New EU Energy and Raw Materials Platform: Driving Competitiveness & Decarbonization
全新欧盟能源与原材料平台：助力竞争力提升与脱碳进程
Introduction
On July 2, 2025, the European Commission launched the EU Energy and Raw Materials Platform—a strategic tool to address energy security, boost industrial competitiveness, and accelerate green transformation. Its core function is to integrate supply and demand across key sectors, offering aggregation and matching services that help EU businesses access energy products and strategic raw materials efficiently. Ultimately, it aims to deliver three critical outcomes: stronger industrial competitiveness, more secure energy supplies, and deep decarbonization.
引言
2025 年 7 月 2 日，欧盟委员会正式启动 “欧盟能源与原材料平台”—— 这是一项旨在应对能源安全问题、提升工业竞争力并加速绿色转型的战略工具。该平台的核心功能是整合关键行业的供需资源，提供聚合与匹配服务，助力欧盟企业高效获取能源产品及战略性原材料。其最终目标是实现三大关键成果：增强工业竞争力、提升能源供应安全性以及推动深度脱碳。
背景介绍
The establishment of the platform stems not only from the EU’s commitment to the “2050 climate neutrality” goal and its aspiration to end dependence on Russian fossil fuels by the end of 2027, but also draws on the experience of AggregateEU — an energy crisis response mechanism operational from 2023 to 2025. This mechanism once attracted 189 enterprises to register, laying a practical foundation for the demand aggregation model. Meanwhile, the platform’s operation is supported by clear legal basis, which ensures the legality and standardization of various mechanisms.
With the core objectives of “leveraging the scale of the EU Single Market to empower enterprises, secure supplies, and advance decarbonization”, the platform initially focuses on five key areas and may later expand to carbon dioxide-related products. At present, three core operational mechanisms have been clearly defined, each with distinct functions and positioning.
背景
该平台的建立，不仅源于欧盟对 “2050 年气候中性” 目标的承诺，以及其在 2027 年底前摆脱对俄罗斯化石燃料依赖的愿景，还借鉴了 “欧盟能源聚合机制”（AggregateEU）的经验 —— 这是一项 2023 年至 2025 年运行的能源危机应对机制。该机制曾吸引 189 家企业注册，为需求聚合模式奠定了实践基础。与此同时，平台的运行拥有明确的法律依据，这保障了各项机制的合法性与规范性。
平台以 “依托欧盟单一市场规模赋能企业、保障供应、推进脱碳” 为核心目标，初期聚焦五大关键领域，未来或拓展至二氧化碳相关产品领域。目前，平台已明确界定三项核心运行机制，各项机制均具备清晰的功能与定位。
Three Key Operational Mechanisms of the Platform
Hydrogen Mechanism
The Hydrogen Mechanism is the flagship starting point of the Platform and the first to become operational in July 2025. It addresses a critical barrier: the fragmented and immature market for renewable and low-carbon hydrogen. The mechanism works by pooling demand from multiple EU off-takers—industrial companies, transport operators, and energy suppliers—and matching them with suppliers both within and outside the EU. Importantly, it covers not only pure hydrogen but also its main derivatives, including ammonia, methanol, and e-SAF (electronic Sustainable Aviation Fuel). This broad scope reflects the EU’s recognition that hydrogen is not only a fuel but also an industrial feedstock and a carrier for decarbonization. By combining demand aggregation with infrastructure mapping and financing tools via the European Hydrogen Bank, the mechanism reduces transaction costs, increases market transparency, and lowers the risks for first movers. The affiliation with the European Hydrogen Bank, will operate until the end of 2029. It is open to both suppliers inside and outside the EU, as well as EU buyers.
For industries such as steel, cement, chemicals, and aviation, this mechanism can act as a lifeline, enabling them to scale low-carbon production in line with the EU’s 2030 and 2050 targets. Additionally, it will disclose non-commercially sensitive information to enhance market transparency, helping enterprises find partners and financing opportunities.
Raw Materials Mechanism
It is designed to safeguard the steady supply of critical minerals and materials that underpin Europe’s green transition. Lithium, cobalt, nickel, rare earths, and other essential minerals are indispensable for batteries, wind turbines, solar panels, and semiconductors. However, Europe currently depends heavily on imports from a handful of countries, leaving supply chains exposed to price shocks and geopolitical risk.
This mechanism therefore plays a dual role: (1) supporting the commercial roll-out of new strategic projects, both within the EU and in trusted partner countries; and (2) enabling long-term contracts and joint purchasing to ensure predictable flows of resources. By providing transparent supply–demand data, it helps industries—from electric vehicle manufacturers to renewable power developers—secure access to the raw materials needed at competitive conditions. Over time, the mechanism may expand to include secondary raw materials and recycled inputs, reinforcing the EU’s circular economy strategy.
