Is there a certification scheme for sustainable hydrogen?

At the international level, there is currently no recognized certification scheme for sustainable hydrogen, even though the “ GH2 Green Hydrogen Standard ” aims to establish an international sustainability certificate for green hydrogen . However, international certification is particularly relevant for hydrogen trade in between economies.

What is a green hydrogen certificate?

They will typically be managed by non-profit organisations or other official entities, with industry backing. Certificates are essential for the massive deployment and uptake of green hydrogen, as well as for the establishment of national, regional and international green hydrogen markets.

Will a hydrogen production certificate be a proof of sustainability certificate?

The formal recognition is expected to allow for auditing and certifying of certified production plants to issue Proof of Sustainability certificates for hydrogen production. Until the EU's move, the three schemes have only been able to provide provisional certification of the origins of energy used to produce hydrogen and its carbon footprint.

Could a hydrogen certification system be used beyond the hydrogen value chain?

A robust certification system for hydrogen could also be used beyond the hydrogen value chain. It could be envisaged to follow the consecutive transformations the energy undergoes. For instance, the renewably produced electricity could receive a certificate, which is then transferred to the hydrogen.

What are the regulatory requirements for renewable hydrogen in the EU?

For hydrogen in the EU, the regulatory requirements of RED II for renewable hydrogen have been decisive so far. These were recently adopted for RED III and include criteria for both the electricity supply and the carbon footprint . The U.S. IRA links the conditions for hydrogen funding to the carbon footprint .

Why do you need a hydrogen certificate?

First, a certificate assures the customer that the product meets certain sustainability requirements (such as GHG emissions). This may be relevant to reduce the customer’s Scope 2 and 3 emissions on a voluntary basis. Second, the consumption of renewable hydrogen may be required to meet mandatory targets.