Article 1 Subject matter and scope
This Regulation: (a) establishes non-discriminatory rules for access conditions to natural gas and hydrogen systems taking into account the special characteristics of national and regional markets, with a view to ensuring the proper functioning of the internal markets for natural gas and hydrogen and to contributing to the flexibility of the energy system; and (b) facilitates the emergence and operation of properly functioning and transparent markets for natural gas and hydrogen with a high level of security of supply and provides mechanisms by which to harmonise the network access rules for cross-border exchanges in natural gas and hydrogen. The objectives referred to in the first paragraph shall include: (a) the setting of harmonised principles for tariffs, or the methodologies for underlying the calculation of tariffs, for access to the natural gas network excluding natural gas storage facilities, (b) the establishment of third-party access services and harmonised principles for capacity-allocation and congestion-management, (c) the establishment of transparency requirements, balancing rules and imbalance charges, and the facilitation of capacity trading. This Regulation, with the exception of Article 34(5) thereof, shall apply only to the natural gas storage facilities and hydrogen storage facilities referred to in Article 33(3) or (4) or Article 37 of Directive (EU) 2024/1788. The Member States may establish an entity or body set up in accordance with Directive (EU) 2024/1788, for the purpose of carrying out one or more functions typically attributed to the transmission system operator or hydrogen transmission network operator, which shall be subject to the requirements of this Regulation. That entity or body shall be subject to certification in accordance with Article 14 of this Regulation and shall be subject to designation pursuant to Article 71 of Directive (EU) 2024/1788.
Article 2 Definitions
1. For the purpose of this Regulation, the following definitions apply: (1) ‘regulatory asset base’ means the network assets of a transmission system operator, distribution system operator, hydrogen transmission network operator and hydrogen distribution network operator used for the provision of regulated network services that are taken into account when calculating network-related service revenue; (2) ‘transmission’ means transmission as defined in Article 2, point (17), of Directive (EU) 2024/1788; (3) ‘transport contract’ means a contract which the transmission system operator or hydrogen network operator has concluded with a network user with a view to carrying out transport services for natural gas or hydrogen; (4) ‘capacity’ means the maximum flow, expressed in normal cubic meters per time unit or in energy unit per time unit, to which the network user is entitled in accordance with the provisions of the transport contract; (5) ‘unused capacity’ means firm capacity which a network user has acquired under a transport contract but which that user has not nominated by the deadline specified in the contract; (6) ‘congestion management’ means management of the capacity portfolio of the transmission system operator with a view to optimal and maximum use of the technical capacity and the timely detection of future congestion and saturation points; (7) ‘secondary market’ means the market of the capacity traded otherwise than on the primary market; (8) ‘nomination’ means the reporting by the network user to the transmission system operator of the actual flow that the network user wishes to inject into or withdraw from the system, prior to such an injection or withdrawal; (9) ‘re-nomination’ means the reporting of a corrected nomination, subsequent to a nomination; (10) ‘system integrity’ means any situation in which the pressure and the quality of the natural gas natural gas or hydrogen remain within the minimum and maximum limits, so that the transport of natural gas or hydrogen is guaranteed from a technical standpoint; (11) ‘balancing period’ means the period within which the off-take of an amount of natural gas or hydrogen, expressed in units of energy, is to be offset by every network user by means of the injection of the same amount of natural gas or hydrogen in accordance with the network code; (12) ‘network user’ means network user as defined in Article 2, point (60), of Directive (EU) 2024/1788; (13) ‘interruptible services’ means services offered by the transmission system operator or, where applicable, the distribution system operator, or the hydrogen network operator in relation to interruptible capacity; (14) ‘interruptible capacity’ means natural gas or hydrogen transmission capacity that may be interrupted by the transmission system operator or, where applicable, the distribution system operator, or the hydrogen network operator, in accordance with the conditions stipulated in the transport contract; (15) ‘long-term services’ means services offered by the transmission system operator or, where applicable, the distribution system operator, or the hydrogen network operator with a duration of one year or more; (16) ‘short-term services’ means services offered by the transmission system operator or, where applicable, the distribution system operator, or the or hydrogen network operator with a duration of less than one year; (17) ‘firm capacity’ means natural gas and hydrogen transmission and distribution capacity contractually guaranteed as uninterruptible by the transmission system operator or, where applicable, the distribution system operator, or the hydrogen network operator; (18) ‘firm services’ mean services offered by the transmission system operator or, where applicable, the distribution system operator, or the hydrogen network operator in relation to firm capacity; (19) ‘technical capacity’ means the maximum firm capacity that can be offered to the network users, taking account of system integrity and the operational requirements of the transmission system operator or, where applicable, the distribution system operator, or the hydrogen network operator; (20) ‘contracted capacity’ means capacity that has been allocated to a network user by means of a transport contract; (21) ‘available capacity’ means the part of the technical capacity that is not allocated and that is still available to the system at a particular moment; (22) ‘contractual congestion’ means a situation where the level of firm capacity demand exceeds the technical capacity; (23) ‘primary market’ means the market of the capacity traded directly by the transmission system operator or, where applicable, the distribution system operator, or the hydrogen transmission network operator; (24) ‘physical congestion’ means a situation where the level of demand for actual deliveries exceeds the technical capacity at a particular moment; (25) ‘LNG facility capacity’ means capacity at an LNG terminal for the liquefaction of natural gas or the importation, offloading, ancillary services, temporary storage and re-gasification of LNG; (26) ‘space’ means the volume of natural gas or hydrogen which a user of a storage facility is entitled to use for the storage of natural gas or hydrogen; (27) ‘deliverability’ means the rate at which the storage facility user is entitled to withdraw natural gas or hydrogen from the natural gas storage facility or hydrogen storage facility; (28) ‘injectability’ means the rate at which the storage facility user is entitled to inject natural gas or hydrogen into the natural gas storage facility or hydrogen storage facility; (29) ‘storage capacity’ means any combination of space, injectability and deliverability; (30) ‘entry-exit system’ means entry-exit system as defined in Article 2, point (57), of Directive (EU) 2024/1788; (31) ‘balancing zone’ means balancing zone as defined in Article 2, point (58), of Directive (EU) 2024/1788; (32) ‘virtual trading point’ means virtual trading point as defined in Article 2, point (59), of Directive (EU) 2024/1788; (33) ‘entry point’ means entry point as defined in Article 2, point (61), of Directive (EU) 2024/1788; (34) ‘exit point’ means exit point as defined in Article 2, point (62), of Directive (EU) 2024/1788; (35) ‘conditional capacity’ means firm capacity that entails transparent and predefined conditions for either providing access from and to the virtual trading point or limited allocability; (36) ‘allocability’ means the discretionary combination of any entry capacity with any exit capacity or vice versa; (37) ‘allowed revenue’ means the sum of transmission service revenue and non-transmission service revenue for the provision of services by the transmission system operator for a specific time period within a given regulatory period which such transmission system operator is entitled to obtain under a non-price cap regime and which is set in accordance with Article 78(7), point (a), of Directive (EU) 2024/1788; (38) ‘target revenue’ means the sum of expected transmission service revenue calculated in accordance with the principles set out in Article 17(1) and expected non-transmission service revenue for the provision of services by the transmission system operator for a specific time period within a given regulatory period under a price cap regime; (39) ‘new infrastructure’ means an infrastructure not completed by 4 August 2003; (40) ‘natural gas’ means natural gas as defined in Article 2, point (1), of Directive (EU) 2024/1788; (41) ‘renewable gas’ means renewable gas as defined in Article 2, point (2), of Directive (EU) 2024/1788; (42) ‘natural gas system’ means natural gas system as defined in Article 2, point (3), of Directive (EU) 2024/1788; (43) ‘hydrogen system’ means hydrogen system as defined in Article 2, point (4), of Directive (EU) 2024/1788; (44) ‘hydrogen storage facility’ means a hydrogen storage facility as defined in Article 2, point (5), of Directive (EU) 2024/1788; (45) ‘hydrogen storage operator’ means a hydrogen storage operator as defined in Article 2, point (6), of Directive (EU) 2024/1788; (46) ‘hydrogen terminal’ means hydrogen terminal as defined in Article 2, point (8), of Gas Directive (EU) 2024/1788; (47) ‘hydrogen terminal operator’ means hydrogen terminal operator as defined in Article 2, point (9), of Directive (EU) 2024/1788; (48) ‘hydrogen quality’ means hydrogen quality as defined in Article 2, point (10), of Directive (EU) 2024/1788; (49) ‘low-carbon hydrogen’ means low-carbon hydrogen as defined in Article 2, point (11), of Directive (EU) 2024/1788; (50) ‘low-carbon gas’ means low-carbon gas as defined in Article 2, point (12), of Directive (EU) 2024/1788; (51) ‘transmission system operator’ means transmission system operator as defined in Article 2, point (18), of Directive (EU) 2024/1788; (52) ‘upstream pipeline network’ means upstream pipeline network as defined in Article 2, point (16), of Directive (EU) 2024/1788; (53) ‘distribution’ means distribution as defined in Article 2, point (19), of Directive (EU) 2024/1788; (54) ‘distribution system operator’ means distribution system operator as defined in Article 2, point (20), of Directive (EU) 2024/1788; (55) ‘hydrogen network’ means hydrogen network as defined in Article 2, point (21), of Directive (EU) 2024/1788; (56) ‘hydrogen transport’ means hydrogen transport as defined in Article 2, point (22), of Directive (EU) 2024/1788; (57) ‘hydrogen transmission network’ means hydrogen transmission network as defined in Article 2, point (23), of Directive (EU) 2024/1788; (58) ‘hydrogen distribution network’ means hydrogen distribution network as defined in Article 2, point (24), of Directive (EU) 2024/1788; (59) ‘hydrogen network operator’ means hydrogen network operator as defined in Article 2, point (25), of Directive (EU) 2024/1788; (60) ‘hydrogen transmission network operator’ means hydrogen transmission network operator as defined in Article 2, point (26), of Directive (EU) 2024/1788; (61) ‘hydrogen distribution network operator’ means hydrogen distribution network operator as defined in Article 2, point (27), of Directive (EU) 2024/1788; (62) ‘supply’ means supply as defined in Article 2, point (28), of Directive (EU) 2024/1788; (63) ‘natural gas storage facility’ means natural gas storage facility as defined in Article 2, point (31), of Directive (EU) 2024/1788; (64) ‘natural gas storage system operator’ means natural gas storage system operator as defined in Article 2, point (32), of Directive (EU) 2024/1788; (65) ‘LNG facility’ means LNG facility as defined in Article 2, point (33), of Directive (EU) 2024/1788; (66) ‘LNG system operator’ means LNG system operator as defined in Article 2, point (34), of Directive (EU) 2024/1788; (67) ‘system’ means system as defined in Article 2, point (35), of Directive (EU) 2024/1788; (68) ‘ancillary services’ means ancillary services as defined in Article 2, point (36), of Directive (EU) 2024/1788; (69) ‘interconnector’ means interconnector as defined in Article 2, point (39), of Gas Directive (EU) 2024/1788; (70) ‘hydrogen interconnector’ means hydrogen interconnector as defined in Article 2, point (40), of Directive (EU) 2024/1788; (71) ‘system user’ means system user as defined in Article 2, point (46), of Directive (EU) 2024/1788; (72) ‘customer’ means customer as defined in Article 2, point (47), of Directive (EU) 2024/1788; (73) ‘final customer’ means final customer as defined in Article 2, point (50), of Directive (EU) 2024/1788; (74) ‘wholesale customer’ means wholesale customer as defined in Article 2, point (51), of Directive (EU) 2024/1788; (75) ‘control’ means control as defined in Article 2, point (55), of Directive (EU) 2024/1788; (76) ‘long-term contract’ means long-term contract as defined in Article 2, point (56), of Directive (EU) 2024/1788; (77) ‘interconnection point’ means interconnection point as defined in Article 2, point (63), of Directive (EU) 2024/1788; (78) ‘virtual interconnection point’ means virtual interconnection point as defined in Article 2, point (64), of Directive (EU) 2024/1788; (79) ‘market participant’ means market participant as defined in Article 2, point (65), of Directive (EU) 2024/1788; (80) ‘interoperability’ means interoperability as defined in Article 2, point (71), of Directive (EU) 2024/1788; (81) ‘energy efficiency first’ means energy efficiency first as defined in Article 2, point (18), of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council ( 37 ) ; (82) ‘repurposing’ means repurposing as defined in Article 2, point (18), of Regulation (EU) 2022/869; (83) ‘vertically integrated undertaking’ means vertically integrated undertaking as defined in Article 2, point (43), of Directive (EU) 2024/1788. 2. The definitions in paragraph 1, points (4) to (24), in relation to transmission apply by analogy in relation to storage and LNG facilities.
Article 3 General principles
Member States, regulatory authorities designated pursuant to Article 76 of Directive (EU) 2024/1788 (the ‘regulatory authorities’), operators of natural gas systems or hydrogen systems and delegated operators such as market area managers or booking platform operators shall ensure that markets for natural gas and hydrogen are operated in accordance with the following principles: (a) prices for natural gas and hydrogen shall be formed on the basis of demand and supply; (b) transmission system operators and distribution system operators, and hydrogen transmission network operators and hydrogen distribution network operators shall cooperate with each other to provide network users with the freedom to book entry and exit capacity independently; natural gas and, from 2033, hydrogen shall be transported by means of the entry-exit system, rather than contractual paths; (c) tariffs charged at the entry and exit points in the natural gas system and in the hydrogen system shall be structured in such a way as to contribute to market integration, enhancing security of supply and promoting the interconnection between natural gas networks and between hydrogen networks; (d) undertakings that are active in the same entry-exit system shall exchange natural gas and, from 2033, hydrogen at the virtual trading point; producers of renewable gas and low-carbon gas shall have equal access to the virtual trading point, irrespective of whether they are connected to the distribution system or transmission system; natural gas and, from 2033, hydrogen may be exchanged physically at entry points from or exit points to third countries; (e) network users shall be responsible for balancing their balancing portfolios in order to minimise the need for transmission system operators and hydrogen transmission network operators to undertake balancing actions; (f) balancing actions shall be performed on the basis of standardised products in accordance with the network code on balancing established pursuant to this Regulation and conducted on a trading platform or by means of balancing services in accordance with that network code; (g) market rules shall avoid actions which prevent price formation on the basis of demand and supply for natural gas and hydrogen; (h) market rules shall ensure a consumer-centred and energy efficient approach in the markets for natural gas and hydrogen; (i) market rules shall foster the emergence and functioning of liquid trading for natural gas and hydrogen, fostering price formation and price transparency; (j) market rules shall enable the decarbonisation of the natural gas systems and hydrogen systems, including by enabling the integration into the markets of natural gas and hydrogen from renewable energy sources and by providing incentives for energy savings and efficiency, demand reduction, demand flexibility and energy system integration and facilitating the achievement of the Union’s climate and energy targets; (k) market rules shall deliver appropriate investment incentives, in particular for long-term investments in a decarbonised and sustainable natural gas system and hydrogen system, for energy storage, energy efficiency, demand reduction and demand response to meet market needs and system integration needs, and shall facilitate fair competition and security of supply, while implementing the energy efficiency first principle in avoiding investment incentives that lead to stranded assets; (l) rules on network planning shall, where appropriate, target the use of hydrogen for hard-to-decarbonise sectors, taking into account greenhouse gas abatement potential, encourage measures to reduce fossil gas demand, and contribute to the prudent and rational use of natural resources and the achievement of the Union’s climate and energy targets; (m) barriers to cross-border natural gas and hydrogen flows, if existing, between entry-exit systems shall be removed; (n) market rules shall facilitate regional cooperation and integration.
Article 4 Upscaling of renewable gas and low-carbon gas in coal and carbon-intensive regions
The Commission shall support and encourage the penetration of renewable gas and low-carbon gas, in particular hydrogen and biomethane, into the Union energy system, in particular in coal and carbon-intensive regions, with the aim of increasing the share of renewable gas in particular in industrial processes, district heating and energy storage and thereby accelerate the phase out of solid fossil fuels in industrial and district heating sectors. The Commission shall also support the conversion of fossil fuels to renewable and low-carbon hydrogen and biomethane, as well as the creation of a hydrogen-ready workforce.
