CertifHy’s Strategic Partner Expansion for Hydrogen Certification As the hydrogen industry grapples with the intricacies of the EU’s Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO) standards, CertifHy has taken a pivotal step by appointing three distinguished certification bodies to oversee audits of hydrogen producers.
These bodies include Belgium’s Vinçotte and Germany-based TÜD Rheinland and TÜD SÜD, each entrusted with ensuring hydrogen’s compliance with stringent EU directives, particularly concerning renewable energy sourcing and consumption.
EU directives stipulate that by 2030, producers seeking subsidies must source electricity from newly constructed renewable sources aligned with the grid’s temporal production schedule. With these upcoming requirements, the role of CertifHy, backed by industry stakeholders, is crucial. Their Managing Director, Matthieu Boisson, emphasizes the commitment to integrity and transparency across hydrogen production processes, aiming to maintain consumer and regulatory trust.
These audits, aligned strictly with ISO 17065 and ISO 14065 standards, fortify CertifHy’s governance and adherence to EU rules around additionality, timing, location, and carbon accounting. The assurance of these parameters is essential for maintaining a trustworthy certification that meets undisputed EU guidelines.
Nevertheless, while governance might seem straightforward, the industry is divided over the tangible impacts of RFNBO compliance. Hydrogen Europe, an industry association, argues that the robustness of RFNBO standards may inadvertently stifle competitiveness. Costly requirements for hourly matching and grid alignment could prove a significant financial burden, potentially stalling sector scalability.
Further complicating matters, CEO of Oxccu, Andrew Symes, points to the potential bottleneck these requirements might impose on related sectors, such as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The dependency on compliant green hydrogen poses challenges if the hydrogen cannot be produced cost-effectively within the regulatory framework.
CertifHy’s Pierre Krenn, driving the operational aspect of these audits, voices the importance of resource adequacy and procedural efficiency. By equipping auditors with advanced tools and methodologies, CertifHy aims to alleviate some of the industry’s concerns, promoting a certification process that not only adheres to standards but also adds value through constructive insights and streamlined operations.
However, this noble intention from CertifHy faces the challenge of aligning with broader industry interests where cost-effectiveness and scalability are concerns. As the European Commission considers its next steps in addressing these industry apprehensions, it remains crucial for stakeholders to engage in cohesive discussions. This alignment of interests is essential if the RFNBO vision for a green hydrogen future is to be fully realized without inadvertently hindering growth.
