Mapping the hydrogen power players: An analysis of lobbying on EU hydrogen policy-making

Hydrogen has emerged as a pivotal element to achieve climate neutrality, particularly in the European Union. Recent studies have emphasized economic and technological dimensions of hydrogen and the role of stakeholders for market development. This study fills a research gap by focusing on the political dimension and analyzing hydrogen lobbying at the EU level. A novel dataset identifies both stakeholders active in hydrogen lobbying and biases in the representation of hydrogen interests. The findings provide insights into inclusiveness, thus highlighting imbalances based on sectoral affiliations, geographical origins, and resource disparities. By revealing these dynamics, the study enhances our understanding of political processes shaping hydrogen policy formulation and paves the way for further studies on stakeholder influence on hydrogen regulation and policy. • First analysis of hydrogen lobbying processes in EU policy-making. • Creation of a novel dataset of stakeholders active in EU hydrogen lobbying. • First mapping of hydrogen lobbyists at EU-level. • Empirical evidence of biases in hydrogen interest representation at EU level.