Article 5 Separation of regulatory asset bases
1. Where a transmission system operator, a distribution system operator or a hydrogen network operator provides regulated services for natural gas, hydrogen or electricity, it shall comply with the requirement for unbundling of accounts as laid down in Article 75 of Directive (EU) 2024/1788 and Article 56 of Directive (EU) 2019/944 of the European Parliament and of the Council ( 38 ) and it shall have a separate regulatory asset base for natural gas, hydrogen or electricity assets. That separate regulatory asset base shall ensure that: (a) service revenue obtained from the provision of specific regulated services can be used only to recover the capital and operational expenditure related to the assets included in the regulatory asset base on which the regulated services were provided; (b) when assets are transferred to a different regulatory asset base, their value is established, subject to an audit and approval by the regulatory authority and is such that cross-subsidies do not occur. 2. A Member State shall not allow financial transfers between regulated services that are separate within the meaning of paragraph 1. 3. Member States may allow hydrogen network operators to spread the recovery through network access tariffs of hydrogen network costs over time in order to ensure that future users duly contribute to initial hydrogen network development costs. Such an inter-temporal cost allocation and its underlying methodology shall be subject to approval by the regulatory authority. Member States may put in place measures, such as a State guarantee, to cover the financial risk of hydrogen network operators associated with the initial cost recovery gap arising from the application of inter-temporal cost allocation provided that such measures comply with Article 107 TFEU. 4. By way of derogation from paragraph 2, a Member State may allow financial transfers between regulated services that are separate within the meaning of paragraph 1, provided that the regulatory authority has established that the financing of networks through network access tariffs paid by its network users only is not viable. The regulatory authority shall consider in its assessment, inter alia, the value of projected financial transfers, the resulting cross-subsidisation between users of the respective networks and the cost-efficiency of those financial transfers. The following conditions shall apply to a financial transfer within the meaning of this paragraph: (a) all revenue needed for the financial transfer is collected as a dedicated charge; (b) the dedicated charge is collected only from exit points to final customers located within the same Member States as the beneficiary of the financial transfer; (c) the dedicated charge and financial transfer or the methodologies underlying their calculation are approved prior to their entry into force by the regulatory authority; (d) the approved dedicated charge and financial transfer and the methodologies, where methodologies are approved, are published no later than thirty days before their date of implementation; (e) the Commission and ACER have been notified by the Member State that it has allowed financial transfers. 5. The regulatory authority may approve a financial transfer and dedicated charge referred to in paragraph 4, provided that: (a) network access tariffs are charged to users of the regulatory asset base that benefits from a financial transfer; (b) the sum of financial transfers and service revenue collected through network access tariffs is not larger than the allowed or target revenue; (c) a financial transfer is approved for a limited period in time, and that period is no longer than one third of the remaining depreciation period of the infrastructure concerned. 6. By 5 August 2025, ACER shall issue recommendations to transmission system operators, distribution system operators, hydrogen network operators and regulatory authorities on the methodologies for setting the inter-temporal cost allocation. ACER shall update the recommendations referred to in the first subparagraph at least every two years. ACER may issue recommendations to transmission system operators, distribution system operators, hydrogen network operators and regulatory authorities on the methodologies for: (a) the determination of the value of the assets that are transferred to another regulatory asset base and the destination of any profits and losses that may occur as a result; (b) the calculation of the size and maximum duration of the financial transfer and dedicated charge; (c) the criteria to allocate contributions to the dedicated charge among final customers connected to the regulatory asset base.
Article 6 Third-party access services concerning transmission system operators
1. Transmission system operators shall: (a) offer capacity and services on a non-discriminatory basis to all network users; (b) provide both firm and interruptible capacity; the price of interruptible capacity shall reflect the probability of interruption; (c) offer to network users both long and short-term capacity. As regards the first subparagraph, point (a), where a transmission system operator offers the same service to different customers, it shall do so under equivalent contractual terms and conditions, either using harmonised transport contracts or a common network code approved by the regulatory authority in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 78 or 79 of Directive (EU) 2024/1788. 2. By 5 August 2025, the Commission shall: (a) carry out an evaluation of the impact on the natural gas system of a tariff regime whereby no tariffs will be charged for access to transmission systems at interconnection points between Member States, or at interconnection points with third countries whose systems connect two or more Member States; and (b) submit a report to the European Parliament and to the Council. That report may, where appropriate, be accompanied by legislative proposals to address the obstacles identified in the evaluation. 3. Transport contracts signed with non-standard start dates or with a shorter duration than a standard annual transport contract shall not result in arbitrarily higher or lower tariffs that do not reflect the market value of the service, in accordance with the principles laid down in Article 17(1). 4. Where two or more interconnection points connect the same two adjacent entry-exit systems, the adjacent transmission system operators concerned shall offer the available capacities at the interconnection points at one virtual interconnection point. Any contracted capacity at the interconnection points, regardless of the date of its conclusion, shall be transferred to the virtual interconnection point. A virtual interconnection point shall be established provided that the following conditions are met: (a) the total technical capacity at the virtual interconnection points is equal to or higher than the sum of the technical capacities at each of the interconnection points contributing to the virtual interconnection points; (b) the virtual interconnection point facilitates the economic and efficient use of the system including the rules laid down in Articles 10 and 11. 5. Where appropriate, third-party access services may be granted subject to appropriate guarantees from network users with respect to the creditworthiness of such users. Such guarantees shall not constitute undue market-entry barriers and shall be non-discriminatory, transparent and proportionate. 6. Transmission system operators shall, if necessary for the purpose of carrying out their functions including in relation to cross-border transmission, have access to the network of other transmission system operators. 7. Paragraphs 1 to 6 shall be without prejudice to the possibility for Member States to take proportionate measures to temporarily restrict natural gas supplies from the Russian Federation and Belarus, for a fixed term, which may be renewed if justified, by limiting up-front bidding for capacity by any single network user at entry points from the Russian Federation or Belarus, where that is necessary to protect their essential security interests and those of the Union, provided that such measures: (a) do not unduly disrupt the proper functioning of the internal market for natural gas and cross-border flows of natural gas between Member States, and do not undermine the security of supply of the Union or of a Member State; (b) respect the principle of energy solidarity; (c) are taken in accordance with the rights and obligations of the Union and of the Member States with respect to third countries. Taking into account the need to ensure the security of supply of the Union, measures taken by Member States pursuant to the first subparagraph may aim to diversify natural gas supplies with a view to phasing out dependence on Russian natural gas, where it can be demonstrated that such measures are necessary to protect their essential security interests and those of the Union. Before deciding on a measure as referred to in the first subparagraph, the Member State concerned shall consult the Commission and, in so far as they are likely to be affected by the measure concerned, other Member States, the Energy Community Contracting Parties, third countries that are Contracting Parties to the Agreement on the European Economic Area, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The Member State concerned shall take the utmost account of the situation in those Member States and third countries and any concerns raised in that respect by those Member States, third countries or the Commission.
Article 7 Third-party access services concerning hydrogen network operators
1. Hydrogen network operators shall offer their services on a non-discriminatory basis to all network users, subject to equivalent contractual terms and conditions for the same service. Hydrogen network operators shall publish contractual terms and tariffs charged for network access and, if applicable, balancing charges, on their website. 2. The maximum capacity of a hydrogen network shall be made available to market participants, taking into account system integrity and efficient and safe network operation. 3. The maximum duration for capacity contracts shall be 20 years for infrastructure completed before 1 January 2028 and 15 years for infrastructure completed on or after that date. Regulatory authorities shall have the right to impose shorter maximum durations if necessary to ensure hydrogen market functioning, to safeguard competition and to ensure future cross-border integration. When adopting a decision on the imposition of a shorter maximum duration, the regulatory authorities shall take into account, inter alia, commitment from network users to secure network financing, negative implications on planning and refinancing possibilities. 4. Hydrogen transmission network operators shall implement and publish non-discriminatory and transparent congestion-management procedures, which also facilitate cross-border exchanges in hydrogen on a non-discriminatory basis. 5. Hydrogen network operators shall regularly assess market demand for new investments, taking into account security of supply and the efficiency of the final hydrogen use. 6. From 1 January 2033, hydrogen networks shall be organised as entry-exit systems. 7. Member States may decide not to apply paragraph 6 of this Article to hydrogen networks that benefit from a derogation pursuant to Article 52 Directive (EU) 2024/1788 and are not connected to another hydrogen network. 8. From 1 January 2033, or where a Member State decides to apply regulated third-party access to hydrogen networks in accordance with Article 35 of Directive (EU) 2024/1788 before 1 January 2033, Article 17 of this Regulation shall apply to tariffs for access to hydrogen networks and the obligations on transmission system operators set out in Article 17(1), (2), (4) and (5) of this Regulation shall apply to hydrogen network operators. Articles 18 and 19 of this Regulation shall not apply to hydrogen networks. Those Articles shall apply only to natural gas networks. Regulatory authorities shall consult regulatory authorities of directly connected Member States and relevant stakeholders before taking a decision on the methodology for setting hydrogen network access tariffs for the entry and exit points at cross-border interconnection points between those directly connected Member States, including for any virtual interconnection points. Regulatory authorities shall also submit the envisaged tariff methodology to ACER. By way of derogation from Article 17, the regulatory authorities may decide to charge no hydrogen network access tariffs or, when capacity is allocated via auctions, to set the reserve prices to zero. When deciding on the methodology for setting hydrogen network access tariffs at an interconnection point between Member States, the regulatory authorities concerned shall apply the tariff principles referred to in Article 17(1), (2), (4) and (5) and shall take into account the outcome of the consultations referred to in the second subparagraph of this paragraph, in particular of the consultations of the regulatory authorities of directly connected Member States, and the impact of the chosen network access tariffs on cross-border trade and market functioning in the directly connected Member States. The regulatory authorities of directly connected Member States may request ACER to provide a factual opinion on the methodology for setting the hydrogen network access tariffs or reserve prices for the entry and exit points at cross-border interconnection points between those Member States, in accordance with Article 6(5) of Regulation (EU) 2019/942. ACER shall inform the Commission accordingly, where relevant, in accordance with Article 6(6) of Regulation (EU) 2019/942. When providing a factual opinion, ACER shall carry out its assessment with due regard to the tariff principles referred to in Article 17(1) and (2) of this Regulation. Further details required to implement this paragraph, in particular the procedure for cross-border consultation or requesting an opinion of ACER, shall be set in a network code established pursuant to Article 72(1). 9. From 1 January 2033, hydrogen transmission network operators shall comply with the requirements on transmission system operators pursuant to Articles 5, 10 and 13 when offering their services, and shall publish tariffs for each network point on an online platform operated by the European Network of Network Operators for Hydrogen (ENNOH). Until a network code on capacity allocation for hydrogen transmission networks has been adopted pursuant to Article 72(1), point (d) and has entered into force, such publication may occur via links to the publication of tariffs on websites of hydrogen transmission network operators.
Article 8 Third-party access services concerning natural gas storage facilities, hydrogen terminals, LNG facilities and hydrogen storage facilities
1. LNG system operators, hydrogen terminal operators, hydrogen storage operators and natural gas storage system operators shall: (a) offer services on a non-discriminatory basis to all network users that accommodate market demand; in particular, where an LNG system operator, hydrogen terminal operator, hydrogen storage operator or natural gas storage system operator offers the same service to different customers, it shall do so under equivalent contractual terms and conditions; (b) offer services that are compatible with the use of the interconnected natural gas and hydrogen transport systems and facilitate access through cooperation with the transmission system operator or hydrogen network operator; and (c) make relevant information public, in particular data on the use and availability of services, in a time-frame compatible with reasonable commercial needs of users of LNG facilities, natural gas storage facilities, hydrogen terminals or hydrogen storage facilities, subject to the monitoring of such publication by the regulatory authority. 2. Each natural gas storage system operator and hydrogen storage operator shall: (a) provide both firm and interruptible third-party access services; the price of interruptible capacity shall reflect the probability of interruption; (b) offer to storage facility users both long and short-term services; (c) offer to storage facility users both bundled and unbundled services of storage capacity. 3. Each LNG system operator shall offer to LNG facility users both bundled and unbundled services within the LNG facility depending on the needs expressed by LNG facility users. 4. LNG and natural gas storage facility contracts and hydrogen storage facility and hydrogen terminal contracts shall not result in arbitrarily higher tariffs where they are signed: (a) outside a gas year with non-standard start dates; or (b) with a shorter duration than a standard contract on an annual basis. 5. Where appropriate, third-party access services may be granted subject to appropriate guarantees from network users with respect to the creditworthiness of such users. Such guarantees shall not constitute undue market-entry barriers and shall be non-discriminatory, transparent and proportionate. 6. Contractual limits on the required minimum size of LNG facility or hydrogen terminal capacity and natural gas or hydrogen storage capacity shall be justified on the basis of technical constraints and shall allow smaller storage users to obtain access to storage services. 7. Paragraphs 1 to 6 shall be without prejudice to the possibility for Member States to take proportionate measures to temporarily restrict LNG supplies from the Russian Federation and Belarus, for a fixed term, which may be renewed if justified, by limiting up-front bidding by any single network user or provision for LNG facility capacity to any single network user for deliveries from the Russian Federation or Belarus, where that is necessary to protect their essential security interests and those of the Union, provided that such measures: (a) do not unduly disrupt the proper functioning of the internal market for natural gas, and cross-border flows of natural gas between Member States, and do not undermine the security of supply of the Union or of a Member State; (b) respect the principle of energy solidarity; (c) are taken in accordance with the rights and obligations of the Union and of the Member States with respect to third countries. Taking into account the need to ensure the security of supply of the Union, measures taken by Member States pursuant to the first subparagraph may aim to diversify LNG supplies with a view to phasing out dependence on Russian natural gas, where it can be demonstrated that such measures are necessary to protect their essential security interests and those of the Union. Before deciding on a measure as referred to in the first subparagraph, the Member State concerned shall consult the Commission and, in so far as they are likely to be affected by the measure concerned, other Member States, the Energy Community Contracting Parties, third countries that are Contracting Parties to the Agreement on the European Economic Area, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The Member State concerned shall take the utmost account of the situation in those Member States and third countries, and any concerns raised in that respect by those Member States, third countries or the Commission.
Article 9 Market-demand assessment for renewable gas and low-carbon gas by LNG system operators and natural gas storage system operators
LNG system operators and natural gas storage system operators shall, at least every two years, assess market demand for new investments allowing the use of renewable gas and low-carbon gas, including hydrogen compounds, such as liquid ammonia and liquid organic hydrogen carriers, in the facilities. Those operators shall inform relevant regulatory authorities on the outcome of the market demand assessment. When planning new investments, LNG system operators and natural gas storage system operators shall assess market demand in view of facilitating the usage of renewable gas and low-carbon gas in their facilities and take into account security of supply. LNG system operators and natural gas storage system operators shall make publicly available any plans regarding new investments allowing the usage of renewable gas and low-carbon gas in their facilities.
Article 10 Principles of capacity-allocation mechanisms and congestion-management procedures concerning transmission system operators
1. The maximum capacity at all relevant points referred to in Article 33(3) shall be made available to market participants, taking into account system integrity and efficient network operation. 2. The transmission system operator shall implement and publish non-discriminatory and transparent capacity-allocation mechanisms, which shall: (a) provide appropriate economic signals for the efficient and maximum use of technical capacity, facilitate investments in new infrastructure and in alternative demand-side solutions not requiring new infrastructure investments and facilitate cross-border exchanges in natural gas; (b) be compatible with the market mechanisms including spot markets and trading hubs, while being flexible and capable of adapting to evolving market circumstances; and (c) be compatible with the network access systems of the Member States. 3. The transmission system operator shall implement and publish non-discriminatory and transparent congestion-management procedures which facilitate cross-border exchanges in natural gas on a non-discriminatory basis and which shall be based on the following principles: (a) in the event of contractual congestion, the transmission system operator shall offer unused capacity on the primary market at least on a day-ahead and interruptible basis; and (b) network users may re-sell or sublet their unused contracted capacity on the secondary market. As regards the first subparagraph, point (a), a Member State may require notification or information of the transmission system operator by network users. 4. Transmission system operators shall regularly assess market demand for new investments taking into account the joint scenario as developed for the ten-year network development plan pursuant to Article 55 of Directive (EU) 2024/1788 as well as security of supply.
Article 11 Principles of capacity-allocation mechanisms and congestion-management procedures concerning natural gas storage facilities, hydrogen terminals, hydrogen storage facilities and LNG facilities
1. The maximum capacity of a natural gas storage facility, LNG facility, hydrogen storage facility or hydrogen terminal shall be made available to market participants, taking into account system integrity and operation. 2. LNG system operators, hydrogen storage operators, hydrogen terminal operators and natural gas storage system operators shall implement and publish non-discriminatory and transparent capacity-allocation mechanisms which shall: (a) provide appropriate economic signals for the efficient and maximum use of capacity and facilitate investments in new infrastructure; (b) be compatible with the market mechanisms including spot markets and trading hubs, while being flexible and capable of adapting to evolving market circumstances; and (c) be compatible with the connected network access systems. 3. Contracts for LNG terminals, hydrogen terminals, hydrogen storage facilities and natural gas storage facilities shall include measures to prevent capacity-hoarding, by taking into account the following principles which are to apply in the case of contractual congestion: (a) the system operator shall offer unused capacity on the primary market without delay, and, for natural gas storage facilities, they shall offer such capacity at least on a day-ahead and interruptible basis; (b) users may resell their contracted capacity on the secondary market; (c) by 5 February 2026, LNG system operators, hydrogen terminal operators, hydrogen storage operators and natural gas storage system operators, individually or jointly with other such operators, shall ensure that a transparent and non-discriminatory booking platform for users of LNG facilities, hydrogen terminals, hydrogen storage facilities and natural gas storage facilities is available to allow such users to resell their contracted capacity on the secondary market pursuant to point (b).
Article 12 Trading of capacity rights
Each transmission system operator, natural gas storage system operator, LNG system operator, hydrogen transmission network operator, hydrogen terminal operator and hydrogen storage operator shall take reasonable steps to allow capacity rights to be freely tradable and to facilitate such trade in a transparent and non-discriminatory manner. Every such operator shall develop harmonised contracts and procedures for transport, LNG facilities, hydrogen terminals, natural gas storage facilities and hydrogen storage facilities on the primary market to facilitate secondary trade of capacity and shall recognise the transfer of primary capacity rights where notified by system users. The harmonised contracts and procedures shall be notified to the regulatory authorities.
Article 13 Balancing rules and imbalance charges
1. Balancing rules shall be designed in a fair, non-discriminatory and transparent manner and shall be based on objective criteria. Balancing rules shall reflect genuine system needs taking into account the resources available to the transmission system operator. Balancing rules shall be market-based. 2. In order to enable network users to take timely corrective action, the transmission system operator shall provide sufficient, timely and reliable on-line based information on the balancing status of network users. The information provided shall reflect the level of information available to the transmission system operator and the settlement period for which imbalance charges are calculated. No charge shall be levied for the provision of information pursuant to this paragraph. 3. Imbalance charges shall be cost-reflective to the extent possible, whilst providing appropriate incentives on network users to balance their input and off-take of natural gas. They shall avoid cross-subsidisation between network users and shall not hamper the entry of new entrants on the market. Any calculation methodology for imbalance charges as well as the final values shall be made public by the regulatory authorities or the transmission system operator, as appropriate. 4. Member States shall ensure that transmission system operators endeavour to harmonise balancing regimes and streamline structures and levels of balancing charges in order to facilitate natural gas trade carried out at the virtual trading point.
