The need to harmonize global and national green hydrogen standards
We have just published an article on the
necessity to harmonize global and national green hydrogen standards. We are often asked how the Green Hydrogen Standard interacts with emerging national and regional standards, so we have explained our approach using three examples: (1) the EU’s definition of “renewable hydrogen” under the 2018 Renewable Energy Directive; (2) the greenhouse gas emissions thresholds for production tax credits under the United States’ Inflation Reduction Act 2022; and (3) Australia’s proposed Hydrogen Guarantee of Origin scheme.
Put simply: there are significant differences, which presents significant challenges for green hydrogen producers and consumers. All governments have rules for activities within their borders. It is no exception when it comes to the emissions profile and sustainability criteria when producing green hydrogen.
Our key point is that, by adopting
the Green Hydrogen Standard certification process, companies can demonstrate compliance with national requirements and their alignment with global best practice. Piloting of the standard is underway (see below). GH2 is also in a dialogue with a group of countries about their rules and hydrogen standards; it is envisaged that the Green Hydrogen Standard will form the basis for the further development of their regulatory environment.
We will continue to advocate for greater convergence in emissions and sustainability standards, which will lower compliance costs for developers (and their customers) while ensuring that the growing green hydrogen industry has close to zero-emissions and contributes to sustainable development.
India: GH2 and beyond
Two important events took place this week in New Delhi. We supported a
summit on green hydrogen investment strategies for India which covered the array of issues that must be considered for the green hydrogen sector to take root. In a forward to a whitepaper published for the summit, chair of GH2’s Green Hydrogen Development Plan Erik Solheim noted that India’s green hydrogen policy is putting the country on the path to becoming a green hydrogen superpower.
In parallel, the
First EU-India Green Hydrogen Forum took place. European Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson
outlined her hopes for collaboration with India before rushing back to meet with EU energy ministers to disuss emergency measures on reducing rising costs, where of course green hydrogen must be part of the solution. H.E. Mr R.K. Singh, India’s Minister of Power and New and Renewable Energy, made clear that India’s green hydrogen strategy included exports of green hydrogen and green ammonia. However, he alluded to the risks of restrictive European regulations on green hydrogen. Indeed, the co-chair of the Confederation of Indian Industry and chairman of AVADA, Vineet Mittal, referred specifically to the EU’s Delegated Act on additionality which as we have said previously does risk being a barrier to exports of green hydrogen to the EU.
To top off the week for green hydrogen in India, the Wall Street Journal today
underlined the critical role of major companies Adani (a GH2 member) and Reliance Industries to the country realizing its decarbonisation goals. Green hydrogen is at the centre of each companies’ plans to transition away from fossil fuels.
The other thing that India has going for it is active civil society groups which will monitor and support the sustainable development of green hydrogen in the country. We commend the work of the
Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW),
WRI India and
Youth for Green Hydrogen with many of its founding members from India.
Testing of green hydrogen projects under GH2 standard
Given the growing appreciation of the need for consistent global standards, we are progressing our work with several leading green hydrogen producers to further test and refine the procedures for green hydrogen accreditation and certification under the Green Hydrogen Standard. Six companies across four continents are taking part, with more companies planning to join in Q4 2022. We are doing final screening ahead of appointing consultants to undertake this test phase and will make a further announcement shortly.
There is additional detail on the project on the GH2 website.
This work is taking place in parallel to the development of an annex to the Standard that will address the methods for calculating the emissions associated with green hydrogen derivatives, including ammonia. The draft will be made available for comment in Q4 2022.