Opinion on the statutory documents of the ENNOH

On 16 May 2025, the European Commission published its Opinion (C/2025/2004) on the statutory documents of the European Network of Network Operators for Hydrogen (ENNOH) – the independent association representing future hydrogen transmission network operators at EU level.

✅ Key Takeaways:

📌 Climate Objectives: the Articles of Association (AoA) of the ENNOH should be modified as to include climate related objectives.

📌 Membership Criteria: Only certified Hydrogen Transmission Network Operators (HTNOs) — or those undergoing certification — can be members. The “founding member” concept must align with EU law.

📌 Observer Access: Observer status should be restricted to HTNOs from countries applying EU energy law (e.g., EEA or Energy Community members).

📌 Board Composition: Rules must ensure regional balance while rewarding early movers — but with transparent limitations and future revisions.

📌 Stakeholder Engagement: Public consultations must be transparent, inclusive, and allow a default period of 2 months.

📌 Amendments & Dissolution: Changes to ENNOH’s statutory documents — including its list of members — and any dissolution must receive explicit Commission approval.

📌 Gender & Diversity: ENNOH is encouraged to integrate gender parity and diversity into board and senior role appointments.

☑️ WHAT NEXT?

The future hydrogen transmission network operators shall adopt and publish, by early July 2025, the final statutory documents, taking into account the Commission’s and ACER’s opinions.

➡️ Source: Important step towards establishing the European Network of Network Operators for Hydrogen