Article 14 Certification of transmission system operators and hydrogen transmission network operators
1. The Commission shall examine any notification of a decision on the certification of a transmission system operator or a hydrogen transmission network operator as laid down in Article 71(6) of Directive (EU) 2024/1788 as soon as it is received. Within 50 working days of the date of receipt of such a notification, the Commission shall issue its opinion to the relevant regulatory authority with regard to its compatibility with Article 71(2) or Article 72 as well as with Article 60 of Directive (EU) 2024/1788 for transmission system operators or Article 68 of that Directive for hydrogen transmission network operators, as applicable. When preparing its opinion referred to in the first subparagraph, the Commission may request ACER to provide its opinion on the regulatory authority’s decision. In such a case, the 50-working day period referred to in the first subparagraph shall be extended by a further 50 working days. In the absence of a Commission opinion within the periods referred to in the first and second subparagraphs, the Commission shall be considered not to have any objections against the regulatory authority’s decision. 2. Within a period of 50 working days of receipt of a Commission opinion pursuant to paragraph 1, the regulatory authority shall adopt its final decision regarding the certification of the transmission system operator or hydrogen transmission network operator, taking the utmost account of that opinion. The regulatory authority’s decision and the Commission’s opinion shall be published together. 3. At any time during the procedure regulatory authorities or the Commission may request from a transmission system operator, a hydrogen transmission network operator or an undertaking performing any of the functions of production or supply any information relevant to the fulfilment of their tasks under this Article. 4. Regulatory authorities and the Commission shall preserve the confidentiality of commercially sensitive information. 5. The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 80 to supplement this Regulation by providing guidelines setting out the details of the procedure to be followed for the application of paragraphs 1 and 2 of this Article. 6. Where the Commission has received notification of the certification of a transmission system operator under Article 60(9) of Directive (EU) 2024/1788, the Commission shall take a decision relating to certification. The regulatory authority shall comply with the Commission decision.
Article 15 Certification of natural gas storage system operators
1. Member States shall ensure that each natural gas storage system operator, including any natural gas storage system operator controlled by a transmission system operator, is certified in accordance with the procedure laid down in this Article, either by the regulatory authority or by a competent authority designated by the Member State concerned pursuant to Article 3(2) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1938 (in either case referred to as the ‘certifying authority’). This Article also applies to natural gas storage system operators controlled by transmission system operators which are certified pursuant to Directive 2009/73/EC or (EU) 2024/1788. 2. By 1 February 2023 or within 150 working days of the date of receipt of a notification pursuant to paragraph 9, the certifying authority shall issue a draft certification decision in respect of natural gas storage system operators that operate underground natural gas storage facilities with a capacity of over 3,5 TWh where, regardless of the number of natural gas storage system operators, total natural gas storage facilities were filled on 31 March 2021 and on 31 March 2022 at a level which, on average, was less than 30 % of their maximum capacity. With respect to natural gas storage system operators as referred to in the first subparagraph, the certifying authority shall make its best efforts to issue a draft certification decision by 1 November 2022. With respect to natural gas storage system operators other than those referred to in the first subparagraph, the certifying authority shall issue a draft certification decision by 2 January 2024 or within 18 months of the date of receipt of a notification pursuant to paragraph 8 or 9. 3. When considering the risk to the security of energy supply in the Union, the certifying authority shall take into account any security of natural gas supply risk at Union, national or regional level as well as any mitigation of such risk, resulting, inter alia, from: (a) ownership, supply or other commercial relationships that could negatively affect the incentives and the ability of the natural gas storage system operator to fill the underground natural gas storage facility; (b) the rights and obligations of the Union with respect to a third country arising under international law, including any agreement concluded with one or more third countries to which the Union is a party and which addresses the issue of the security of energy supply; (c) the rights and obligations of the Member States concerned with respect to a third country arising under agreements concluded by the Member States concerned with one or more third countries, in so far as those agreements comply with Union law; or (d) any other specific facts and circumstances of the case. 4. If the certifying authority concludes that a person who directly or indirectly controls, or exercises any right over, the natural gas storage system operator could endanger the security of energy supply or the essential security interests of the Union or of any Member State, the certifying authority shall refuse the certification. Alternatively, the certifying authority may issue a certification decision subject to conditions to ensure the sufficient mitigation of the risks which could negatively influence the filling of the underground natural gas storage facilities, provided that the practicability of the conditions can be fully ensured by effective implementation and monitoring. Such conditions may include, in particular, a requirement that the natural gas storage system owner or natural gas storage system operator transfer management of the natural gas storage system. 5. Where the certifying authority concludes that the natural gas supply risks cannot be mitigated by conditions pursuant to paragraph 4, including by requiring the natural gas storage system owner or natural gas storage system operator to transfer management of the natural gas storage system, and therefore refuses the certification, it shall: (a) require the natural gas storage system owner or natural gas storage system operator or any person that it considers could endanger the security of energy supply or the essential security interests of the Union or of any Member State to dispose of the shareholding or rights they have over the natural gas storage system ownership or natural gas storage system operator ownership, and set a time limit for such disposal; (b) order, where appropriate, interim measures, to ensure that such a person is not able to exercise any control or right over that natural gas storage system owner or natural gas storage system operator until the disposal of the shareholding or rights; and (c) provide for appropriate compensatory measures in accordance with national law. 6. The certifying authority shall notify the Commission of its draft certification decision without delay, together with all relevant information. The Commission shall issue an opinion on the draft certification decision to the certifying authority within 25 working days of such notification. The certifying authority shall take the utmost account of the Commission’s opinion. 7. The certifying authority shall issue the certification decision within 25 working days of receipt of the Commission’s opinion. 8. Before a newly built underground natural gas storage facility is put into operation, the natural gas storage system operator shall be certified in accordance with paragraphs 1 to 7. The natural gas storage system operator shall notify the certifying authority of its intention to put the natural gas storage facility into operation. 9. Natural gas storage system operators shall notify the relevant certifying authority of any planned transaction which would require a reassessment of their compliance with the certification requirements set out in paragraphs 1 to 4. 10. Certifying authorities shall continuously monitor natural gas storage system operators as regards compliance with the certification requirements set out in paragraphs 1 to 4. They shall reopen a certification procedure to reassess compliance in any of the following circumstances: (a) upon receipt of a notification by the natural gas storage system operator pursuant to paragraph 8 or 9; (b) on their own initiative where they have knowledge that a planned change to rights or to influence over a natural gas storage system operator could lead to non-compliance with the requirements of paragraphs 1, 2 and 3; (c) upon the reasoned request of the Commission. 11. Member States shall take all necessary measures to ensure the continuous operation of the underground natural gas storage facilities on their respective territories. Those underground natural gas storage facilities may cease operations only where technical and safety requirements are not met or where the certifying authority concludes, after conducting an assessment and having taken into account the opinion of the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Gas (the ‘ENTSO for Gas’), that such a cessation would not weaken the security of natural gas supply at Union or national level. Appropriate compensatory measures shall be taken, where appropriate, if cessation of operations is not allowed. 12. The Commission may issue guidance relating to the application of this Article. 13. This Article shall not apply to parts of LNG facilities that are used for storage.
Article 16 Cooperation of transmission system operators
1. Transmission system operators shall cooperate with other transmission system and infrastructure operators in coordinating the maintenance of their respective networks in order to minimise any disruption of transmission services to network users and transmission system operators in other areas. 2. Transmission system operators shall cooperate with each other as well as with other infrastructure operators in order to maximise technical capacity within the entry-exit system and minimise energy consumption to operate the natural gas system to the extent possible.
Article 17 Tariffs for access to networks
1. Tariffs, or the methodologies used to calculate them, applied by the transmission system operators and approved by the regulatory authorities pursuant to Article 78(7) of Directive (EU) 2024/1788, as well as tariffs published pursuant to Article 31(1) of that Directive, shall be transparent, take into account the need for system integrity and its improvement and reflect the actual costs incurred, insofar as such costs correspond to those of an efficient and structurally comparable network operator and are transparent, whilst including an appropriate return on investments. Tariffs, or the methodologies used to calculate them, shall be applied in a non-discriminatory manner. Tariffs may also be determined through market-based arrangements, such as auctions, provided that such arrangements and the revenue arising therefrom are approved by the regulatory authority. Tariffs, or the methodologies used to calculate them, shall facilitate efficient natural gas trade and competition, while at the same time avoiding cross-subsidies between network users and providing incentives for investment and maintaining or creating interoperability for transmission networks. Tariffs for network users shall be non-discriminatory and shall be set separately for every entry point into or exit point out of the transmission system. Cost-allocation mechanisms and rate setting methodology regarding entry points and exit points shall be approved by the regulatory authorities. Regulatory authorities shall ensure that network tariffs shall not be calculated on the basis of contract paths. 2. Tariffs for network access shall neither restrict market liquidity nor distort trade across borders of different transmission systems. Where, notwithstanding Article 78(7) of Directive (EU) 2024/1788, differences in tariff structures would hamper trade across transmission systems, transmission system operators shall, in close cooperation with the relevant national authorities, actively pursue convergence of tariff structures and charging principles. 3. Until 31 December 2025, the regulatory authority may apply a discount of up to 100 % to capacity-based transmission and distribution tariffs at entry points from, and exit points to, underground natural gas storage facilities and at entry points from LNG facilities, unless and to the extent that such a storage facility which is connected to more than one transmission or distribution network is used to compete with an interconnection point. From 1 January 2026, the regulatory authority may apply a discount of up to 100 % to capacity-based transmission and distribution tariffs at entry points from, and exit points to, underground natural gas storage facilities and at entry points from LNG facilities for the purpose of increasing security of supply. The regulatory authority shall re-examine that tariff discount and its contribution to the security of supply during every regulatory period, in the framework of the periodic consultation carried out pursuant to the network code adopted pursuant to Article 71(2), first subparagraph, point (d). 4. Regulatory authorities may merge adjacent entry-exit systems with a view to enabling full or partial regional integration where tariffs may be abolished at the interconnection points between the entry-exit systems concerned. Following the public consultations conducted by the regulatory authorities or by the transmission system operators, the regulatory authorities may approve a common tariff and an effective compensation mechanism between transmission system operators for the redistribution of costs arising from the abolition of interconnection points. 5. Member States with more than one interconnected entry-exit system, or more than one network operator within one entry-exit system, may implement a uniform network tariff with the aim of creating a level playing field for network users, provided that a network plan has been approved and a compensation mechanism between the network operators is implemented.
Article 18 Tariff discounts for renewable gas and low-carbon gas
1. When setting tariffs, a discount for renewable gas and low-carbon gas shall be applied to: (a) entry points from renewable gas and low-carbon gas production facilities; (b) capacity-based transmission tariffs at entry points from and exit points to natural gas storage facilities, unless such a storage facility is connected to more than one transmission or distribution network and is used to compete with an interconnection point. The discount pursuant to the first subparagraph, point (a), shall be set at 100 % with regard to the relevant capacity-based tariffs for the purpose of scaling-up the injection of renewable gas and a discount of 75 % to low-carbon gas. The discount pursuant to the first subparagraph, point (b), shall be set at 100 % in the Member States where the renewable gas or low-carbon gas was first injected into the system. 2. Details on the discounts granted in accordance with paragraph 1 of this Article may be laid down in the network code on tariff structures as referred to in Article 71(2), first subparagraph, point (d). 3. By 5 August 2029 and every five years thereafter, the Commission shall re-examine the level of the discounts laid down in paragraphs 1 and 4. The Commission shall issue a report providing an overview of the implementation of the discounts and assess whether the level of those discounts is still adequate in view of the latest market developments. The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 80 to amend this Regulation by changing the level of the discounts laid down in paragraphs 1 and 4 of this Article. 4. From 5 August 2025, network users shall obtain a discount of 100 % on the capacity-based tariff from the transmission system operator at interconnection points between Member States, for renewable gas and 75 % for low-carbon gas, after providing the transmission system operator concerned with a proof of sustainability, on the basis of a valid sustainability certificate obtained for renewable gas pursuant to Articles 29 and 30 of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 and registered in the Union database referred to in Article 31a of that Directive, and for low-carbon gas on the basis of a valid certificate obtained pursuant to Article 9 of Directive (EU) 2024/1788. With regard to the discounts referred to in the first subparagraph: (a) transmission system operators shall be required to provide the discount only for the shortest possible route in terms of border crossings between the location of where the specific proof of sustainability declaration, on the basis of a certificate referred to in the first subparagraph, was first recorded in the Union database and where it has been cancelled as considered consumed, provided that any potential auction premium is not covered by the discount; (b) transmission system operators shall provide the relevant regulatory authority with information on actual and expected volumes of renewable gas and low-carbon gas and the effect of applying the tariff discount on their revenue and regulatory authorities shall monitor and assess the impact of the discount on tariff stability; (c) once the revenue of a transmission system operator from those specific tariffs is reduced by 10 % as a result of applying the discount, the affected and all neighbouring transmission system operators shall negotiate an inter-transmission-system-operator compensation mechanism; (d) further details required to implement the discount for renewable gas and low-carbon gas, such as the calculation of the eligible capacity for which the discount applies and the required processes, shall be set in a network code established pursuant to Article 71. The transmission system operators concerned shall agree on an inter-transmission-system-operator compensation mechanism within three years of their revenue from specific tariffs being reduced by 10 % as referred to in the second subparagraph, point (c), of this paragraph. Where, within that period, no agreement is reached, the relevant regulatory authorities shall decide jointly on an appropriate inter-transmission-system-operator compensation mechanism within two further years. In the absence of an agreement among the regulatory authorities, Article 6 of Regulation (EU) 2019/942 shall apply. Where the regulatory authorities are not able to reach an agreement within two years, or upon their joint request, ACER shall adopt an individual decision, in accordance with Article 6(10) of Regulation (EU) 2019/942. 5. By way of derogation from paragraphs 1 and 4 of this Article, regulatory authorities may decide not to apply discounts or to lay down discounts lower than those laid down in paragraphs 1 and 4 of this Article, provided that such a derogation is in line with the general tariff principles as set out in Article 17 and in particular the principle of cost-reflectiveness, where one of the following criteria is met: (a) the derogation is necessary for the efficient operation of the transmission system, to ensure a stable financial framework for existing investments or to avoid undue cross-subsidies, distortion to cross-border trade or an ineffective inter-transmission-system-operator compensation mechanism; (b) the application of discounts laid down in paragraphs 1 and 4 is not necessary due to the degree of advancement of the roll-out of renewable gas and low-carbon gas in the Member State concerned or the existence of alternative support mechanisms for scaling-up the use of renewable gas or low-carbon gas.
Article 19 Revenue of transmission system operators
1. From 5 August 2025, the relevant regulatory authority shall ensure the transparency of the methodologies, parameters and values used to determine allowed or target revenue of transmission system operators. The regulatory authority shall publish the information referred to in Annex I, or shall require the publication by the relevant transmission system operator subject to the protection of data considered by the relevant regulatory authority to be commercially sensitive. That information shall be made available in a freely accessible, downloadable and read-only format and, to the extent possible, in one or more commonly understood languages. 2. The costs of the transmission system operator shall be subject to an efficiency comparison between transmission system operators. ACER shall carry out that efficiency comparison. By 5 August 2027 and every four years thereafter, ACER shall publish a study comparing the efficiency of transmission system operators’ costs, subject to the protection of data considered by ACER to be commercially sensitive. The relevant regulatory authorities and the transmission system operators shall provide ACER with all the data necessary for that comparison. When periodically setting the allowed or target revenue of transmission system operators, the relevant regulatory authorities shall take into account such comparison and national circumstances. 3. The relevant regulatory authorities shall assess the long-term evolution of transmission tariffs on the basis of the expected changes to their allowed or target revenue and in natural gas demand within the relevant regulatory period, and, where available until 2050. To conduct that assessment, the regulatory authority shall include the information about the strategy described in the integrated national energy and climate plan of the Member State concerned and the scenarios underpinning the ten-year network development plan as developed in accordance with Article 55 of Directive (EU) 2024/1788.
Article 20 Firm capacity for renewable gas and low-carbon gas to the transmission system
1. Transmission system operators shall ensure firm capacity for the access of production facilities of renewable gas and low-carbon gas connected to their grid. To that end, transmission system operators shall, in cooperation with the distribution system operators, develop procedures and arrangements, including investments, to ensure reverse flow from the distribution network to the transmission network. Major investments shall be reflected in the ten-year network development plan pursuant to Article 55(2), point (a), of Directive (EU) 2024/1788. 2. Paragraph 1 shall be without prejudice to the possibility for transmission system operators to develop alternatives to reverse-flow investments, such as smart grid solutions or connection to other network operators including the direct connection of production facilities of renewable gas and low-carbon gas to the transmission network. Firm capacity access may be limited to offering capacities subject to operational limitations, in order to ensure infrastructure safety and economic efficiency. The regulatory authority shall be responsible for reviewing and approving the transmission system operators’ conditions for conditional capacity and shall ensure that any limitations in firm capacity or operational limitations are introduced by transmission system operators on the basis of transparent and non-discriminatory procedures and do not create undue barriers to market entry. Where the production facility bears the costs related to ensuring firm capacity, no limitation shall apply.
