What are the benefits of having hydrogen certification?

Hydrogen certification helps increase market and consumer acceptance

As the global energy industry transitions to low-carbon replacements, hydrogen has been identified as an alternative source which is expected to attract over $500bn of investment by 2030¹ in a variety of projects, from large-scale industrial usage to transportation and energy storage.

To meet the scale of global energy demands, the supply will need to be convenient and cost-comparative. However, key to accelerating the acceptance of hydrogen with both the market and the public is being able to demonstrate safety and credibility in its use. Credibility is crucial as hydrogen can be low carbon, but only when produced via sustainable methods. This is where hydrogen certification will help; by providing a guarantee of the low carbon, and sometimes, renewable properties, the various needs of multiple stakeholders can be addressed and trust can be built.

It is increasingly important that the origin of renewable fuel can be reliably traced to ensure that it has been generated according to sustainability criteria, the supply chain is not compromised, and it is not counted twice. Sustainability is no longer a ‘nice to have’ goal for the future. Operating responsibly resonates strongly with business and consumers, especially those in younger demographics who will be tomorrow’s buyers and decision makers. TÜV SÜD has been providing green hydrogen certification since 2011, and has continuously adapted and updated the standards to meet the developing needs of the sector, the safety of the public, and the shared vision to deliver a more sustainable future.

What are the benefits of hydrogen certification?

• Quantify and prove a reduction in carbon intensity vs grey hydrogen
• Prove the use of renewable electricity (in the case of green)
• Independent verification of the sustainable attributes of the production of green hydrogen and Power-to-X (PtX) derivatives
• Certifications can be used to justify higher prices for low-carbon and/or green hydrogen
• Green Finance Funding available for projects which can evidence they are below an overall carbon intensity
• Demonstrate the sustainable nature of hydrogen and PtX derivates along the supply chain
• Demonstrate compliance with criteria set in the regulatory framework
• Consumers and companies can credit renewable hydrogen and PtX derivates towards private-sector obligations
• Show commitment to a sustainable, future-proof energy supply
• The change to Green Hydrogen production allows companies to make a positive impact on climate change while slashing greenhouse-gas emissions from the outset

Hydrogen certification addresses the various needs of different stakeholders

Governments and Policymakers

• A cost-effective and harmonised solution to fulfil political laws and regulations
• A market-based instrument to support the production of green and low-carbon hydrogen
• Agreed methods of measurement for trade, tariffs and taxation
• Ensures that policy and regulatory instruments perform in the manner intended

Producers of Hydrogen

• Distinguish between grey, green or low-carbon hydrogen
• H₂ which is certified as renewable/sustainable has potentially higher monetary value which serves as additional income

Traders

• Certifications may open new business in various sectors
• Certifications foster the development of niche products for which a higher price could be obtained

Suppliers

• Enable differentiation by offering green and low-carbon hydrogen

End-Users

• Increase trust and acceptance as they are informed on the origin of the hydrogen used
• Reduce overall company emissions and the lifetime emissions of sold products

Some of the hydrogen certification standards available in the market

Different hydrogen standards exist globally, and it is expected that more will be created as hydrogen use increases. Below you can find the most widely used and accepted currently available.

TÜV SÜD CMS 70 and CMS 70+

TÜV SÜD’s GreenHydrogen certification (CMS70) covers the entire hydrogen value chain. Upon a successful assessment, TÜV SÜD provides a guaranteed proof of origin alongside the Green Hydrogen certification, allowing companies to showcase their commitment to a sustainable, future-proof energy supply and provide upstream product emission information to their customers.

TÜV SÜD CMS 77 (Blue H₂)

TÜV SÜD CMS 77 standard sets the maximum threshold for greenhouse gas emissions allowed in the production process for hydrogen and its derivative to be considered ‘Low Carbon Product’. The standard defines a minimum % of CO2 equivalent emission reduction from the global benchmarks for low carbon hydrogen and its derivatives.

CertifHy

CertifHy^TM aims to facilitate and advance the production, procurement, and use of non-renewable, renewable and low-carbon hydrogen. It has developed the CertifHy^TM non-governmental certification (NGC) scheme in Europe to support the growth of the hydrogen market by providing a reliable tool for consumers to track hydrogen’s origin and environmental credentials. The certificates facilitate the trade of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen throughout Europe. TÜV SÜD is officially recognised as a certification body for CertifHy^TM, has been a member of the CertifHy^TM consortium from the outset, and has contributed to the development of the scheme.

REDcert

REDcert offers certification schemes for sustainable biomass, biofuels and bioliquids (REDcert-EU) as well as sustainable agricultural raw materials for use in the food/feed industry and biomass for material purposes respectively material purposes in the chemical industry (REDcert²).

How can I get hydrogen certification?

The certification process is easier than you think.

Once you have agreed with your TÜV SÜD hydrogen consultant which certification scheme is best for your specific situation, we work with you to collect the various documentation and data points to be evaluated as required by the standard. We conduct an audit which documents any improvements required to satisfy the certification criteria. A formal review by the Certification Body takes place before issuing and registering the certificate.

An annual review is typically required to maintain certification.

Find out more about hydrogen certification and the variety of services available from TÜV SÜD for the sector. Or contact us today to discuss your requirements.

1 https://hydrogencouncil.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Hydrogen-Insights-2021.pdf