Episode 37 of the WHySE Creatures Stories
This post first appeared on LinkedIn on 6 October 2026.
“The EU is scrapping the hydrogen quota. Shall I carry on?”
Rat sits on the veranda with Dog, Snake and Dragon, looking a little lost. In front of her lies a document leaked from Brussels. She wants to appoint Buffalo as the main contractor. And now this.
Dog puts down his cup. “Let’s sort this out. Snake, what do you think?”
Snake looks at the document. “This paper refers to RED IV – the forthcoming version of the Renewable Energy Directive. It’s an impact assessment by the Commission. A working paper. Not a draft bill.”
“But the headline…”, Rat interjects.
“Headlines are short. Processes are long. Valid legislation is published in the Federal Law Gazette (BGBl.) and on EUR-Lex, the online portal for EU law,” grumbles Dragon. “I’ve seen many regulations come and go. And many projects have been put on hold. They cost time and money. Panic has rarely been a good investment decision.”
“So, carry on as planned?” asks Rat.
“Yes – and keep a close eye on things,” says Dog. “Between a working paper and a law lie several rounds of consultationbefore it is published. Until then, the current law applies.”
“And what if I lose track of it all?” asks Rat.
Dog slides the compass across the table to her. “Then get in touch before you put anything on hold. We’ll clarify what actually applies to your plant. Check, yes. But don’t stop anything until there’s a reason to. Don’t panic.”
Rat breathes a sigh of relief and places the document at the very bottom of the pile.
The applicable law hasn’t changed. Yet a headline is causing unease.