Article 21 Cross-border coordination with regard to gas quality in the natural gas system
1. Transmission system operators shall cooperate to avoid restrictions to cross-border flows due to gas quality differences at interconnection points between Member States. When so cooperating, transmission system operators shall take into account the characteristics of installations of final natural gas customers. This Article shall not apply to hydrogen blends where the hydrogen content blended into the natural gas system exceeds 2 % by volume. 2. Member States shall ensure that diverging technical specifications, including gas quality parameters such as oxygen content and hydrogen blending in the natural gas system, are not used to restrict cross-border natural gas flows. In addition, Member States shall ensure that hydrogen blends in the natural gas system are aligned with the technical specifications acceptable to customers. 3. Where a restriction to cross-border flows due to gas quality differences cannot be avoided by the transmission system operators concerned in their standard operations, they shall inform the regulatory authorities concerned without delay. The information shall include a description and the reasons justifying any measures already taken by the transmission system operators. 4. The regulatory authorities concerned shall jointly agree, within six months of receipt of the information referred to in paragraph 3, whether to recognise the restriction. 5. As regards restrictions to cross-border flows caused by differences in hydrogen blending in the natural gas system and that are recognised pursuant to paragraph 4, transmission system operators shall accept natural gas flows with a hydrogen content at interconnection points between Member States in the natural gas system subject to paragraphs 6 to 13, and after completion of the procedure laid down therein. 6. Where the regulatory authorities concerned recognise the restriction pursuant to paragraph 4, they shall request the transmission system operators concerned to perform, within 12 months of the recognition of the restriction as referred to in that paragraph, the following actions in sequence: (a) to cooperate and develop technically feasible options, without changing the gas quality specifications, which may include flow commitments and natural gas treatment, in order to remove the recognised restriction taking into account information provided by final customers directly connected to the natural gas system of the transmission system operator concerned or any other stakeholder that could be affected by that procedure; (b) jointly to carry out a cost-benefit analysis on the technically feasible options to define economically efficient solutions which shall specify the breakdown of costs and benefits among the categories of affected parties; (c) to produce an estimate of the implementation time for each potential option; (d) to conduct a public consultation, in particular of final customers affected that are connected to the natural gas system, on identified feasible solutions and take into consideration the results of that consultation; (e) to submit a joint proposal, on the basis of the cost-benefit analysis and results of the public consultation, for a solution removing the recognised restriction, including the timeframe for its implementation, to their regulatory authorities concerned for approval and to the other competent national authorities of each Member State concerned for information. 7. Where the transmission system operators concerned do not reach an agreement to submit a joint proposal pursuant to paragraph 6, point (e), each transmission system operator shall inform its regulatory authority without delay. 8. The regulatory authorities concerned shall take a joint coordinated decision to remove the recognised restriction, taking into account the cost-benefit analysis carried out by the transmission system operators concerned and the results of the public consultation conducted pursuant to paragraph 6, point (d), of this Article within six months of receipt of the information referred to in paragraph 7 of this Article in accordance with Article 6(10) of Regulation (EU) 2019/942. 9. By way of derogation from paragraph 8 of this Article, for restrictions to cross-border flows caused by differences in hydrogen blending in the natural gas system, the regulatory authorities concerned may jointly declare that no further action is to be pursued to remove such restrictions. The joint coordinated decision shall be taken within six months of receipt of the information referred to in paragraph 7 of this Article in accordance with Article 6(10) of Regulation (EU) 2019/942 and shall take into account the cost-benefit analysis and the results of the public consultation conducted pursuant to paragraph 6, point (d), of this Article. The regulatory authorities concerned shall review a decision to maintain the recognised restriction pursuant to this paragraph every four years. 10. The joint coordinated decision of the regulatory authorities concerned referred to in paragraph 8 shall include a decision on the allocation of the investment costs to be borne by each transmission system operator for implementing the agreed solution, as well as their inclusion in the allowed or target revenue of transmission system operators, taking into account the economic, social and environmental costs and benefits of the solution in the Member States concerned and its consequences for tariffs. 11. ACER may issue recommendations to the regulatory authorities on the details of such cost allocation decisions as referred to in paragraph 10. 12. Where the regulatory authorities concerned cannot reach an agreement as referred to in paragraph 4 of this Article, ACER shall decide on the restriction in accordance with Article 6(10) of Regulation (EU) 2019/942. Where ACER recognises the restriction, it shall request the transmission system operators concerned to perform, within 12 months, the actions referred to in paragraph 6 of this Article in sequence. 13. Where the regulatory authorities concerned cannot take a joint coordinated decision as referred to in paragraphs 8 and 10 of this Article, ACER shall decide on the solution to remove the recognised restriction and on the allocation of the investment costs to be borne by each transmission system operator for implementing the agreed solution or stating that no further action is to be pursued pursuant to paragraph 9 of this Article, in accordance with Article 6(10) of Regulation (EU) 2019/942. A decision to maintain the recognised restriction pursuant to this paragraph shall be reviewed every four years by ACER. 14. Further details required to implement this Article, including details on the cost-benefit analysis, shall be laid down in a network code established pursuant to Article 71(2).
Article 22 Presumption of conformity of practices with harmonised standards for natural gas
Practices which are in conformity with harmonised standards, or parts thereof, the references of which have been published in the Official Journal of the European Union shall be presumed to be in conformity with the requirements laid down in implementing acts adopted pursuant to Article 71(2), first subparagraph, point (a).
Article 23 Common specifications for biomethane
1. The Commission may adopt implementing acts establishing common specifications for facilitating the cost-effective integration of large volumes of biomethane in the existing natural gas system, including at cross-border interconnection points, or may establish those specifications in a network code pursuant to Article 71(2), first subparagraph, point (a), where: (a) those requirements are not covered by harmonised standards, or parts thereof, the references of which have been published in the Official Journal of the European Union; (b) the Commission has requested, pursuant to Article 10(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1025/2012, one or more European standardisation organisation to draft a harmonised standard for those requirements and at least one of the following conditions has been fulfilled: (i) the request of the Commission has not been accepted by any of the European standardisation organisations; (ii) the Commission observes undue delays in the adoption of the requested harmonised standards; (iii) a European standardisation organisation has delivered a standard that does not entirely correspond with the request of the Commission; or (c) the Commission has decided in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 11(5) of Regulation (EU) No 1025/2012 to maintain with restriction or to withdraw the references to the harmonised standards, or parts thereof, by which those requirements are covered. The implementing acts referred to in the first subparagraph of this paragraph shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 81(3). 2. In the early preparation of the draft implementing act establishing the common specifications referred to in paragraph 1, the Commission shall gather the views of relevant bodies or expert groups established under relevant sectorial Union law, and shall duly consult all relevant stakeholders. On the basis of that consultation, the Commission shall prepare the draft implementing act. 3. Practices which are in conformity with common specifications, or parts thereof, shall be presumed to be in conformity with the requirements laid down in the implementing acts adopted pursuant to Article 71(2), first subparagraph, point (a), to the extent that those requirements are covered by such common specifications or parts thereof. 4. Where a harmonised standard is adopted by a European standardisation organisation and proposed to the Commission for the purpose of publishing its reference in the Official Journal of the European Union, the Commission shall assess the harmonised standard in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 1025/2012. When the reference of a harmonised standard is published in the Official Journal of the European Union, the Commission shall repeal implementing acts referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article, or parts thereof which cover the same requirements referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article. 5. In setting the common specifications pursuant to this Article, the Commission shall take the utmost account of the safety requirements necessary for the safe operation of the natural gas system, in particular of the safe operation of the natural gas storage facilities across the Union.
Article 24 European network of transmission system operators for gas
All transmission system operators shall cooperate at Union level through the ENTSO for Gas, in order to promote the completion and proper functioning of the internal market for natural gas and cross-border trade and to ensure the optimal management, coordinated operation and sound technical evolution of the natural gas transmission network.
Article 25 Organisation of the ENTSO for Gas
1. The ENTSO for Gas shall, on their own initiative or upon a reasoned request of the Commission or ACER, publish and submit to the Commission and to ACER any draft amendment to the statutes, list of members or rules of procedure, including the rules of procedure on the consultation of other stakeholders, of the ENTSO for Gas. 2. Within four months of receipt of the documents referred to in paragraph 1, ACER shall, after formally consulting the organisations representing all stakeholders, in particular the system users including customers, provide an opinion to the Commission on the draft amendment to the statutes, list of members and rules of procedure of the ENTSO for Gas. 3. The Commission shall issue an opinion on the draft amendment to the statutes, list of members and rules of procedure of the ENTSO for Gas, taking into account ACER’s opinion referred to in paragraph 2, within three months of the date of receipt of that opinion. 4. Within three months of receipt of the Commission’s favourable opinion, the ENTSO for Gas shall adopt and publish the revised statutes, list of members and rules of procedure of the ENTSO for Gas.
Article 26 Tasks of the ENTSO for Gas
1. The ENTSO for Gas shall elaborate network codes in the areas referred to in Article 71(1) and (2) upon a request addressed to it by the Commission in accordance with Article 71(9). The network code referred to in Article 71(2), first subparagraph, point (d), shall be developed jointly with the ENNOH. 2. The ENTSO for Gas may elaborate network codes in the areas set out in Article 71(1) and (2) with a view to achieving the objectives set out in Article 24, where those network codes do not relate to areas covered by a request addressed to it by the Commission. Those network codes shall be submitted to ACER for an opinion. That opinion shall be duly taken into account by the ENTSO for Gas. 3. The ENTSO for Gas shall adopt: (a) common network operation tools to ensure the coordination of network operation in normal and emergency conditions, including a common incidents classification scale, and research plans; (b) a non-binding Union-wide ten-year network development plan for natural gas referred to in Article 32 (the ‘Union-wide network development plan for natural gas’), including a European supply adequacy outlook, every two years; (c) recommendations relating to the coordination of technical cooperation between Union and third-country transmission system operators; (d) recommendations to transmission system operators on their technical cooperation with distribution system operators and hydrogen network operators; (e) an annual work programme; (f) an annual report; (g) annual summer and winter supply outlooks; (h) a gas quality monitoring report by 1 January 2025 and every two years thereafter, including developments of gas quality parameters, developments of the level and volume of hydrogen blended into the natural gas system, forecasts for the expected development of gas quality parameters and of the volume of hydrogen blended into the natural gas system, the impact of blending hydrogen on cross-border flows as well as information on cases related to differences in gas quality specifications or in specifications of blending levels and how such cases were settled, with a view to meeting the quality requirements of different end-use applications; (i) an annual report including the quantity of renewable gas and low-carbon gas injected into the natural gas network. The gas quality monitoring report referred to in the first subparagraph, point (h) shall also cover the development for the areas listed in that point, as far as relevant for the distribution network, on the basis of information provided by the European entity for distribution system operators (the ‘EU DSO entity’) established pursuant to Article 52(1) of Regulation (EU) 2019/943 of the European Parliament and of the Council ( 39 ) . 4. The European supply adequacy outlook referred to in paragraph 3, point (b), shall cover the overall adequacy of the natural gas system to supply current and planned demands for natural gas for the next five-year period as well as for the period between five and 10 years from the date of that outlook. The European supply adequacy outlook shall build on national supply outlooks prepared by each individual transmission system operator. The European supply adequacy outlook shall specifically provide for monitoring of progress on the annual production of sustainable biomethane. Where both the European supply adequacy outlook and the final updated integrated national energy and climate plans show that the annual production is not sufficiently progressing or that the natural gas consumption is not sufficiently decreasing in view of the available potential, the Commission may issue recommendations to the Member States, if necessary to achieve the objectives of the Energy Union, pursuant to Article 34 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999. The Union-wide network development plan for natural gas shall include the modelling of the integrated network, including hydrogen networks, scenario development, a European supply adequacy outlook and an assessment of the resilience of the system. That plan shall promote the energy efficiency first principle and energy system integration. 5. The annual work programme referred to in paragraph 3, point (e), shall contain a list and description of the network codes to be prepared, a plan on the coordination of the operation of the network, and a list of research and development activities, to be realised in the course of that year, and an indicative calendar. 6. The network codes shall be developed for cross-border network issues and market integration issues and shall be without prejudice to the Member States’ right to establish national network codes which do not affect cross-border trade. 7. The ENTSO for Gas shall monitor and analyse the implementation of the network codes and the guidelines adopted by the Commission in accordance with Article 71(13) or Article 74, and their effect on the harmonisation of applicable rules aimed at facilitating market integration. The ENTSO for Gas shall report its findings to ACER and shall include the results of the analysis in the annual report referred to in paragraph 3, point (f), of this Article. 8. The ENTSO for Gas shall make available all information required by ACER to fulfil its tasks under Article 27(1). 9. ACER shall review national ten-year network development plans to assess their consistency with the Union-wide network development plan for natural gas. If ACER identifies inconsistencies between a national ten-year network development plan and the Union-wide network development plan for natural gas, it shall recommend amending the national ten-year network development plan or the Union-wide network development plan for natural gas as appropriate. If such national ten-year network development plan is elaborated in accordance with Article 55 of Directive (EU) 2024/1788, ACER shall recommend that the relevant regulatory authority amend the national ten-year network development plan in accordance with Article 55(5) of that Directive and inform the Commission thereof. 10. Upon request of the Commission, the ENTSO for Gas shall give its views to the Commission on the adoption of the guidelines as laid down in Article 74. 11. The ENTSO for Gas shall cooperate with the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (the ‘ENTSO for Electricity’) and with the ENNOH.
Article 27 ACER’s monitoring of the ENTSO for Gas
1. ACER shall monitor the execution of the tasks of the ENTSO for Gas referred to in Article 26(1), (2) and (3) and report its findings to the Commission. ACER shall monitor the implementation by the ENTSO for Gas of network codes elaborated pursuant to Article 26(2) and network codes which have been developed in accordance with Article 71(1) to (12) but which have not been adopted by the Commission pursuant to Article 71(13). Where the ENTSO for Gas has failed to implement such network codes, ACER shall request the ENTSO for Gas to provide a duly reasoned explanation as to why it has failed to do so. ACER shall inform the Commission of that explanation and provide its opinion thereon. ACER shall monitor and analyse the implementation of the network codes and the guidelines adopted by the Commission as laid down in Articles 70, 71, 73 and 74, and their effect on the harmonisation of applicable rules aimed at facilitating market and energy system integration as well as on non-discrimination, effective competition and the proper functioning of the market, and report to the Commission. 2. The ENTSO for Gas shall submit the draft Union-wide network development plan for natural gas, the draft annual work programme, including the information regarding the consultation process, and the other documents referred to in Article 26(3), to ACER for its opinion. Within two months of the date of receipt, ACER shall provide a duly reasoned opinion as well as recommendations to the ENTSO for Gas and to the Commission where it considers that the draft annual work programme or the draft Union-wide network development plan for natural gas submitted by the ENTSO for Gas does not contribute to non-discrimination, effective competition, the proper functioning of the market or a sufficient level of cross-border interconnection open to third-party access. The ENTSO for Gas shall duly take into account ACER’s opinion and recommendations.
Article 28 Regulatory authorities
When carrying out their duties and exercising their powers under this Regulation, the regulatory authorities shall ensure compliance with this Regulation, the network codes and the guidelines adopted pursuant to Articles 70 to 74. Where appropriate, they shall cooperate with each other, with the Commission and ACER pursuant to Chapter V of Directive (EU) 2024/1788.
Article 29 Consultations by the ENTSO for Gas
1. While preparing the network codes, the draft Union-wide network development plan for natural gas and the annual work programme referred to in Article 26(1), (2) and (3), the ENTSO for Gas shall conduct an extensive public consultation process, at an early stage and in an open and transparent manner, involving all relevant market participants, and, in particular, the organisations representing all stakeholders, in accordance with the rules of procedure referred to in Article 25(1). That consultation shall also involve regulatory authorities and other national authorities, supply and production undertakings, network users including customers, distribution system operators, including relevant industry associations, technical bodies and stakeholder platforms. The ENTSO for Gas shall publish drafts of the network codes, the Union-wide network development plan for natural gas and the annual work programme for comments by the stakeholders and provide sufficient time for them to participate in the consultation process effectively. The aim of that consultation is to identify the views and proposals of the relevant stakeholders during the decision-making process. 2. All documents and minutes of meetings related to the consultations referred to in paragraph 1 shall be made public. 3. Before adopting the annual work programme and the network codes referred to in Article 26(1), (2) and (3), the ENTSO for Gas shall indicate how the observations received during the consultation have been taken into consideration. It shall provide reasons where observations have not been taken into account.
Article 30 Costs of the ENTSO for Gas
The costs related to the activities of the ENTSO for Gas referred to in Articles 24, 25, 26, 70 and 71 of this Regulation, and in Article 11 of Regulation (EU) 2022/869, shall be borne by the transmission system operators and shall be taken into account in the calculation of tariffs. Regulatory authorities shall approve those costs provided that they are reasonable and appropriate.
Article 31 Regional cooperation of transmission system operators
1. Transmission system operators shall establish regional cooperation within the ENTSO for Gas to contribute to the tasks referred to in Article 26(1), (2) and (3). 2. Transmission system operators shall promote operational arrangements in order to ensure the optimum management of the network and shall promote the development of energy exchanges, the coordinated allocation of cross-border capacity through non-discriminatory market-based solutions, paying due attention to the specific merits of implicit auctions for short-term allocations and the integration of balancing mechanisms. 3. For the purposes of achieving the objectives set out in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this Article, the Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 80 to supplement this Regulation by establishing the definition of the geographical area covered by each regional cooperation structure, taking into account existing regional cooperation structures. Each Member State shall be allowed to promote cooperation in more than one geographical area. For the purpose of drawing up the delegated acts referred to in the first subparagraph, the Commission shall consult ACER and the ENTSO for Gas.
Article 32 Union-wide network development plan for natural gas
The ENTSO for Gas shall adopt and publish the Union-wide network development plan for natural gas every two years. The Union-wide network development plan for natural gas shall include the modelling of the integrated network, scenario development, a European supply adequacy outlook and an assessment of the resilience of the system, including infrastructure to be decommissioned. The Union-wide network development plan for natural gas shall, in particular: (a) build on national investment plans and Chapter IV of Regulation (EU) 2022/869; (b) regarding cross-border interconnections, also build on the reasonable needs of different network users and integrate long-term commitments from investors as referred to in Article 55(7) of Directive (EU) 2024/1788; and (c) identify investment gaps, in particular with respect to cross-border capacities. With regard to the second paragraph, point (c), a review of barriers to the increase of cross-border capacity of the network arising from different approval procedures or practices may be annexed to the Union-wide network development plan for natural gas.
