hydrogen – Finland is not a small country, but currently “a key player in the region” with considerable production potential. According to the Director, Finland is also an active proponent of hydrogen supply corridors, aiming to deliver renewable hydrogen, produced in the Baltic Sea Region, to demand centres in Germany and neighbouring countries.  

Fully integrated hydrogen infrastructure will take time – be patient! 

Looking ahead, Enríquez wants to establish the foundations of a fully integrated European hydrogen infrastructure system within a period of five years. 

– Our focus is on transforming today’s fragmented national projects into a coherent cross-border system that supports industrial decarbonisation, energy security, and renewable energy integration, he says. 

Presently, hydrogen is facing some headwinds, but Enríquez advises staying resilient and consistent in pursuing the ultimate goal of Hydrogen Economy. For those suggesting that the hydrogen platform is simply too costly, Enríquez replies that so too were solar and wind power,at first.  

– We are seeing some very promising signs, and I also believe that there is a lot of innovation in the hydrogen field, with results that will facilitate the deployment of hydrogen even more.

 

Text: Sami J. Anteroinen
Picture, video: Miika Kainu

 

Read more:

Hydrogen Development Forum 2025 showcased the first-ever Hydrogen Information Package