The EU targets to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 and the RED II / III requirements make certified hydrogen a prerequisite for market access in Europe. If you and your organization want to produce, import or use renewable hydrogen in the EU, you must meet strict criteria.
TÜV Rheinland is one of the first recognized certification bodies to offer the CertifHy EU RFNBO certification, an internationally recognized solution for sustainable hydrogen certification. Benefit from our testing expertise to gain access to EU market mechanisms and meet regulatory requirements in a fast-changing environment.
What is the CertifHy EU RFNBO certification?
CertifHy is a European certification system for sustainably produced hydrogen and e-fuels. It assesses so-called Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBOs), fuels that come exclusively from renewable, non-biological energy sources such as wind, solar energy, or hydropower. The best-known example is green hydrogen, which is produced by electrolysis using renewable electricity.
The term RFNBO comes from the EU's Renewable Energy Directive 2018/2001 (RED II). RFNBO certification based on the CertifHy standard is the prerequisite for the issue of proofs of sustainability (POS) and therefore crucial for the participation in EU market mechanisms under RED II / RED III.
Why you need an RFNBO certification:
RFNBO certification is mandatory for all organizations wanting to trade, produce or use hydrogen in accordance with RED II / III in the EU, because only certified RFNBOs:
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are eligible to be issued Proofs of Sustainability (POS), the official proof of the product's origin and sustainability.
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allow the participation in EU market mechanisms, such as trading with greenhouse gas reduction quotas (GHG quotas).
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meet the formal requirements set by authorities, regulatory agencies, and incentive programs.
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measurably contribute to meeting the EU's renewable energy targets, particularly in the industrial and mobility sectors.
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secure competitive advantages thanks to a transparent, standard-compliant, and traceable production.
Key requirements for a CertifHy EU RFNBO certification.
For hydrogen to be certified as an RFNBO, strict technical and regulatory requirements must be met, which focus on a sustainable production by electrolysis using electricity from renewable, non-biological sources such as wind, solar energy or hydropower. In addition, the EU Directive specifies key criteria:
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TÜV Rheinland is your recognized testing body for CertifHy EU RFNBO.
TÜV Rheinland is one of the first recognized certification bodies to offer CertifHy EU RFNBO certification. Certification is performed as part of a recognized voluntary certification scheme based on the CertifHy RFNBO scheme documents, and it is a prerequisite for obtaining Proofs of Sustainability (POS) and for accessing EU funding mechanisms according to RED II / RED III.
We offer both certification and an upstream pre-certification (design stage). The latter involves the collaboration between the operator (e.g. the hydrogen producer), an external consultant (e.g. Hinicio or LBST) and the certification body (TÜV Rheinland) even before the plant goes into operation. The initial certification is performed in line with the commissioning of the plant, followed by ex-post certification six months later. Thereafter, a re-certification is required at least annually.
We support you throughout the entire certification process:
Your benefits at a glance:
Only a valid RFNBO certification enables you to benefit from incentives such as the GHG quota and to unlock regulatory advantages.
The certification confirms compliance with all RED II / III criteria via an independent, internationally recognized sustainability certificate.
A valid CertifHy EU RFNBO certificate creates trust among customers, partners and investors and provides a significant competitive advantage.
From the initial concept to the final re-certification: As an experienced and recognized testing body, TÜV Rheinland supports you throughout the entire process.
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Inquire about CertifHy EU RFNBO certification now
You would like to enter the European market, gain access to EU market mechanisms or obtain reliable proof of sustainability for your hydrogen production? With the CertifHy EU RFNBO certification, you meet all RED II / III requirements and position yourself as a trusted, sustainable market player.
Our experts at the H₂ Competence Center are at your side and will support you throughout the entire certification process.
Questions? We have the answers here.
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