Article 33 Transparency requirements concerning transmission system operators
1. The transmission system operator shall make public detailed information regarding the capacity and services it offers and the relevant conditions applied, together with the technical information necessary for network users to obtain effective network access. 2. In order to ensure transparent, objective and non-discriminatory tariffs and facilitate efficient utilisation of the natural gas network, transmission system operators or relevant regulatory authorities shall publish reasonably and sufficiently detailed information on tariff derivation, methodology and structure. 3. For the services provided, each transmission system operator shall make public information on technical, contracted and available capacities on a numerical basis for all relevant points including entry and exit points on a regular and rolling basis and in a user-friendly and standardised manner in accordance with the guidelines laid down in Annex I. 4. The relevant points of a transmission system on which the information is to be made public shall be approved by the competent authorities after consultation with network users. 5. The transmission system operator shall always disclose the information required by this Regulation in a meaningful, quantifiably clear, easily accessible and non-discriminatory manner. 6. The transmission system operator shall make public ex ante and ex post supply and demand information, on the basis of nominations and allocations, forecasts and realised flows in and out of the system. The regulatory authority shall ensure that all such information is made public. The level of detail of the information that is made public shall reflect the information available to the transmission system operator. The transmission system operator shall make public measures taken as well as costs incurred and revenue generated to balance the system. The market participants concerned shall provide the transmission system operator with the data referred to in this Article. 7. The transmission system operators shall make public detailed information regarding the quality of natural gas transported in their networks, which might affect network users, pursuant to Articles 16 and 17 of Regulation (EU) 2015/703.
Article 34 Transparency requirements concerning natural gas storage facilities, hydrogen storage facilities, LNG facilities and hydrogen terminals
1. LNG system operators, natural gas storage system operators, hydrogen terminal operators and hydrogen storage operators shall make public detailed information regarding all services they offer and the relevant conditions applied, together with the technical information necessary for users of LNG facility, natural gas storage facility, hydrogen storage facility and hydrogen terminal to obtain effective access to the LNG facilities, natural gas storage facilities, hydrogen storage facilities and hydrogen terminals. Regulatory authorities may request those operators to make public any additional relevant information for system users. 2. LNG system operators shall provide user-friendly instruments for calculating tariffs for the services available. 3. For the services provided, LNG system operators, natural gas storage system operators, hydrogen terminal operators and hydrogen storage operators shall make public information on contracted and available LNG facility, natural gas storage facility, hydrogen storage facility and hydrogen terminal capacities on a numerical basis on a regular and rolling basis and in a user-friendly standardised manner. 4. LNG system operators, natural gas storage system operators, hydrogen terminal operators and hydrogen storage operators shall disclose the information required by this Regulation in a meaningful, quantifiably clear, easily accessible and non-discriminatory manner. 5. LNG system operators, natural gas storage system operators, hydrogen terminal operators and hydrogen storage operators shall make public the amount of natural gas or hydrogen in each LNG facility, natural gas storage facility, hydrogen storage facility and hydrogen terminal, or group of storage facilities if that corresponds to the way in which the access is offered to system users, inflows and outflows, and the available LNG facility, natural gas storage facility, hydrogen storage facility and hydrogen terminal capacities, including for those facilities exempted from third-party access. That information shall also be communicated to the transmission system operator or to the hydrogen network operator for hydrogen storage and terminals, which shall make it public on an aggregated level per system or subsystem defined by the relevant points. The information shall be updated at least daily. Where a natural gas or hydrogen storage facility user is the only user of a natural gas storage facility or hydrogen storage facility, the natural gas or hydrogen storage system user may submit to the regulatory authority a reasoned request for confidential treatment of the data referred to in the first subparagraph. Where the regulatory authority comes to the conclusion that such a request is justified, taking into account, in particular, the need to balance the interest of legitimate protection of business secrets, the disclosure of which would negatively affect the overall commercial strategy of the storage user, with the objective of creating competitive internal markets for natural gas and hydrogen, it may allow the natural gas storage system operator or hydrogen storage operator not to make public the data referred to in the first subparagraph, for a duration of up to one year. The second subparagraph shall apply without prejudice to the obligations referred to in the first subparagraph, unless the aggregated data are identical to the individual natural gas or hydrogen storage system data for which the regulatory authority has approved non-publication. 6. In order to ensure transparent, objective and non-discriminatory tariffs and facilitate efficient utilisation of the infrastructures, the LNG system operators, natural gas storage system operators, hydrogen terminal operators and hydrogen storage operators or relevant regulatory authorities shall make public sufficiently detailed information on tariff derivation, the methodologies and the structure of tariffs for infrastructure under regulated third-party access. LNG facilities that have been granted an exemption, pursuant to Article 78 of this Regulation, Article 22 of Directive 2003/55/EC and Article 36 of Directive 2009/73/EC, and natural gas storage system operators under the negotiated third-party access regime shall make public tariffs for infrastructure in order to ensure a sufficient degree of transparency. LNG system operators and natural gas storage system operators shall each publish in a transparent, continuous and user-friendly manner the information required pursuant to this Article on a single European platform that shall be maintained by those operators.
Article 35 Record keeping by system operators
Transmission system operators, natural gas storage system operators and LNG system operators shall keep at the disposal of the national authorities, including the regulatory authorities and the national competition authorities, and the Commission, all information referred to in Articles 33 and 34 and in point 3 of Annex I for a period of five years.
Article 36 Firm capacity for renewable gas and low-carbon gas to the distribution system
1. Distribution system operators shall ensure firm capacity for the access of the production facilities of renewable gas and low-carbon gas connected to their grid. To that end, distribution system operators shall in cooperation among themselves and with the transmission system operators, develop procedures and arrangements, including investments, to ensure reverse flow from the distribution network to the transmission network. Major investments in the natural gas transmission network resulting from the need for additional capacities in the distribution network shall be reflected in the ten-year network development plan in accordance with Article 55(2), point (a), of Directive (EU) 2024/1788. 2. Paragraph 1 shall be without prejudice to the possibility for distribution system operators to develop alternatives to reverse-flow investments, such as smart grid solutions or connection to other network operators. Firm capacity access may be limited to offering capacities subject to operational limitations, in order to ensure infrastructure safety and economic efficiency. The regulatory authority shall ensure that any limitations in firm capacity or operational limitations are introduced by distribution system operators on the basis of transparent and non-discriminatory procedures and do not create undue barriers to market entry. Where the production facility bears the costs related to ensuring firm capacity, no limitation shall apply.
Article 37 Cooperation between distribution system operators and transmission system operators
Distribution system operators shall cooperate with other distribution system operators and transmission system operators to coordinate the maintenance, system development, new connections, decommissioning and the operation of the system to ensure system integrity, with a view to maximising capacity and minimising the use of fuel gas.
Article 38 Transparency requirements concerning distribution system operators
Where distribution system operators are responsible for gas quality management in their networks, they shall make public detailed information regarding the quality of natural gas transported in their networks, which might affect network users, pursuant to Articles 16 and 17 of Regulation (EU) 2015/703.
Article 39 European entity for distribution system operators
Distribution system operators operating a natural gas system shall and hydrogen distribution network operators operating a hydrogen network may cooperate at Union level through the EU DSO entity, in order to promote the completion and proper functioning of the internal market for natural gas, cooperate in the development of the hydrogen market and promote optimal management and a coordinated operation of distribution and transmission systems. Registered members may participate in the EU DSO entity directly or be represented by a national association designated by a Member State or by a Union-level association. The costs related to the activities of the EU DSO entity shall be borne by the distribution system operators and hydrogen distribution network operators that are registered members and shall be taken into account in the calculation of tariffs. Regulatory authorities shall approve costs provided that they are reasonable and proportionate and provide reasons where they are not approved.
Article 40 Changes to the principal rules and procedures for the EU DSO entity
1. The principal rules and procedures for the EU DSO entity pursuant to Article 54 of Regulation (EU) 2019/943 shall also apply to distribution system operators operating a natural gas system and hydrogen distribution network operators. 2. The Strategic Advisory Group referred to in Article 54(2), point (f), of Regulation (EU) 2019/943 shall also consist of representatives of associations representing European distribution system operators operating a natural gas system or European hydrogen distribution network operators. 3. By 5 August 2025, the EU DSO entity shall submit to the Commission and to ACER draft updated statutes, including a code of conduct, a list of registered members, draft updated rules of procedure, including rules of procedure on the consultation with the ENTSO for Electricity, the ENTSO for Gas and other stakeholders, and draft updated financing rules. The draft updated rules of procedure of the EU DSO entity shall ensure fair and balanced representation of all participating distribution system operators, including those owning or operating natural gas systems, and of hydrogen distribution network operators. 4. Within four months of receipt of the documents submitted pursuant to paragraph 3, ACER shall provide the Commission with its opinion, after consulting organisations representing all stakeholders, in particular distribution system users, including customers. 5. Within three months of receipt of ACER’s opinion, the Commission shall issue an opinion on the documents submitted pursuant to paragraph 3, taking into account ACER’s opinion referred to in paragraph 4. 6. Within three months of receipt of the Commission’s positive opinion, the distribution system operators shall adopt and publish the EU DSO’s updated statutes, rules of procedure and financing rules. 7. The documents referred to in paragraph 3 shall be submitted to the Commission and to ACER where there are changes thereto or upon the reasoned request of either of them. The Commission and ACER may issue an opinion in accordance with the process laid down in paragraphs 3, 4 and 5.
Article 41 Additional tasks of the EU DSO entity
1. The EU DSO entity shall exercise the tasks listed in Article 55(1), points (a) to (e), of Regulation (EU) 2019/943 and undertake the activities listed in Article 55(2), points (c), (d) and (e), of that Regulation also as regards distribution systems for natural gas or hydrogen distribution networks. 2. In addition to the tasks listed in Article 55(1) of Regulation (EU) 2019/943, the EU DSO entity shall participate in the development of network codes which are relevant to the operation and planning of distribution grids and the coordinated operation of the transmission networks and distribution networks pursuant to this Regulation and contribute to mitigating fugitive methane emissions from the natural gas system. When participating in the development of new network codes pursuant to Article 71 of this Regulation, the EU DSO entity shall comply with the consultation requirements as laid down in Article 56 of Regulation (EU) 2019/943. 3. In addition to the activities listed in Article 55(2) of Regulation (EU) 2019/943, the EU DSO entity shall: (a) cooperate with the ENTSO for Gas and the ENNOH on the monitoring of the implementation of the network codes and guidelines adopted pursuant to this Regulation which are relevant to the operation and planning of distribution grids for natural gas and hydrogen and the coordinated operation of the transmission networks and distribution networks and the hydrogen transmission networks and distribution networks; (b) cooperate with the ENTSO for Gas and the ENNOH and adopt best practices on the coordinated operation and planning of transmission and distribution systems and hydrogen transmission and distribution networks including issues such as the exchange of data between operators and the coordination of distributed energy resources; (c) work on identifying best practices for the implementation of the results of the assessments pursuant to Article 23(1b) of Directive (EU) 2018/2001 and Article 25 of Directive (EU) 2023/1791 and for the cooperation between operators of electricity distribution systems, of natural gas distribution systems, of hydrogen distribution networks and of district heating and cooling systems including for the purpose of the assessment pursuant to Article 24(8) of Directive (EU) 2018/2001, including recommendations for the appropriate placement of electrolysers with a view to ensuring the use of waste heat in district heating network. 4. The EU DSO entity shall provide input to the ENTSO for Gas for its reporting on gas quality, with regard to the distribution systems where distribution system operators are responsible for gas quality management, as referred to in Article 26(3). 5. The EU DSO entity shall provide input to the ENNOH for the hydrogen quality monitoring report to be adopted pursuant to Article 59(1), point (j), of this Regulation with regard to the hydrogen distribution networks where hydrogen distribution network operators are responsible for hydrogen quality management pursuant to Article 50 of Directive (EU) 2024/1788.
Article 42 Mechanism for demand aggregation and the joint purchasing of natural gas
The Commission shall establish a mechanism for voluntary demand aggregation and the joint purchasing of natural gas pursuant to Articles 43 to 49.
Article 43 Contract with a service provider
1. By way of derogation from Article 176 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046, the Commission may contract the necessary services of an entity or entities established in the Union through the relevant procurement procedures under Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046, in order to implement the objective laid down in Article 42 of this Regulation. 2. Where the Commission selects a service provider, it shall do so on the basis of criteria that safeguard the integrity of the internal market, that ensure competition and security of supply, and that comply with Article 44. The Commission shall specify the requirements applicable to the service provider in the relevant tender specifications.
Article 44 Criteria for selecting the service provider
1. The service provider shall be selected by the Commission among entities complying with the following eligibility criteria: (a) the service provider shall be established and have its operational seat in the territory of a Member State; (b) the service provider and its subcontractors shall not be: (i) subject to Union restrictive measures adopted pursuant to Article 29 TEU or Article 215 TFEU, consisting of a prohibition to make available or transfer funds or economic resources or to provide financing or financial assistance to them directly or indirectly, or of an asset freeze; or (ii) directly or indirectly owned or controlled by, or acting on behalf or at the direction of natural or legal persons, entities or bodies subject to such Union restrictive measures. 2. Without prejudice to other due diligence obligations, contractual obligations between the Commission and the service providers shall be put in place to ensure that the service provider when carrying out its tasks under Article 45 does not make any funds or economic resources available, directly or indirectly, to or for the benefit of natural or legal persons, entities or bodies: (a) subject to Union restrictive measures adopted pursuant to Article 29 TEU or Article 215 TFEU, consisting of a prohibition to make available or transfer funds or economic resources or to provide financing or financial assistance to them directly or indirectly, or of an asset freeze; or (b) directly or indirectly owned or controlled by, or acting on behalf or at the direction of natural or legal persons, entities or bodies subject to such Union restrictive measures. 3. The service provider shall not be part of a vertically integrated undertaking, except for an entity unbundled in accordance with Chapter IX of Directive (EU) 2024/1788.
Article 45 Tasks of the service provider
1. The service provider shall organise the tasks of demand aggregation and the joint purchasing of natural gas. In particular, but not exclusively, the service provider may implement the following elements: (a) assessment and aggregation of demand of natural gas undertakings and undertakings consuming natural gas; (b) collection of offers from natural gas suppliers or producers in order to match such offers with the aggregated demand; (c) allocation of supply offers to participants in demand aggregation, taking into account a proportionate distribution between smaller and larger participants depending on the volumes of demand submitted; (d) provide any related ancillary services, including services to facilitate the conclusion of contracts for the purchase of natural gas.
Article 46 Participation in the mechanism for demand aggregation and the joint purchasing of natural gas
1. Participation in the mechanism for demand aggregation and the joint purchasing of natural gas shall be open to natural gas undertakings and undertakings consuming natural gas established in the Union on a non-discriminatory basis. Such undertakings shall be precluded from participating as suppliers, producers and purchasers, if they are: (a) subject to Union restrictive measures adopted pursuant to Article 29 TEU or Article 215 TFEU, consisting of a prohibition to make available or transfer funds or economic resources or to provide financing or financial assistance to them directly or indirectly, or of an asset freeze; or (b) directly or indirectly owned or controlled by, or acting on behalf or at the direction of natural or legal persons, entities or bodies subject to such Union restrictive measures. 2. Contractual obligations shall be put in place to ensure that no funds or economic resources are made available, directly or indirectly, to or for the benefit of natural or legal persons, entities or bodies, which are: (a) subject to Union restrictive measures adopted pursuant to Article 29 TEU or Article 215 TFEU, consisting of a prohibition to make available or transfer funds or economic resources or to provide financing or financial assistance to them directly or indirectly, or of an asset freeze; or (b) directly or indirectly owned or controlled by, or acting on behalf or at the direction of natural or legal persons, entities or bodies subject to such Union restrictive measures. 3. Natural gas undertakings and undertakings consuming natural gas established in the Energy Community Contracting Parties may participate in the mechanism for demand aggregation and the joint purchasing of natural gas provided that the necessary measures or arrangements are in place to allow their participation in the mechanism for demand aggregation and the joint purchasing of natural gas pursuant to this Section. 4. Natural gas undertakings and undertakings consuming natural gas participating in demand aggregation may, on a transparent basis, coordinate elements of the conditions of the purchase contract or use joint purchase contracts in order to achieve better conditions with their suppliers, provided that they comply with Union law, including Union competition law, in particular Articles 101 and 102 TFEU. 5. Participants in the mechanism for demand aggregation and the joint purchasing of natural gas shall report to the Commission or the relevant service provider, as appropriate, the following elements of the concluded contracts: (a) volume; (b) counterparts; (c) duration. 6. Participants in the mechanism for demand aggregation and the joint purchasing of natural gas may report to the Commission or the relevant service provider, as appropriate, if matching and tendering did not result in the conclusion of a supply contract. 7. The recipient of the information reported under paragraphs 5 and 6 shall ensure that access to confidential information is strictly limited to the service provider and to Commission services for whom it is absolutely necessary to have the information available. Such information shall be handled with due confidentiality.
