Hydrogen: Legal and regulatory challenges for Switzerland in a global context

Hydrogen as an energy carrier, but also as a key feedstock to produce renewable fuels (e.g. synthetic methane and methanol) and platform chemicals (e.g. ammonia) is set to play a major role in decarbonization efforts worldwide. The European Union is one of the main drivers of the green hydrogen economy. Once more, Switzerland is operating in a regulatory environment in which developments are already taking place and might determine its position as a rule-taker, as shown in the first part of the article. Switzerland can no longer postpone dealing with the opportunities and risks entailed by these developments. Defining a clear strategy is essential to plan the political and regulatory steps which are necessary to preserve its options for championing the green hydrogen market. The first steps have already been taken, in particular with the soon-to-come-into-force umbrella decree (“Mantelerlass”), as presented in the second part of the article. Further steps will have to follow.