Gas Mechanism
While hydrogen and raw materials look to the long-term transformation, the Gas Mechanism ensures short- and medium-term energy security. It allows EU buyers to aggregate voluntary demand for natural gas and LNG (liquefied natural gas) in global markets, building on the experience of AggregateEU during the 2022–2025 energy crisis. At the same time, it gives explicit preference to biomethane as a renewable option, creating a bridge between today’s energy needs and tomorrow’s low-carbon future. By pooling demand, European companies can negotiate more stable and competitive contracts, reducing exposure to volatility. Furthermore, by integrating low-carbon gases, the mechanism ensures consistency with the EU’s decarbonization pathway, preventing a lock-in of fossil fuels. For energy-intensive sectors such as manufacturing, glass, and fertilizers, this mechanism provides a pragmatic way to balance security of supply with climate commitments.
平台的三大核心运行机制
氢能机制
氢能机制是该平台的标志性启动项目，也是首个于 2025 年 7 月投入运行的机制。该机制旨在解决一个关键瓶颈问题：可再生能源制氢与低碳氢市场目前存在的碎片化、不成熟现状。其运作方式为：汇集欧盟范围内多家需求方（包括工业企业、交通运营方及能源供应商）的需求，并为其匹配欧盟境内外的供应商。重要的是，该机制覆盖范围不仅包括纯氢，还涵盖氨、甲醇、电子可持续航空燃料（e-SAF）等主要氢衍生物。这一广泛的覆盖范围体现了欧盟的核心认知 —— 氢不仅是一种燃料，更是一种工业原料和脱碳载体。
该机制通过欧盟氢能银行，将需求聚合、基础设施图谱绘制与融资工具相结合，能够降低交易成本、提高市场透明度，并减少市场先行者的风险。作为隶属于欧盟氢能银行的机制，其运行将持续至 2029 年底，且对欧盟境内外的供应商以及欧盟需求方均开放。
对于钢铁、水泥、化工、航空等行业而言，该机制可发挥 “生命线” 作用，助力这些行业扩大低碳生产规模，以符合欧盟 2030 年及 2050 年的气候目标。此外，该机制还将披露非商业敏感信息，以提升市场透明度，帮助企业寻找合作伙伴及融资机会。
原材料机制
该机制旨在保障支撑欧洲绿色转型的关键矿产及原材料的稳定供应。锂、钴、镍、稀土等重要矿产，是生产电池、风力涡轮机、太阳能电池板及半导体的不可或缺的原料。然而，欧洲目前高度依赖从少数几个国家进口这类矿产，导致其供应链易受价格波动和地缘政治风险的影响。
因此，该机制承担双重作用：（1）支持在欧盟内部及可信伙伴国家推进新战略项目的商业化落地；（2）推动长期合同签订与联合采购，确保资源供应的可预测性。通过提供透明的供需数据，该机制帮助电动汽车制造商、可再生能源开发商等行业，以具有竞争力的条件稳定获取所需原材料。未来，该机制或进一步拓展至二次原材料及再生投入物领域，从而为欧盟循环经济战略提供更强支撑。
天然气机制
氢能机制与原材料机制着眼于长期转型，而天然气机制则聚焦保障中短期能源安全。该机制允许欧盟采购方在全球市场汇总对天然气及液化天然气（LNG）的自愿需求，其运作借鉴了 2022-2025 年能源危机期间 “欧盟能源聚合机制”（AggregateEU）的经验。与此同时，该机制明确优先选择生物甲烷这一可再生能源，为当下能源需求与未来低碳目标搭建过渡桥梁。通过需求汇总，欧洲企业能够协商签订更稳定、更具竞争力的合同，降低受市场波动影响的风险。此外，该机制通过整合低碳气体，确保与欧盟脱碳路径保持一致，避免能源系统长期依赖化石燃料。对于制造业、玻璃业、化肥业等能源密集型行业而言，这一机制为平衡能源供应安全与气候承诺提供了切实可行的解决方案。
Source: European Commission
来源：欧盟委员会
Core Values: Three Major Long-Term Impacts on Europe
Enhanced Industrial Competitiveness
Through economies of scale and coordinated procurement, the Platform lowers input costs for European industries. This is particularly important as global competition intensifies and climate policies such as the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act create new incentives outside Europe. By ensuring reliable access to affordable green energy and raw materials, European exporters in sectors like automotive, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing can maintain their global market share while meeting rising sustainability standards.