Article 47 Temporary limitation of participation in the mechanism for demand aggregation and the joint purchasing of natural gas
1. In order to protect the essential security interests of the Union and of its Member States, and in the interest of safeguarding security of supply, natural gas supplies originating in, and LNG supplies from LNG facilities located in, the Russian Federation or Belarus shall not be offered through the mechanism for demand aggregation and the joint purchasing of natural gas until 31 December 2025. 2. The exclusion referred to in paragraph 1 shall apply to all LNG supplies originating in any LNG facility located in the Russian Federation or Belarus and natural gas supplies entering the Member States or Energy Community Contracting Parties through the following entry points: (a) Greifswald; (b) Lubmin II; (c) Imatra; (d) Narva; (e) Värska; (f) Luhamaa; (g) Šakiai; (h) Kotlovka; (i) Kondratki; (j) Wysokoje; (k) Tieterowka; (l) Mozyr; (m) Kobryń; (n) Sudzha (RU)/(UA); (o) Belgorod (RU)/(UA); (p) Valuyki (RU)/(UA); (q) Serebryanka (RU)/(UA); (r) Pisarevka (RU)/(UA); (s) Sokhranovka (RU)/(UA); (t) Prokhorovka (RU)/(UA); (u) Platovo (RU)/(UA); (v) Strandzha 2 (BG)/Malkoclar (TR).
Article 48 Possibility to limit the participation in the mechanism for demand aggregation and the joint purchasing of natural gas
1. From 1 January 2026, the Commission may decide, by means of an implementing act, to temporarily exclude natural gas originating in, or LNG supplies from LNG facilities located in, the Russian Federation or Belarus from the participation in the mechanism for demand aggregation and the joint purchasing of natural gas, where that is necessary to protect the essential security interests or the security of supply of the Union or of a Member State, provided that such measures: (a) do not unduly disrupt the proper functioning of the internal market for natural gas and cross-border flows of natural gas between Member States, and do not undermine the security of supply of the Union or of a Member State; (b) respect the principle of energy solidarity; (c) are taken in accordance with the rights and obligations of the Union or of the Member States with respect to third countries. 2. Sufficiently in advance of the first tendering round in 2026, the Commission shall assess whether all the conditions laid down in paragraph 1 are met with the view to deciding on any measures referred to therein. Any such decision shall be valid for a period of up to one year and may be renewed if justified. The Commission shall continuously assess whether the conditions laid down in paragraph 1 are met and shall keep the European Parliament and the Council duly informed about its assessments, including the assessment referred to in the first subparagraph of this paragraph. 3. Taking into account the need to ensure the security of supply of the Union, the measures taken by the Commission pursuant to paragraph 1 may be aimed at diversifying natural gas or LNG supplies with a view to reducing dependence on Russian natural gas, where it can be demonstrated that such measures are necessary to protect the essential security interests of the Union and of the Member States. 4. Decisions referred to in paragraph 1 shall contain a list of: (a) all entry points from the Russian Federation or Belarus or other third countries serving as transit countries which shall not be used to deliver natural gas supplies subject to demand aggregation and joint purchasing; and (b) all LNG facilities located in the Russian Federation or Belarus. Natural gas suppliers or producers participating in the mechanism for demand aggregation and joint purchasing of natural gas shall provide assurance on the compliance with Article 47 and the decisions adopted pursuant to paragraph 1 of this Article. 5. The Commission shall take appropriate measures to ensure the effective application of this Article and of Article 47 and may require from natural gas suppliers or producers participating in the mechanism for demand aggregation and the joint purchasing of natural gas all the necessary information to assist it in that task, including the submission to the purchasers of the relevant shipping documents when delivering the natural gas supplies, where technically feasible.
Article 49 Steering Board
1. In order to facilitate coordination and information exchange in relation to the mechanism for demand aggregation and the joint purchasing of natural gas, the Commission shall be assisted by a Steering Board. 2. The Steering Board shall be composed of representatives of Member States and one representative of the Commission. The participation of Member States shall be voluntary and depends in particular upon the agenda of the Steering Board’s meetings. The representatives of the Energy Community Contracting Parties may participate in the Steering Board upon invitation of the Commission on all matters of mutual concern. The Commission shall chair the Steering Board.
Article 50 Guarantees
Member States, in respect of participants established in their territories, or other relevant stakeholders may provide liquidity support, including guarantees, to participants in the mechanism for demand aggregation and the joint purchasing of natural gas, in accordance with State aid rules where applicable, in particular where the competent authority of the relevant Member State has declared one of the crisis levels referred to in Article 11(1) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1938.
Article 51 Reporting
The Commission shall regularly report to the Steering Board and submit an annual report to the European Parliament and to the Council on the functioning of the mechanism for demand aggregation and the joint purchasing of natural gas. The information provided in the report shall include at least: (a) information on the number of natural gas undertakings and volumes of natural gas participating in the mechanism for demand aggregation and the joint purchasing of natural gas; (b) information on the number of contracts concluded and the resulting volumes of natural gas respectively contracted and delivered to the Union; (c) a description of the applicable rules in tendering rounds to participants in demand aggregation and natural gas suppliers or producers; (d) an overview of the overall cost of the mechanism for demand aggregation and the joint purchasing of natural gas, including the expenses incurred for the service provider; (e) any major development of the functioning of the mechanism for demand aggregation and the joint purchasing of natural gas.
Article 52 Mechanism to support the market development of hydrogen
1. The Commission may establish a mechanism to support the market development of hydrogen including the elements specified in paragraph 2 to be implemented under the activities of the European Hydrogen Bank. That voluntary mechanism may be in place until 31 December 2029. 2. The Commission may contract the relevant service provider, applying by analogy the procedure set out in Articles 43 and 44, for the implementation, in particular, but not exclusively, of the following elements: (a) collection and processing of market data on, for instance, availability of infrastructure or development of hydrogen flows and prices, to increase the transparency of the market development of hydrogen; (b) collection and assessment of demand from off-takers; (c) collection of offers for hydrogen from suppliers; (d) access to relevant and necessary information collected pursuant to this paragraph to suppliers and off-takers, subject to their consent and pursuant to Union competition rules. 3. In order to contribute to the decarbonisation objectives laid down in this Regulation, Member States may ensure liquidity support, including guarantees, for hydrogen under the activities of the European Hydrogen Bank and in accordance with State aid rules where applicable. 4. Coordination and information exchange in relation to the mechanism referred to in paragraph 1 may be facilitated by the relevant coordination group separate from expert groups dedicated to natural gas. In the case of hydrogen, such coordination group shall be established and it shall carry out its activities under those of the European Hydrogen Bank. 5. Prior to the expiry of the mechanism referred to in paragraph 1, the Commission shall submit a report to the European Parliament and to the Council assessing the performance of that mechanism. In particular, the Commission shall assess the contribution of that mechanism to the development of the hydrogen market in the Union. Where appropriate, that assessment may be accompanied by a legislative proposal to develop a mechanism for voluntary demand aggregation and the joint purchasing of hydrogen.
Article 53 Participation in the mechanism to support the market development of hydrogen
1. Participation in the mechanism to support the market development of hydrogen shall be open to hydrogen undertakings and undertakings consuming hydrogen established in the Union on a non-discriminatory basis. Such undertakings shall be precluded from participating as suppliers and off-takers if they are: (a) subject to Union restrictive measures adopted pursuant to Article 29 TEU or Article 215 TFEU, consisting of a prohibition to make available or transfer funds or economic resources or to provide financing or financial assistance to them directly or indirectly, or of an asset freeze; or (b) directly or indirectly owned or controlled by, or acting on behalf or at the direction of natural or legal persons, entities or bodies subject to such Union restrictive measures. 2. Contractual obligations shall be put in place to ensure that no funds or economic resources are made available, directly or indirectly, to or for the benefit of natural or legal persons, entities or bodies which are: (a) subject to Union restrictive measures adopted pursuant to Article 29 TEU or Article 215 TFEU, consisting of a prohibition to make available or transfer funds or economic resources or to provide financing or financial assistance to them directly or indirectly, or of an asset freeze; or (b) directly or indirectly owned or controlled by, or acting on behalf or at the direction of natural or legal persons, entities or bodies subject to such Union restrictive measures. 3. Hydrogen undertakings and undertakings consuming hydrogen established in the Energy Community Contracting Parties may participate in the mechanism to support the market development of hydrogen provided that the necessary measures or arrangements are in place to allow their participation in the mechanism to support the market development of hydrogen pursuant to this Article and to Articles 52 and 54.
Article 54 Possibility to limit the participation in the mechanism to support the market development of hydrogen
1. The Commission may decide, by means of an implementing act, to temporarily exclude offers of hydrogen supplies originating in the Russian Federation or Belarus from being collected through the mechanism to support the market development of hydrogen, where necessary to protect the essential security interests or the security of supply of the Union or of a Member State, provided that such measures: (a) do not unduly disrupt the proper functioning of the internal market for hydrogen and do not undermine the security of supply of the Union or of a Member State; (b) respect the principle of energy solidarity; (c) are taken in accordance with the rights and obligations of the Union or of the Member States with respect to third countries. 2. Sufficiently in advance of the first collection of offers, the Commission shall assess whether all the conditions laid down in paragraph 1 are met with the view to deciding on any measures referred to therein. Any such decision shall be valid for a period of up to one year and may be renewed if justified. The Commission shall continuously assess whether the conditions laid down in paragraph 1 are met and shall keep the European Parliament and the Council duly informed about its assessments, including the assessment referred to in the first subparagraph of this paragraph. 3. The Commission shall take appropriate measures to ensure the effective application of this Article.
Article 55 Cross-border coordination with regard to hydrogen quality
1. Hydrogen transmission network operators shall cooperate to avoid restrictions to cross-border flows of hydrogen due to hydrogen quality differences in order to meet the quality requirements of different end-use applications in line with the applicable hydrogen quality standards. 2. Where a restriction to cross-border flows due to hydrogen quality differences cannot be avoided by the hydrogen transmission network operators concerned in their standard operations, they shall inform the regulatory authorities concerned without delay. The information shall include a description and the reasons justifying any measures already taken by the hydrogen transmission network operators. 3. The regulatory authorities concerned shall jointly agree, within six months of receipt of the information referred to in paragraph 2, whether to recognise the restriction. 4. Where the regulatory authorities concerned recognise the restriction pursuant to paragraph 3, they shall request the hydrogen transmission network operators concerned to perform, within 12 months of the recognition of the restriction as referred to in that paragraph, the following actions in sequence: (a) to cooperate and develop technically feasible options in order to remove the recognised restriction; (b) jointly to carry out a cost-benefit analysis on the technically feasible options to define economically efficient solutions which shall specify the breakdown of costs and benefits among the categories of affected parties; (c) to produce an estimate of the implementation time for each potential option; (d) to conduct a public consultation on identified feasible solutions and take into consideration the results of that consultation; (e) to submit a joint proposal, on the basis of the cost-benefit analysis and results of the public consultation, for a solution removing the recognised restriction, including the timeframe for its implementation, to their regulatory authorities concerned for approval and to the other competent national authorities of each Member State concerned for information. 5. Where the hydrogen transmission network operators concerned do not reach an agreement to submit a joint proposal pursuant to paragraph 4, point (e), each hydrogen transmission network operator shall inform its regulatory authority without delay. 6. The regulatory authorities concerned shall take a joint coordinated decision to remove the recognised restriction, taking into account the cost-benefit analysis carried out by the hydrogen transmission network operators concerned and the results of the public consultation conducted pursuant to paragraph 4, point (d), of this Article within six months of receipt of the information referred to in paragraph 5 of this Article, in accordance with Article 6(10) of Regulation (EU) 2019/942. 7. The joint coordinated decision of the regulatory authorities concerned referred to in paragraph 6 shall include a decision on the allocation of the investment costs to be borne by each hydrogen transmission network operator for implementing the agreed solution, as well as their inclusion in tariffs after 1 January 2033, taking into account the economic, social and environmental costs and benefits of the solution in the Member States concerned. 8. ACER may issue recommendations to the regulatory authorities on the details of such cost allocation decisions as referred to in paragraph 7. 9. Where the regulatory authorities concerned cannot reach an agreement as referred to in paragraph 3 of this Article, ACER shall decide on the restriction, in accordance with Article 6(10) of Regulation (EU) 2019/942. Where ACER recognises the restriction, it shall request the hydrogen transmission network operators concerned to perform, within 12 months, the actions referred to in paragraph 4 of this Article in sequence. 10. Where the regulatory authorities concerned cannot take a joint coordinated decision as referred to in paragraphs 6 and 7 of this Article, ACER shall decide on the solution to remove the recognised restriction and on the allocation of the investment costs to be borne by each hydrogen transmission network operator for implementing the agreed solution, in accordance with Article 6(10) of Regulation (EU) 2019/942. 11. Further details required to implement this Article, including details on a common binding hydrogen quality specification for cross-border hydrogen interconnectors, cost benefit analysis for removing cross-border flow restrictions due to hydrogen quality differences, interoperability rules for cross-border hydrogen infrastructure, including addressing interconnection agreements, units, data exchange, communication and information provision among relevant market participants, shall be laid down in a network code established pursuant to Article 72(1), point (b).
Article 56 Cooperation between hydrogen distribution network operators and hydrogen transmission network operators
Hydrogen distribution network operators shall cooperate with other hydrogen distribution network operators and hydrogen transmission network operators to coordinate the maintenance, hydrogen network development, new connections, decommissioning and the operation of the hydrogen system to ensure hydrogen system integrity, with a view to maximising capacity and minimising the energy consumption to operate the hydrogen system.
Article 57 European Network of Network Operators for Hydrogen
1. Hydrogen transmission network operators shall cooperate at Union level through the ENNOH, in order to promote the development and proper functioning of the internal market for hydrogen and cross-border trade and to ensure the optimal management, coordinated operation and sound technical evolution of the European hydrogen transmission network. 2. The ENNOH shall cooperate closely with the ENTSO for Electricity and the ENTSO for Gas on identifying synergies and on fostering system integration across energy carriers in order to facilitate overall energy system efficiency. 3. The ENNOH shall consist of hydrogen transmission network operators certified pursuant to Article 71 of Directive (EU) 2024/1788. Hydrogen transmission network operators shall be eligible to become a member of the ENNOH from the start of the certification procedure conducted by the regulatory authority, subject to: (a) subsequent positive certification in accordance with Article 14 of this Regulation and Article 71 of Directive (EU) 2024/1788 conducted within 24 months of becoming a member of the ENNOH; and (b) at least developing hydrogen infrastructure projects with a final investment decision within four years of becoming a member of the ENNOH. If the final certification decision referred to in the second subparagraph, point (a), has not been taken within 24 months of becoming a member of the ENNOH or if the final investment decision referred to in the second subparagraph, point (b), has not been taken within four years of becoming a member of the ENNOH, the ENNOH membership of the hydrogen transmission network operator shall expire. 4. By way of derogation from paragraph 3 of this Article, a hydrogen transmission network operator that benefits from a derogation from Article 68 of Directive (EU) 2024/1788 shall be eligible to become a member of the ENNOH, provided that the operator is established in a Member State where no other hydrogen transmission network operator is a member of the ENNOH pursuant to paragraph 3 of this Article. Member States may nominate such a hydrogen transmission network operator and shall submit any such nomination to the ENNOH, the Commission and ACER. Member States may revoke such a nomination at any time. Where the hydrogen transmission network operator has not taken a final investment decision with regard to a hydrogen infrastructure project within four years of becoming a member of the ENNOH, that operator’s membership of the ENNOH shall expire. 5. Member States which have not designated a hydrogen transmission network operator, but which plan to develop a hydrogen transmission network in accordance with their integrated national energy and climate plans, may nominate an entity as associated partner within the ENNOH. The Member State concerned shall submit a nomination pursuant to this paragraph to the ENNOH, the Commission and ACER. The Member State concerned may revoke such a nomination at any time. That nomination shall expire when a hydrogen transmission network operator established in the Member State concerned becomes a member of the ENNOH. 6. When performing its functions under Union law, the ENNOH shall act with a view to establishing a properly functioning and integrated internal market for hydrogen and shall contribute to the efficient and sustainable achievement of the objectives laid down in the policy framework for climate and energy, in particular by contributing to the efficient integration of hydrogen produced from renewable energy sources and to increases in energy efficiency while maintaining hydrogen system security. The ENNOH shall have adequate human and financial resources to carry out its duties. 7. By 1 September 2024, the hydrogen transmission network operators shall submit to the Commission and to ACER the draft statutes, a list of members and draft rules of procedure, including the rules of procedure on the consultation of stakeholders, of the ENNOH to be established. 8. The hydrogen transmission network operators shall submit to the Commission and to ACER any draft amendments to the statutes, list of members or rules of procedure of the ENNOH. 9. Within four months of receipt of the drafts referred to in paragraph 7 and the draft amendments to the statutes, list of members or rules of procedure referred to in paragraph 8, ACER shall, after consulting the organisations representing all stakeholders, in particular the hydrogen system users, including customers, provide an opinion to the Commission on those drafts or draft amendments to the statutes, list of members or rules of procedure. 10. The Commission shall issue an opinion on the drafts and draft amendments to the statutes, list of members or rules of procedure, taking into account ACER’s opinion referred to in paragraph 9, within three months of the date of receipt of that opinion. 11. Within three months of receipt of the Commission’s favourable opinion, the hydrogen transmission network operators shall adopt and publish the statutes, list of members and rules of procedure of the ENNOH. 12. The documents referred to in paragraph 7 shall be submitted to the Commission and ACER where there are changes thereto or upon the reasoned request of the Commission or ACER. The Commission and ACER shall issue their opinions in accordance with paragraphs 9, 10 and 11.
Article 58 Transition to the ENNOH
Until the ENNOH is established, the ENTSO for Gas shall be responsible for the development of Union-wide network development plans for natural gas and hydrogen referred to in Articles 32 and 60. When carrying out that task, the ENTSO for Gas shall ensure the effective consultation and inclusion of all market participants, including hydrogen market participants.
