Green Hydrogen Overview: An Introduction to Hydrogen Certification

As the world moves towards a greener and more sustainable future, hydrogen has emerged as a promising energy carrier that can help reduce carbon emissions across various industries. Hydrogen can be produced from renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, and when used as a fuel, it emits only water and heat, making it a clean and renewable energy source.

However, not all hydrogen is created equal, and there is a need to ensure that the hydrogen produced is truly green and sustainable. This is where hydrogen certification comes into play. In this article, we will provide an overview of hydrogen certification and the different certification schemes that exist in the voluntary and mandatory markets.

Hydrogen Certification: What is it and why is it important?

Hydrogen certification is the process of verifying the origin and quality of hydrogen produced. The certification process typically involves assessing the production process, transportation, storage, and distribution of hydrogen to ensure that it meets certain environmental and sustainability standards.

The certification of hydrogen is essential to ensure that consumers and businesses can trust that the hydrogen they are using is truly green and sustainable. Without proper certification, it can be difficult to differentiate between green hydrogen and hydrogen produced from fossil fuels, which defeats the purpose of using hydrogen as a clean energy source.

Voluntary and Mandatory Markets

Hydrogen certification can be divided into two markets: voluntary and mandatory. Voluntary certification schemes are developed and implemented by organizations or associations that promote sustainable hydrogen production and consumption. In contrast, mandatory certification schemes are implemented by governments to regulate the production and use of hydrogen.

Voluntary Certification Schemes

Several voluntary hydrogen certification schemes exist worldwide. These schemes are often developed by organizations that promote sustainable hydrogen production and consumption. Here are some examples of voluntary hydrogen certification schemes:

1. Aichi Prefecture Low Carbon Hydrogen Certification The Aichi Prefecture Low Carbon Hydrogen Certification is a voluntary certification scheme in Japan that promotes the use of low-carbon hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources. The certification scheme assesses the entire production process, from the production of hydrogen to transportation and distribution, to ensure that it meets certain environmental standards.
2. China Hydrogen Alliance Certification The China Hydrogen Alliance Certification is a voluntary certification scheme that assesses the quality of hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources. The certification scheme covers the entire hydrogen production process and ensures that the hydrogen produced is of high quality and meets environmental standards.
3. California Air Resources Board Low Carbon Fuel Standard The California Air Resources Board Low Carbon Fuel Standard is a mandatory certification scheme that sets requirements for the production and use of low-carbon fuels, including hydrogen. The certification scheme ensures that the hydrogen produced meets certain environmental standards and is used in transportation and other applications.
4. Australian Clean Energy Regulator Hydrogen Guarantee of Origin The Australian Clean Energy Regulator Hydrogen Guarantee of Origin is a voluntary certification scheme that verifies the origin of hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources. The certification scheme ensures that the hydrogen produced is of high quality and meets environmental standards.
5. Green Hydrogen Organisation Green Hydrogen Standard The Green Hydrogen Organisation Green Hydrogen Standard is a voluntary certification scheme that promotes the use of green hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources. The certification scheme assesses the entire hydrogen production process, including transportation and distribution, to ensure that it meets certain environmental and sustainability standards.