Accelerated Decarbonization Process
The Platform directly accelerates the deployment of clean energy and green technologies. The Hydrogen Mechanism helps decarbonize heavy industry and aviation; the Gas Mechanism supports a faster transition to biomethane; and the Raw Materials Mechanism secures the building blocks for renewable technologies and electric mobility. Together, they reduce the bottlenecks that often delay decarbonization—whether lack of inputs, missing infrastructure, or financial uncertainty. By aligning industrial strategy with climate goals, the Platform ensures that Europe can meet its 2030 and 2050 milestones without compromising economic vitality.
Strengthened Energy System Resilience
The EU has learned from the 2022–2023 energy crisis that dependence on a narrow set of suppliers is a structural vulnerability. The Platform addresses this by diversifying sources, encouraging joint purchasing, and mapping infrastructure needs across borders. This not only reduces risks from geopolitical disruptions but also builds confidence among investors, industries, and consumers. Over time, it will support a more flexible, interconnected energy system, better able to absorb shocks while accelerating the integration of renewable power and low-carbon fuels.
核心价值：对欧洲的三大长期影响
提升工业竞争力
通过规模经济效应与协同采购，该平台降低了欧洲工业的投入成本。在全球竞争加剧、美国《通胀削减法案》等气候政策为欧洲以外地区创造新激励的背景下，这一作用尤为重要。平台通过确保欧洲企业能稳定获取价格合理的绿色能源与原材料，助力汽车、航空航天、高端制造等领域的欧洲出口商在满足日益提高的可持续发展标准的同时，维持其全球市场份额。
加速脱碳进程
该平台直接推动清洁能源与绿色技术的应用落地。其中，氢能机制助力重工业与航空业脱碳；天然气机制支持更快向生物甲烷转型；原材料机制则保障可再生能源技术与电动汽车产业所需的关键原材料供应。三者协同作用，减少了常导致脱碳进程滞后的各类瓶颈 —— 无论是原材料短缺、基础设施缺失，还是资金不确定性。通过使产业战略与气候目标保持一致，平台确保欧洲在实现 2030 年及 2050 年气候里程碑目标的同时，不损害经济活力。
增强能源系统韧性
欧盟从 2022-2023 年能源危机中认识到，过度依赖少数供应方是一种结构性短板。该平台通过多元化供应来源、鼓励联合采购、统筹跨境基础设施需求等方式解决这一问题。这不仅降低了地缘政治动荡带来的风险，还增强了投资者、企业与消费者的信心。长期来看，平台将助力构建一个更灵活、互联互通的能源系统，该系统既能更好地抵御冲击，又能加速可再生能源与低碳燃料的整合。
Advantages for Stakeholders
- For European Off-Takers
Manufacturers, utilities, and transport operators benefit from reduced complexity and risk in securing the energy and materials they need. By submitting aggregated demand requests, they can access better contract terms and guarantee the sustainability credentials of their supply chains. Crucially, participation in the Platform helps them demonstrate compliance with EU sustainability rules, such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
- Create demand request for renewable and low-carbon hydrogen and derivatives
- Participate in a global call for supply interest and receive supply offers from European and international suppliers
- Engage with financial institutions to develop decarbonization project
- For Suppliers, Inside and Outside the EU
Global energy and raw material suppliers gain a predictable market outlook and more efficient access to EU buyers. Instead of negotiating dozens of bilateral contracts, they can participate in structured calls for supply interest, reducing transaction costs. At the same time, transparent demand data enables them to plan investments in production and logistics infrastructure more effectively, whether in renewable hydrogen plants, mining projects, or biomethane facilities.
- Create supply offers for renewable and low-carbon hydrogen and derivatives
- Consult demand requests from European off-takers and submit offers
- Aggregate European demand requests to leverage the size of the Union’s market
- Engage with financial institutions to develop production projects
- For Financial Institutions
Banks, investors, and development finance bodies can use the Platform to identify credible projects with aggregated demand and reduced commercial risk. This improves the bankability of new ventures, whether it is a hydrogen production hub in Spain, a battery raw material project in Portugal, or biomethane facilities in Eastern Europe. The Platform thus becomes a bridge between industrial needs and capital markets, unlocking private finance for decarbonization projects.
- Display financial products to registered market participants (offtakers and suppliers)
- Consult results of calls for interest (subject to participants’ consent)
- Engage with potential clients to support their projects
- For Policymakers and Regulators
Although not commercial participants, EU institutions and national governments benefit from the aggregated data and market transparency generated by the Platform. This information supports more informed policymaking, better alignment with climate targets, and stronger evidence-based negotiations with international partners.
