Chamber of Deputies (Luxembourg's parliament); Credit: Jazmin Campbell, Chronicle.lu

On Thursday 20 March 2025, Luxembourg’s Chamber of Deputies (parliament) adopted Bill 8298 concerning the establishment of hydrogen transport networks.

Luxembourg’s Ministry of the Economy said this marked a decisive step in implementing the hydrogen strategy adopted on 8 July 2021 and demonstrated Luxembourg’s commitment to energy transition and decarbonisation.

As reported by the ministry, the law aims to establish an initial legal framework for planning, developing and operating hydrogen transport infrastructure in Luxembourg while integrating interconnections with neighbouring countries. The objective is to support a European market for renewable hydrogen, which is described as essential to addressing climate challenges and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Luxembourg’s Minister of the Economy, SMEs, Energy and Tourism, Lex Delles, welcomed the adoption of the law and stated: "Access to a sufficient quantity of competitive renewable hydrogen will be crucial for decarbonising various economic sectors, such as certain industrial processes and modes of transport. With this legislative progress, Luxembourg is affirming its ambition to become a key player in the development of a European hydrogen market."

According to the ministry, the law introduces:

- an authorisation procedure to designate a future hydrogen network operator, approved by the minister responsible for energy;
- a declaration of “public utility” for hydrogen-related infrastructure, enabling the free use of state and municipal public and private domains;
- long-term planning measures, including a ten-year network development plan.

The law also defines the responsibilities of a network operator, including:

- ensuring compliance with authorisation conditions for constructing and managing the network;
- operating reliable and environmentally friendly infrastructure;
- establishing safety standards and technical requirements.

Furthermore, the regulatory authority, the Luxembourg Regulatory Institute (ILR), will oversee the hydrogen market and define pricing and metering methods.

SM