Article 59 Tasks of the ENNOH
1. The ENNOH shall have the following tasks: (a) develop network codes in the areas listed in Article 72 with a view to achieving the objectives set out in Article 57; (b) develop jointly with the ENTSO for Gas the network codes referred to in Article 72(1), point (f); (c) adopt and publish, every two years, a non-binding Union-wide ten-year network development plan for hydrogen referred to in Article 60 (the ‘Union-wide network development plan for hydrogen’), including a European supply adequacy outlook; (d) cooperate with the ENTSO for Electricity, the ENTSO for Gas and the EU DSO entity; (e) develop recommendations to hydrogen transmission network operators on their technical cooperation with hydrogen distribution network operators and with transmission system operators and distribution system operators in the Union; (f) develop recommendations relating to the coordination of technical cooperation between Union and third-country hydrogen network operators; (g) adopt an annual work programme; (h) adopt an annual report; (i) adopt an annual outlook for the hydrogen supply covering Member States where hydrogen is used in electricity generation; (j) adopt a hydrogen quality monitoring report by 15 May 2026 and every two years thereafter, including developments and forecasts for the expected developments of hydrogen quality parameters, as well as information on cases related to differences in hydrogen quality specifications and how such cases were settled; (k) promote cybersecurity and data protection in cooperation with relevant authorities and regulated entities; (l) develop and promote best practices in the detection, monitoring and reduction of hydrogen leaks. 2. The ENNOH shall monitor and analyse the implementation of the network codes and the guidelines adopted by the Commission in accordance with Articles 72, 73 and 74, and their effect on the harmonisation of applicable rules aimed at facilitating hydrogen market development and integration. The ENNOH shall report its findings to ACER and shall include the results of the analysis in the annual report referred to in paragraph 1, point (h), of this Article. 3. The ENNOH shall publish the minutes of its assembly meetings, board meetings and committee meetings and provide the public with regular information on its decision-making and activities. 4. The annual work programme referred to in paragraph 1, point (g), shall contain a list and description of the network codes to be prepared, a plan on the coordination of the operation of the hydrogen network, a list of research and development activities, to be realised in the course of that year, and an indicative calendar. 5. The ENNOH shall provide ACER with the information ACER requires to fulfil its tasks pursuant to Article 64. In order to enable the ENNOH to meet that requirement, hydrogen transmission network operators shall provide the ENNOH with the requested information. 6. Upon request of the Commission, the ENNOH shall give its views to the Commission on the adoption of the guidelines as laid down in Article 74.
Article 60 Union-wide network development plan for hydrogen
1. The Union-wide network development plan for hydrogen shall include the modelling of the integrated hydrogen network, scenario development, a European supply adequacy outlook and an assessment of the resilience of the system. The Union-wide network development plan for hydrogen shall, in particular: (a) build on the national hydrogen transmission network development plans as laid down in Article 55 of Directive (EU) 2024/1788 and Chapter IV of Regulation (EU) 2022/869; (b) regarding cross-border interconnections, also build on the reasonable needs of different network users and integrate long-term commitments from investors as referred to in Article 55(7) of Directive (EU) 2024/1788; and (c) identify investment gaps, in particular with respect to the necessary cross-border capacities, to implement the priority corridors for hydrogen and electrolysers as referred to in point 3 of Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2022/869. With regard to the second subparagraph, point (c), a review of barriers to the increase of cross-border capacity of the network arising from different approval procedures or practices may be annexed to the Union-wide network development plan for hydrogen. Such a review may be accompanied, where appropriate, by a comprehensive plan to remove such barriers and accelerate the implementation of the priority corridors for hydrogen and electrolysers. 2. ACER shall provide an opinion on the national hydrogen transmission network development plans where relevant to assess their consistency with the Union-wide network development plan for hydrogen. If ACER identifies inconsistencies between a national hydrogen transmission network development plan and the Union-wide network development plan for hydrogen, it shall recommend amending the national hydrogen transmission network development plan or the Union-wide network development plan for hydrogen as appropriate. 3. When developing the Union-wide network development plan for hydrogen, the ENNOH shall cooperate with the ENTSO for Electricity and with the ENTSO for Gas, in particular on the development of the energy system wide cost-benefit analysis and the interlinked energy market and network model including electricity, natural gas and hydrogen transport infrastructure as well as natural gas storage, hydrogen storage, LNG and hydrogen terminals and electrolysers referred to in Article 11 of Regulation (EU) 2022/869, the scenarios for the ten-year network development plans referred to in Article 12 of that Regulation and the infrastructure gaps identification referred to in Article 13 of that Regulation.
Article 61 Union-level integrated network planning
1. During the transitional period until 1 January 2027, the ENTSO for Gas shall develop the 2026 Union-wide network development plan for hydrogen, with the full involvement of hydrogen transmission network operators and together with the ENNOH as soon as it is established. The 2026 Union-wide network development plan for hydrogen shall consist of two separate chapters, one for hydrogen and one for natural gas. The ENTSO for Gas shall without delay transfer to the ENNOH all the information, including data and analyses it collected during the preparation of the Union-wide network development plans for hydrogen by 1 January 2027. 2. The ENNOH shall develop the 2028 Union-wide network development plan for hydrogen pursuant to this Article and Article 60. 3. The ENNOH shall cooperate closely with the ENTSO for Electricity and the ENTSO for Gas to develop integrated Union-wide network development plans pursuant to Articles 32 and 60 of this Regulation and to Article 30 of Regulation (EU) 2019/943 respectively. That cooperation shall include in particular the following: (a) the ENNOH, together with the ENTSO for Electricity and the ENTSO for Gas, shall develop a single set of joint scenarios for the ten-year network development plans pursuant to Article 12 of Regulation (EU) 2022/869; (b) the ENNOH, the ENTSO for Electricity and the ENTSO for Gas, working together, shall each develop coordinated infrastructure gaps reports within the framework of the Union-wide ten-year network development plans pursuant to Article 13 of Regulation (EU) 2022/869; (c) within six months of approval of the joint scenarios report pursuant to Article 12(6) of Regulation (EU) 2022/869 and every two years thereafter, the ENNOH shall publish the infrastructure gaps reports developed within the framework of the Union-wide ten-year network development plans; (d) the ENNOH shall draft a single sector draft methodology for an energy system wide hydrogen cost-benefit analysis and a consistent and progressively integrated model together with the ENTSO for Electricity and the ENTSO for Gas pursuant to Article 11 of Regulation (EU) 2022/869, which shall be consistent with the methodologies developed both by the ENTSO for Electricity and the ENTSO for Gas pursuant to Article 11 of Regulation (EU) 2022/869 and shall provide transparency with regard to the most cost-efficient solutions across energy carriers, including non-infrastructure-based solutions; (e) the methodologies referred to in point (d) of this paragraph shall be applied for the preparation of each subsequent Union-wide network development plan for hydrogen developed by the ENNOH pursuant to Article 60 of this Regulation; (f) the ENNOH shall develop the joint scenarios, infrastructure gaps reports, the single sector draft methodology and the integrated model in accordance with Articles 11, 12 and 13 of Regulation (EU) 2022/869; (g) where decisions need to be made to ensure system efficiency as defined in Article 2, point (4), of Directive (EU) 2023/1791 across energy-carriers the Commission shall ensure that the ENTSO for Electricity, the ENTSO for Gas and the ENNOH cooperate closely; (h) the ENNOH, the ENTSO for Electricity and the ENTSO for Gas shall cooperate in an efficient, inclusive and transparent manner, they shall facilitate taking decisions by consensus and they shall develop the necessary working arrangements for the purpose of enabling such cooperation and ensuring their fair representation. The ENNOH, together with the ENTSO for Electricity and the ENTSO for Gas, may establish working groups to fulfil its obligations pursuant to the first subparagraph, points (a), (b) and (d) and shall ensure fair and equal representation of the hydrogen, electricity and gas sectors in the working groups.
Article 62 Costs of the ENNOH
The costs related to the execution of tasks of the ENNOH referred to in Article 59 shall be borne by the hydrogen transmission network operators and shall be taken into account in the calculation of tariffs. Regulatory authorities shall approve those costs provided that they are reasonable and appropriate.
Article 63 Consultations by the ENNOH
1. While preparing the proposals pursuant to the tasks referred to in Article 59, the ENNOH shall conduct an extensive public consultation process, at an early stage and in an open and transparent manner, involving all relevant market participants, and, in particular, the organisations representing all stakeholders, in accordance with the rules of procedure referred to in Article 57. The consultation process shall accommodate stakeholder comments before the final adoption of the proposal, with the aim of identifying the views and proposals of all relevant stakeholders during the decision-making process. That consultation shall also involve regulatory authorities and other national authorities, producers, network users including customers, technical bodies and stakeholder platforms. 2. All documents and minutes of meetings related to the consultations referred to in paragraph 1 shall be made public. 3. Before adopting the proposals referred to in Article 59, the ENNOH shall indicate how the observations received during the consultation have been taken into consideration. It shall provide reasons where observations have not been taken into account.
Article 64 ACER’s monitoring of the ENNOH
1. ACER shall monitor the execution of the tasks of the ENNOH referred to in Article 59 and report its findings to the Commission. 2. ACER shall monitor the implementation by the ENNOH of network codes and guidelines adopted by the Commission as laid down in Articles 72, 73 and 74. Where the ENNOH has failed to implement such network codes or guidelines, ACER shall request the ENNOH to provide a duly reasoned explanation as to why it has failed to do so. ACER shall inform the Commission of that explanation and provide its opinion thereon. 3. The ENNOH shall submit the draft Union-wide network development plan for hydrogen, the draft annual work programme, including the information regarding the consultation process, and the other documents referred to in Article 59 to ACER for its opinion. Within two months of the date of receipt, ACER shall provide a duly reasoned opinion as well as recommendations to the ENNOH and to the Commission where it considers that the draft annual work programme or the draft Union-wide network development plan for hydrogen submitted by the ENNOH does not contribute to non-discrimination, effective competition, the proper functioning of the market or a sufficient level of cross-border interconnection. The ENNOH shall duly take into account ACER’s opinion and recommendations.
Article 65 Regional cooperation of hydrogen transmission network operators
1. Hydrogen transmission network operators shall establish regional cooperation within the ENNOH to contribute to the tasks referred to in Article 59. 2. Hydrogen transmission network operators shall promote operational arrangements in order to ensure the optimum management of the network and shall ensure interoperability of the interconnected Union hydrogen system for facilitating commercial and operational cooperation between adjacent hydrogen transmission network operators.
Article 66 Transparency requirements concerning hydrogen network operators
1. The hydrogen network operator shall make public detailed information regarding the services it offers and the relevant conditions applied, together with the technical information necessary for hydrogen network users to obtain effective network access. 2. In order to ensure transparent, objective and non-discriminatory tariffs and facilitate efficient utilisation of the hydrogen network, from 1 January 2031 hydrogen network operators or relevant regulatory authorities shall publish complete information on tariff derivation, methodology and structure. 3. The hydrogen network operators shall make public detailed information regarding the quality of hydrogen transported in their networks, which might affect network users. 4. The relevant points of a hydrogen network on which the information is to be made public shall be approved by the competent authorities after consultation with hydrogen network users. 5. The hydrogen network operators shall always disclose the information required by this Regulation in a meaningful, quantifiably clear, easily accessible and non-discriminatory manner. 6. The hydrogen network operators shall make public ex ante and ex post supply and demand information, including a periodic forecast and the recorded information. The regulatory authority shall ensure that all such information is made public. The level of detail of the information that is made public shall reflect the information available to the hydrogen network operator. 7. The market participants concerned shall provide the hydrogen network operator with the data referred to in this Article. 8. Further details required to implement the transparency requirements for hydrogen network operators, including further details on the content, frequency and form of information provision by hydrogen network operators, shall be laid down in a network code established in accordance with Article 72(2).
Article 67 Record keeping in the hydrogen system
Hydrogen network operators, hydrogen storage operators and hydrogen terminal operators shall keep at the disposal of the national authorities, including the regulatory authorities and the national competition authorities, and the Commission, all information referred to in Articles 34 and 66 and in point 4 of Annex I for a period of five years.
Article 68 Presumption of conformity of practices with harmonised standards for hydrogen
Practices which are in conformity with harmonised standards, or parts thereof, the references of which have been published in the Official Journal of the European Union shall be presumed to be in conformity with the requirements laid down in delegated acts adopted pursuant to Article 72(1), point (b).
Article 69 Common specifications for hydrogen
1. The Commission may lay down common specifications in a network code pursuant to Article 72(1), point (b), of this Regulation or may adopt implementing acts establishing common specifications for the requirements laid down in Article 50 of Directive (EU) 2024/1788, where: (a) those requirements are not covered by harmonised standards, or parts thereof, the references of which have been published in the Official Journal of the European Union; (b) the Commission has requested, pursuant to Article 10(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1025/2012, one or more European standardisation organisation to draft a harmonised standard for those requirements and at least one of the following conditions has been fulfilled: (i) the request of the Commission has not been accepted by any of the European standardisation organisations; (ii) the Commission observes undue delays in the adoption of the requested harmonised standards; (iii) a European standardisation organisation has delivered a standard that does not entirely correspond with the request of the Commission; or (c) the Commission has decided in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 11(5) of Regulation (EU) No 1025/2012 to maintain with restriction or to withdraw the references to the harmonised standards, or parts thereof, by which those requirements are covered. The implementing acts referred to in the first subparagraph of this paragraph shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 81(3). 2. In the early preparation of the draft implementing act establishing the common specifications referred to in paragraph 1, the Commission shall gather the views of relevant bodies or expert groups established under relevant sectorial Union law, and shall duly consult all relevant stakeholders. On the basis of that consultation, the Commission shall prepare the draft implementing act. 3. Practices which are in conformity with common specifications, or parts thereof, shall be presumed to be in conformity with the requirements laid down in the delegated acts adopted pursuant to Article 72(1), point (b), to the extent that those requirements are covered by such common specifications or parts thereof. 4. Where a harmonised standard is adopted by a European standardisation organisation and proposed to the Commission for the purpose of publishing its reference in the Official Journal of the European Union, the Commission shall assess the harmonised standard in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 1025/2012. When the reference of a harmonised standard is published in the Official Journal of the European Union, the Commission shall repeal implementing acts referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article, or parts thereof which cover the same requirements referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article.
Article 70 Adoption of network codes and guidelines
1. The Commission may, subject to the empowerments laid down in Articles 71 to 74, adopt delegated or implementing acts. Such acts may either be adopted as network codes on the basis of text proposals developed by the ENTSO for Gas or the ENNOH, or, where so provided for in the priority list established pursuant to Article 71(3), by the EU DSO entity, where relevant in cooperation with the ENTSO for Gas, the ENNOH and ACER, pursuant to the procedure laid down in Articles 71, 72 and 73, or as guidelines pursuant to the procedure laid down in Article 74. 2. The network codes and guidelines shall: (a) provide the minimum degree of harmonisation required to achieve the objectives of this Regulation; (b) take into account regional specificities, where appropriate; (c) not go beyond what is necessary for the purposes of point (a); and (d) apply to all interconnection points within the Union and entry points from and exit points to third countries from 5 August 2026. 3. Until 5 February 2026, regulatory authorities may submit a request to the Commission for a derogation from the application of the network codes and guidelines referred to in paragraph 1 at entry points from and exit points to third countries pursuant to paragraph 2, point (d). The request for a derogation shall be submitted simultaneously to the Commission and to ACER. Within three months of the date of receipt of the request for a derogation ACER shall provide a reasoned opinion to the Commission. The Commission shall adopt a decision on the request for a derogation, taking into account ACER’s reasoned opinion and after assessing whether the regulatory authority has: (a) demonstrated that a network code or guideline, or specific element of those acts, cannot be effectively implemented at entry points from and exit points to third countries; in the case of interconnection points with third countries which have the obligation to adapt to the Union energy acquis, including this Regulation, pursuant to an agreement concluded between the Union and those third countries, but where application or implementation has not been completed, the request for a derogation shall specify which provisions of this Regulation have not been effectively applied or implemented in the third country concerned or which technical rules or lack of technical rules in the third country impede the application of the specific provisions of the relevant network code or guideline; (b) explained which measures were taken to alleviate the obstacles to the application of the specific provisions of the relevant network code or guideline; (c) demonstrated that the derogation is not detrimental to the proper functioning of the internal market for natural gas, or to the security of supply of the Union or of a Member State. The derogation shall be limited to the specific provisions that cannot be effectively implemented and shall be granted for a limited period of time.
