ACER supports certification of first European hydrogen transmission network operator

ACER News

Published March 6th, 2026

Detected March 13th, 2026

Summary

The European Union Agency for Cooperation between Energy Regulators (ACER) has published an opinion supporting the certification of GAZ-SYSTEM as the first European hydrogen transmission network operator. This opinion is part of the certification process under the Hydrogen and Gas Decarbonisation Package, ensuring compliance with EU ownership unbundling rules.

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What changed

ACER has issued an opinion supporting the certification of GAZ-SYSTEM, a Polish entity, as the first hydrogen transmission network operator under the EU's Hydrogen and Gas Decarbonisation Package. This certification is a prerequisite for operation and ensures the operator's independence from energy producers and suppliers, in line with EU ownership unbundling rules. ACER's opinion, requested by the European Commission, generally agrees with the Polish national regulator's assessment but emphasizes the need for close monitoring of GAZ-SYSTEM's independence and the separation of financial accounts between gas and hydrogen network operations to ensure fair competition and accurate tariff setting.

The European Commission will consider ACER's opinion in its final assessment, expected by April 6, 2026. Regulated entities involved in hydrogen infrastructure development and operation should note this precedent-setting certification process and the emphasis on regulatory oversight and independence. While this specific opinion is non-binding, it signals the regulatory approach to certifying new hydrogen network operators within the EU, highlighting the importance of compliance with unbundling rules and transparent financial accounting.

What to do next

Monitor European Commission's final opinion on GAZ-SYSTEM certification by April 6, 2026.
Review independence and financial separation requirements for hydrogen transmission network operators under the Hydrogen and Gas Decarbonisation Package.
Assess compliance with EU ownership unbundling rules for hydrogen infrastructure operations.

Source document (simplified)

6.3.2026

ACER supports certification of the first European hydrogen transmission network operator

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ACER supports certification of the first European hydrogen transmission network operator

What is it about?

ACER published its Opinion on the draft decision of the Polish national regulatory authority (URE) certifying GAZ-SYSTEM as a hydrogen transmission network operator.

This is the first case of a hydrogen transmission network operator seeking certification under the Hydrogen and Gas Decarbonisation Package.

According to the Regulation, hydrogen transmission network operators must be certified by national regulatory authorities before they can operate. Before being certified, the European Commission assesses compliance with EU ownership unbundling rules. These require operators to be independent from energy producers and suppliers across sectors to foster fair competition.

In this case, the European Commission requested ACER to provide an opinion on the draft decision by the Polish national regulator to support its final assessment.

What does ACER say?

Overall, ACER agrees with the assessment that GAZ-SYSTEM meets the requirements for national certification. However, it notes that URE should closely monitor GAZ-SYSTEM’s independence from other energy actors and ensure that financial accounts are separated between operations. Having separated accounts ensures clear regulatory economic oversight of the operator and that tariffs accurately reflect the specific costs of operating the gas and hydrogen networks independently, preventing pricing distortions.

Throughout the process, ACER has cooperated with URE and collected its input before adopting the Opinion.