French utility EDF says it will develop 3GW of low-carbon hydrogen projects around the world by the end of the decade — derived from renewable or nuclear power — but with a fairly large caveat.

In the small print of the announcement, the state-owned company reveals that the 3GW plan is “subject to the implementation of appropriate support policies and a regulatory framework conducive to the development of electrolytic hydrogen”.

The UK and Germany have announced subsidies for low-carbon hydrogen projects, for domestic and non-EU projects, respectively, with other nations expected to follow suit in the coming years.

EDF said it will invest €2bn-3bn ($2.16bn-3.24bn) in H2 production — excluding electricity production to power the electrolysers — as part of its Hydrogen Plan, which it describes as a “new and essential step towards the objective of carbon neutrality”.

Hydrogen produced via electrolysis — using an electric current to split water molecules into H2 and oxygen — is generally known as ‘green’ when the electrolysers are powered by renewable energy, and ‘pink’ when using nuclear energy.

“Low-carbon hydrogen is an essential lever for reducing our dependence on fossil fuels alongside the direct electrification of end uses,” said EDF chairman and CEO Jean-Bernard Levy. “With this ambitious plan and by capitalising on its expertise and know-how, the EDF Group intends to contribute to the emergence of a strong and innovative European hydrogen industry.”

EDF envisages a key role for hydrogen in heavy transport and industry, but not for heating or light vehicles, like some H2 advocates.

“Low-carbon hydrogen produced from water electrolysis has a major role to play in decarbonising heavy mobility: buses, refuse collection vehicles, trucks and trains in non-electrified areas,” the company said.

“Hydrogen derivatives (e-fuels) will help decarbonise air and sea transport. Hydrogen is also an intermediary for the radical decarbonisation of industrial processes such as those in the chemical, oil refining and steel industries.”