各利益相关方的优势
- 对欧盟需求方（采购方）
制造商、公用事业企业及交通运营方可简化获取所需能源与原材料的流程，并降低相关风险，从而从中受益。通过提交聚合需求申请，他们能获得更优惠的合同条款，并确保其供应链具备可持续性资质。关键在于，参与该平台有助于企业证明自身符合欧盟可持续发展法规要求，例如《企业可持续发展报告指令》（CSRD）与《碳边境调节机制》（CBAM）。
- 提交可再生能源制氢、低碳氢及其衍生物的需求申请
- 参与全球供应意向征集，接收来自欧盟境内外供应商的供应报价
- 与金融机构合作，推进脱碳项目开发
- 对欧盟境内外供应商
全球能源与原材料供应商可通过平台获得可预测的市场前景，并更高效地对接欧盟采购方。他们无需再洽谈数十份双边合同，而是能参与结构化的供应意向征集，降低交易成本。同时，透明的需求数据有助于供应商更有效地规划生产及物流基础设施投资，无论是可再生能源制氢工厂、矿产开发项目，还是生物甲烷生产设施。
- 发布可再生能源制氢、低碳氢及其衍生物的供应报价
- 查看欧盟需求方的需求申请并提交报价
- 聚合欧盟需求申请，借助欧盟单一市场的规模优势
- 与金融机构合作，推进生产项目开发
- 对金融机构
银行、投资者及开发性金融机构可通过平台识别具备聚合需求、商业风险较低的可靠项目。这一优势提升了各类新项目的融资可行性，例如西班牙的制氢中心、葡萄牙的电池原材料项目，或是东欧的生物甲烷生产设施。因此，该平台成为连接产业需求与资本市场的桥梁，为脱碳项目撬动私人资本。
- 向已注册的市场参与者（需求方与供应商）展示金融产品
- 查看意向征集结果（需获得参与者同意）
- 与潜在客户对接，为其项目提供支持
- 对政策制定者与监管机构
尽管欧盟机构及各国政府并非商业参与者，但平台产生的聚合数据与市场透明度仍能让其受益。这些信息有助于制定更科学的政策、更好地契合气候目标，并为与国际伙伴开展基于实证的谈判提供更有力的依据。
Operational Framework of the Platform
The Platform is supported by an online IT system, with a strong focus on data confidentiality and user experience convenience. Enterprises can participate in various mechanisms by registering, and the Platform provides end-to-end services covering the entire process of “demand collection – supply integration – supply-demand matching – joint procurement”. Some mechanisms (e.g., the Hydrogen Mechanism) organize activities in “rounds”, which include phases such as soliciting supply intentions, soliciting demand intentions, and infrastructure market testing. The European Commission is only responsible for organization and information integration, and does not participate in commercial negotiations, so as to ensure the autonomy of market entities.
平台运行机制
该平台依托在线信息技术系统运行，重点保障数据保密性与用户使用便捷性。企业可通过注册参与多种机制，平台提供覆盖“需求收集—供给整合—供需匹配—联合采购”全流程的一体化服务。部分机制（例如氢能机制）以“轮次”为单位组织活动，每轮包括征集供给意向、征集需求意向以及基础设施市场测试等阶段。欧盟委员会仅负责组织与信息整合工作，不参与商业谈判，以确保市场主体的自主性。
Conclusion
In an overall sense, this platform is not only a tool for the EU to address energy and raw material supply risks and enhance industrial competitiveness, but also a key driver for advancing the green transition. By leveraging targeted mechanisms to resolve core pain points in different areas (such as difficulties in matching supply and demand in the hydrogen market, fragility of raw material supply chains, and natural gas supply security), it converts the scale advantages of the EU Single Market into tangible benefits. Meanwhile, it demonstrates the EU’s strategic intention to “proactively shape the future energy and industrial landscape,” laying a foundation for the achievement of the 2050 climate neutrality and energy independence goals.
结论
总体而言，该平台不仅是欧盟应对能源与原材料供应风险、提升工业竞争力的工具，更是推动绿色转型的关键驱动力。平台通过针对性机制解决不同领域的核心痛点（如氢能市场供需匹配难题、原材料供应链脆弱性、天然气供应安全问题等），将欧盟单一市场的规模优势转化为切实效益。与此同时，这一平台也彰显了欧盟 “主动塑造未来能源与产业格局” 的战略意图，为实现 2050 年气候中性及能源独立目标奠定基础。
Full text of EU Commission official press release here:
https://energy.ec.europa.eu/news/new-eu-energy-and-raw-materials-platform-support-competitiveness-and-decarbonisation-european-2025-07-02_en
欧盟委员会官方新闻稿全文详见：
https://energy.ec.europa.eu/news/new-eu-energy-and-raw-materials-platform-support-competitiveness-and-decarbonisation-european-2025-07-02_en
ZH