The European Commission is expanding the EU Energy & Raw Materials Platform with a new mechanism focused on critical raw materials. In this strategic initiative as well, SFÉRA plays an important role, being responsible for the development and implementation of the technological solution behind the energy platform.

The platform was created in response to geopolitical developments and the growing need to reduce the European Union’s dependence on energy and strategic material imports from high-risk regions. Its purpose is not to create a new trading marketplace, but to establish an efficient tool that helps the market navigate supply and demand and connect them more effectively.

The first mechanism, focused on hydrogen, was successfully launched at the end of last year. It covers not only renewable and low‑carbon hydrogen, but also its derivatives – ammonia, methanol and sustainable aviation fuels (eSAF). The very first round already confirmed strong market interest.

Aggregating Demand, Increasing Supply Visibility and Connecting the Market

Building on the successful launch of the hydrogen mechanism, the platform is now introducing a mechanism for critical raw materials. The first demand round focuses primarily on materials of strategic importance for battery systems and the defence industry. Companies interested in participating can register until the end of April this year.

The objective remains the same as with hydrogen: to help European companies establish new supplier relationships, support diversification of sources, and reduce vulnerabilities in supply chains.

The development and implementation of the platform are delivered by SFÉRA, which won the tender as part of a consortium with partner PwC. Cooperation with the European Commission represents not only a challenge but also confirmation of the company’s expert capabilities.
“It is a great opportunity for us. We are working with a client that has a clear vision, a strong expert team and high quality requirements. That pushes us forward,” said SFÉRA analyst Gábor Nagy in the podcast Otvorene o plyne.

The final milestone of the EU Energy & Raw Materials Platform will be the launch of the gas mechanism in the autumn. “It will focus on natural gas, LNG, as well as biomethane, which the Commission sees as a key renewable gas in the future energy mix,” Gábor Nagy added.
More about the platform expansion