Article 71 Establishment of network codes for natural gas
1. The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 80 to supplement this Regulation by establishing network codes in the following areas: (a) network security and reliability rules including rules for operational network security as well as reliability rules ensuring the quality of service of the network; (b) network connection rules including rules on the connection of renewable gas and low-carbon gas production facilities, and procedures for connection requests; (c) operational procedures in an emergency including system defence plans, restoration plans, market interactions, information exchange and communication tools and facilities; (d) rules for trading related to technical and operational provision of network access services and system balancing; (e) energy efficiency of natural gas networks and components as well as energy efficiency with regard to network planning and investments enabling the most energy efficient solution from a system perspective; (f) cybersecurity aspects of cross-border natural gas flows, including rules on common minimum requirements, planning, monitoring, reporting and crisis management. 2. The Commission may adopt implementing acts establishing network codes in the following areas: (a) interoperability rules for the natural gas system, implementing Article 21 of this Regulation and Articles 10, 39 and 44 of Directive (EU) 2024/1788, including addressing interconnection agreements, rules on flow control and measurement principles for the quantity of natural gas and gas quality, allocation and matching rules, common sets of units, data exchange, gas quality, including rules on managing cross-border restrictions due to gas quality differences or due to differences in odorisation practices or due to differences in the volume of hydrogen blended in the natural gas system, cost-benefit analyses for removing cross-border flow restrictions, Wobbe Index classification, mitigating measures, minimum acceptance levels for gas quality parameters relevant for ensuring the unhindered cross-border flow of biomethane, for example oxygen content, short- and long-term gas quality monitoring, information provision and cooperation among relevant market participants, reporting on gas quality, transparency, communication procedures including in the case of exceptional circumstances; (b) capacity-allocation and congestion-management rules implementing Articles 8 to 11 of this Regulation and Article 31 of Directive (EU) 2024/1788, including rules on cooperation on maintenance procedures and capacity calculation affecting capacity allocation, the standardisation of capacity products and units including bundling, the allocation methodology including auction algorithms, sequence and procedure for existing, incremental, firm and interruptible capacity, capacity booking platforms, oversubscription and buy back schemes, short and long-term use-it-or-lose-it schemes or any other congestion-management scheme that prevents the hoarding of capacity; (c) balancing rules including network-related rules on nomination procedures, rules for imbalance charges, settlement processes associated with the daily imbalance charge and rules for operational balancing between transmission system operators’ systems implementing Articles 8 to 11 of this Regulation and Article 39(5) of Directive (EU) 2024/1788; (d) rules on harmonised transmission tariff structures implementing Articles 17 and 18 of this Regulation and Article 78(7) of Directive (EU) 2024/1788, including rules on the application of a reference price methodology, the associated consultation and publication requirements including for the allowed or target revenue as well as the calculation of reserve prices for standard capacity products, discounts for LNG terminal and storage, procedures for the implementation of providing a discount for renewable gas and low-carbon gas, including common principles for inter-transmission-system-operator compensation mechanisms pursuant to Article 17(4) and Article 18 of this Regulation, where appropriate; (e) rules for determining the value of transferred assets and the dedicated charge. The implementing acts referred to in the first subparagraph of this paragraph shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 81(3). 3. The Commission shall, after consulting ACER, the ENTSO for Gas, the ENNOH, the EU DSO entity and other relevant stakeholders, establish, every three years, a priority list, identifying the areas set out in paragraphs 1 and 2 to be included in the development of network codes. If the subject matter of the network code is directly related to the operation of the distribution system and not primarily relevant to the transmission system, the Commission may require the EU DSO entity, in cooperation with the ENTSO for Gas, to convene a drafting committee and submit a proposal for a network code to ACER. 4. The Commission shall request ACER to submit to it, within a reasonable period not exceeding six months of receipt of the Commission’s request, non-binding framework guidelines setting out clear and objective principles for the development of network codes relating to the areas identified in the priority list. The request of the Commission may include conditions which the framework guidelines shall address. Those framework guidelines shall contribute to market integration, non-discrimination, effective competition, and the proper functioning of the market. Upon the reasoned request of ACER, the Commission may extend the period for submitting the framework guidelines. 5. ACER shall consult the ENTSO for Gas, the ENNOH, the EU DSO entity, and other relevant stakeholders with regard to the framework guidelines, for a period of no less than two months, in an open and transparent manner. 6. ACER shall submit framework guidelines to the Commission where requested to do so under paragraph 4. 7. If the Commission considers that the framework guidelines do not contribute to market integration, non-discrimination, effective competition and the proper functioning of the market, it may request ACER to review the framework guidelines within a reasonable period and resubmit it to the Commission. 8. If ACER fails to submit or resubmit framework guidelines within the period set by the Commission under paragraph 4 or 7, the Commission shall develop the framework guidelines concerned. 9. The Commission shall request the ENTSO for Gas or, where provided for in the priority list referred to in paragraph 3, the EU DSO entity in cooperation with the ENTSO for Gas, to submit to ACER, within a reasonable period not exceeding 12 months of receipt of the Commission’s request, a proposal for a network code in accordance with the relevant framework guidelines. 10. The ENTSO for Gas, or where provided for in the priority list referred to in paragraph 3 the EU DSO entity, in cooperation with the ENTSO for Gas, shall convene a drafting committee to assist it in the network code development process. The drafting committee shall consist of representatives of ACER, the ENTSO for Gas, the ENNOH, where appropriate the EU DSO entity, and a limited number of the main affected stakeholders. The ENTSO for Gas or where provided for in the priority list referred to paragraph 3 the EU DSO entity, in cooperation with the ENTSO for Gas, shall develop proposals for network codes in the areas referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 where so requested by the Commission pursuant to paragraph 9. 11. ACER shall revise the proposal for a network code to ensure that it complies with the relevant framework guidelines and contributes to market integration, non-discrimination, effective competition and the proper functioning of the market, and shall submit the revised network code to the Commission within six months of receipt of the proposal. In the proposal submitted to the Commission, ACER shall take into account the views provided by all involved parties during the drafting of the proposal for a network code led by the ENTSO for Gas or the EU DSO entity and shall consult the relevant stakeholders on the revised version of the proposal for a network code to be submitted to the Commission. 12. Where the ENTSO for Gas or the EU DSO entity have failed to develop a network code within the period set by the Commission pursuant to paragraph 9, the Commission may request ACER to prepare a draft network code on the basis of the relevant framework guidelines. ACER may launch a further consultation for the purpose of preparing a draft network code pursuant to this paragraph. ACER shall submit a draft network code prepared pursuant to this paragraph to the Commission and may recommend that it be adopted. 13. Where the ENTSO for Gas or the EU DSO entity have failed to develop a network code, or ACER has failed to develop a draft network code as referred to in paragraph 12, the Commission may adopt, on its own initiative, or upon the proposal of ACER under paragraph 11, one or more network codes in the areas listed in paragraphs 1 and 2. 14. Where the Commission proposes to adopt a network code on its own initiative as referred to in paragraph 13, the Commission shall consult ACER, the ENTSO for Gas and all relevant stakeholders with regard to the draft network code for a period of no less than two months. 15. This Article shall be without prejudice to the Commission’s right to adopt and amend the guidelines as laid down in Article 74. It shall be without prejudice to the possibility for the ENTSO for Gas to develop non-binding guidance in the areas set out in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this Article where such guidance does not relate to areas covered by a request addressed to the ENTSO for Gas by the Commission. The ENTSO for Gas shall submit any such guidance to ACER for an opinion and shall duly take that opinion into account.
Article 72 Establishment of network codes for hydrogen
1. The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 80 to supplement this Regulation by establishing network codes in the following areas: (a) energy efficiency regarding hydrogen networks and components as well as energy efficiency with regard to network planning and investments enabling the most energy efficient solution from a system perspective; (b) interoperability rules for the hydrogen network, including addressing interconnection agreements, units, data exchange, transparency, communication, information provision and cooperation among relevant market participants as well as hydrogen quality, including common specifications at interconnection points and standardisation, odorisation, cost benefit analyses for removing cross-border flow restrictions due to hydrogen quality differences and reporting on hydrogen quality; (c) rules for the system of financial compensation for cross-border hydrogen infrastructure referred to in Article 59 of Directive (EU) 2024/1788; (d) capacity-allocation and congestion-management rules, including rules on cooperation on maintenance procedures and capacity calculation affecting capacity allocation, the standardisation of capacity products and units including bundling, the allocation methodology including auction algorithms, sequence and procedure for existing, incremental, firm and interruptible capacity, capacity booking platforms, oversubscription and buy back schemes, short and long-term use-it-or-lose-it schemes or any other congestion-management scheme that prevents the hoarding of capacity; (e) rules regarding harmonised tariff structures for hydrogen network access, including for tariffs at interconnection points as referred to in Article 7(8), rules on the application of a reference price methodology, the associated consultation and publication requirements including for the allowed or target revenue, as well as the calculation of reserve prices for standard capacity products and allowed revenue; (f) rules for determining the value of transferred assets and the dedicated charge; (g) rules for determining the inter-temporal cost allocation; (h) balancing rules including network-related rules on nomination procedure, rules for imbalance charges and rules for operational balancing between hydrogen network operators’ networks, imbalance charges, settlement processes associated with the daily imbalance charge and operational balancing between hydrogen network operators’ networks; (i) cybersecurity aspects of cross-border hydrogen flows, including rules on common minimum requirements, planning, monitoring, reporting and crisis management. 2. The Commission may adopt implementing acts establishing network codes in the area of transparency rules implementing Article 66, including further details on the content, frequency and form of information provision by hydrogen network operators and implementing point 4 of Annex I, including details on the format and content of the information necessary for network users for effective access to the network, information to be published at relevant points, and details on time schedules. The implementing acts referred to in the first subparagraph of this paragraph shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 81(2). 3. The Commission shall, after consulting ACER, the ENNOH and, where relevant, the ENTSO for Gas or the EU DSO entity, as well as other relevant stakeholders, establish, every three years, a priority list, identifying the areas set out in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this Article to be included in the development of network codes. The Commission shall establish the first priority list for the development of hydrogen network codes within one year of the establishment of the ENNOH as provided for in Article 57. 4. The Commission shall request ACER to submit to it, within a reasonable period not exceeding six months of receipt of the Commission’s request, non-binding framework guidelines setting out clear and objective principles for the development of network codes relating to the areas identified in the priority list. The request of the Commission may include conditions which the framework guidelines shall address. Those framework guidelines shall contribute to market integration, non-discrimination, effective competition, and the proper functioning of the market. Upon the reasoned request of ACER, the Commission may extend the period for submitting the framework guidelines. 5. ACER shall consult the ENNOH and, where relevant, the ENTSO for Gas, as well as other relevant stakeholders with regard to the framework guidelines, for a period of no less than two months, in an open and transparent manner. 6. ACER shall submit framework guidelines to the Commission where requested to do so under paragraph 4. 7. If the Commission considers that the framework guidelines do not contribute to market integration, non-discrimination, effective competition and the proper functioning of the market, it may request ACER to review the framework guidelines within a reasonable period and resubmit it to the Commission. 8. If ACER fails to submit or resubmit framework guidelines within the period set by the Commission under paragraph 4 or 7, the Commission shall develop the framework guidelines concerned. 9. The Commission shall request the ENNOH to submit to ACER, within a reasonable period not exceeding 12 months of receipt of the Commission’s request, a proposal for a network code in accordance with the relevant framework guidelines. 10. The ENNOH shall convene a drafting committee to assist it in the network code development process. The drafting committee shall consist of representatives of ACER, the ENTSO for Gas, the ENTSO for Electricity and, where appropriate, the EU DSO entity, and a limited number of the main affected stakeholders. The ENNOH shall develop proposals for network codes in the areas referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 where so requested by the Commission pursuant to paragraph 9. 11. ACER shall revise the proposal for a network code to ensure that it complies with the relevant framework guidelines and contributes to market integration, non-discrimination, effective competition and the proper functioning of the market and shall submit the revised network code to the Commission within six months of receipt of the proposal. In the proposal submitted to the Commission, ACER shall take into account the views provided by all involved parties during the drafting of the proposal for a network code led by the ENNOH and shall consult the relevant stakeholders on the revised version of the proposal for a network code to be submitted to the Commission. 12. Where the ENNOH has failed to develop a network code within the period set by the Commission pursuant to paragraph 9, the Commission may request ACER to prepare a draft network code on the basis of the relevant framework guidelines. ACER may launch a further consultation for the purpose of preparing a draft network code pursuant to this paragraph. ACER shall submit a draft network code prepared pursuant to this paragraph to the Commission and may recommend that it be adopted. 13. Where the ENNOH has failed to develop a network code, or ACER has failed to develop a draft network code as referred to in paragraph 12, the Commission may adopt, on its own initiative, or upon the proposal of ACER pursuant to paragraph 11, one or more network codes in the areas listed in paragraphs 1 and 2. 14. Where the Commission proposes to adopt a network code on its own initiative as referred to in paragraph 13, it shall consult ACER, the ENNOH, the ENTSO for Gas and all relevant stakeholders with regard to the draft network code for a period of no less than two months. 15. This Article shall be without prejudice to the Commission’s right to adopt and amend the guidelines as laid down in Article 74. It shall be without prejudice to the possibility for the ENNOH to develop non-binding guidance in the areas set out in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this Article where such guidance does not relate to areas covered by a request addressed to the ENNOH by the Commission. The ENNOH shall submit any such guidance to ACER for an opinion and shall duly take that opinion into account.
Article 73 Amendments to network codes
1. The Commission is empowered to amend the network codes within the areas listed in Article 71(1) and (2) and in Article 72(1) and (2) in accordance with the relevant procedure set out in those Articles. 2. Persons who are likely to have an interest in any network code adopted pursuant to Articles 70, 71, 72 and this Article, including the ENTSO for Gas, the ENNOH, the EU DSO entity, regulatory authorities, transmission system operators, distribution system operators, system users and consumers, may propose draft amendments to that network code to ACER. ACER may also propose amendments on its own initiative. 3. ACER may make reasoned proposals to the Commission for amendments, explaining how such proposals are consistent with the objectives of the network codes set out in Article 70 of this Regulation. Where it considers a proposal for an amendment to be admissible and where it proposes amendments on its own initiative, ACER shall consult all relevant stakeholders in accordance with Article 14 of Regulation (EU) 2019/942.
Article 74 Guidelines
1. The Commission is empowered to adopt binding guidelines in the areas listed in this Article. 2. The Commission is empowered to adopt guidelines in the areas where such acts could also be developed under the network code procedure pursuant to Articles 71 and 72. Those guidelines shall be adopted in the form of delegated or implementing acts, depending on the relevant empowerment provided for in this Regulation. 3. The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 80 to supplement this Regulation by establishing guidelines in the following areas: (a) details of third-party access services, including the character, duration and other requirements of those services, in accordance with Articles 6, 7 and 8; (b) details of the principles underlying capacity-allocation mechanisms and on the application of congestion-management procedures in the event of contractual congestion, in accordance with Articles 10 and 11; (c) details of the provision of information, definition of the technical information necessary for network users to obtain effective access to the system and the definition of all relevant points for transparency requirements, including the information to be published at all relevant points and the time schedule for the publication of that information, in accordance with Articles 33 and 34; (d) details of tariff methodology related to cross-border trade of natural gas, in accordance with Articles 17 and 18. 4. The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 80 in order to amend the guidelines laid down in Annex I, with a view to specifying: (a) the details of the information to be published on the methodology used to set the regulated revenue of the transmission system operator, in accordance with Articles 33 and 34; (b) the details of the principles of capacity-allocation mechanisms and congestion-management procedures implementing Articles 10 and 11; (c) the details of the technical information necessary for network users to obtain effective access to the natural gas system implementing Article 33(1); (d) the details of the definition of all relevant points, the information to be published and the schedule for transparency requirements implementing Article 33; (e) the details of the format and content of technical information on network access to be published by hydrogen network operators implementing Article 66. 5. When amending guidelines, the Commission shall consult: (a) ACER, the ENTSO for Gas and the EU DSO entity and, where relevant, other stakeholders for guidelines that concern natural gas; (b) ACER, the ENNOH and the EU DSO entity and, where relevant, other stakeholders for guidelines that concern hydrogen.
Article 75 Right of Member States to provide for more detailed measures
This Regulation shall be without prejudice to the rights of Member States to maintain or introduce measures that contain more detailed provisions than those set out in this Regulation, in the guidelines referred to in Article 74 or in the network codes referred to in Articles 70 to 73, provided that those measures comply with Union law.
Article 76 Provision of information and confidentiality
1. Member States and regulatory authorities shall, upon request, provide the Commission with the information necessary for the purposes of enforcing this Regulation, including the guidelines and the network codes adopted pursuant to this Regulation. 2. The Commission shall set a reasonable time limit within which the information is to be provided, taking into account the complexity and urgency of the information required. 3. If the Member State or the regulatory authority concerned does not provide the information within the time limit set by the Commission, the Commission may request all the information necessary for the purpose of enforcing this Regulation directly from the undertakings concerned. When sending a request for information to an undertaking, the Commission shall, at the same time, forward a copy of the request to the Member State or the regulatory authority concerned of the Member State in whose territory the seat of the undertaking is situated. 4. In its request for information, the Commission shall state the legal basis of the request, the time limit within which the information is to be provided, the purpose of the request, and the penalties provided for in Article 77(2) for supplying incorrect, incomplete or misleading information. 5. The owners of the undertakings or their representatives and, in the case of legal persons, the natural persons authorised to represent the undertaking by law or by their instrument of incorporation, shall supply the information requested. Where lawyers are authorised to supply the information on behalf of their client, the client shall remain fully responsible in the event that the information supplied is incomplete, incorrect or misleading. 6. Where an undertaking does not provide the information requested within the time limit set by the Commission or supplies incomplete information, the Commission may by decision require the information to be provided. That decision shall specify what information is required and set a reasonable time limit within which it is to be supplied. It shall indicate the penalties provided for in Article 77(2). It shall also indicate the right to have the decision reviewed by the Court of Justice of the European Union. The Commission shall, at the same time, send a copy of its decision to the Member State where the person is resident or the seat of the undertaking is situated or the regulatory authority of that Member State. 7. The information referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall be used only for the purposes of enforcing this Regulation. The Commission shall not disclose information acquired pursuant to this Regulation where that information is covered by the obligation of professional secrecy.
Article 77 Penalties
1. Member States shall lay down the rules on penalties applicable to infringements of this Regulation, the network codes and guidelines adopted pursuant to Articles 70 to 74 and the guidelines laid down in Annex I and shall take all measures necessary to ensure that they are implemented. The penalties provided for shall be effective, proportionate and dissuasive. Member States shall, without delay, notify the Commission of those rules and of those measures and shall notify it, without delay, of any subsequent amendment affecting them. 2. The Commission may, by decision, impose on undertakings fines not exceeding 1 % of the total turnover in the preceding business year where, intentionally or negligently, those undertakings supply incorrect, incomplete or misleading information in response to a request for information made pursuant to Article 76(4) or fail to supply information within the time-limit set in a decision adopted pursuant to Article 76(6), first subparagraph. When setting the amount of a fine, the Commission shall take into account the gravity of the undertaking’s failure to comply with the network codes and guidelines adopted pursuant to Articles 70 to 74 and the guidelines laid down in Annex I. 3. The penalties provided for pursuant to paragraph 1 and any decisions taken pursuant to paragraph 2 shall not be of a criminal law nature.