Eu certification for hydrogen energy storage

What is the EU's hydrogen certification process?

The EU’s certification process ensures accountability and transparency in hydrogen production, paving the way for greater trust in renewable technologies. Certification metrics include lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions assessments to confirm that renewable hydrogen cuts emissions by at least 70% compared to fossil fuels.

How will the EU certify renewable hydrogen products?

International producers exporting renewable hydrogen to the EU will now certify their products under consistent and rigorous standards. The recent formal adoption of two delegated acts in June 2023 has further delineated the roadmap for RFNBO production.

How can renewable hydrogen be certified?

For certification of renewable hydrogen, producers will be able to rely on a well-established system of certification by third parties, so-called voluntary schemes. These are international companies with experience in certifying biofuels, biomass and other products worldwide.

How does the EU promote the development of renewable hydrogen?

The development of renewable hydrogen is promoted in the EU via several instruments including the targets set in the Renewable Energy Directive. To ensure that the hydrogen is produced from renewable energy sources and achieves at least 70% greenhouse gas emissions savings, the Commission adopted 2 delegated acts in June 2023.

What is a hydrogen certificate?

Certificates for hydrogen and its derivatives contain information on compliance with standards and regulatory requirements, and enable verification through data on sustainability criteria, such as the carbon footprint and renewable energy content, thereby allowing differentiation from other less green products.

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.