The International Partnership for H₂ and Fuel Cells in the Economy (IPHE) and the International Energy Agency’s Technology H₂ Collaboration Platform (IEA H2 TCP), with support from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and contributions from the H₂ Council and the International Power-to-X Hub, released the H₂ Certification 101 paper developed under the Breakthrough Agenda’s H₂ Breakthrough priority action H.1 Standards and Certification.

In the emerging global H₂ economy, robust tradeable certification schemes for H₂ and derivatives are due to play a key role to:

• Enable the implementation of government policies as certification can constitute an integral element of policy measures such as targets, quotas and tax credits
• Evidence their sustainability attributes, such as carbon footprint – as well as the use of land and water, and social impacts – in a credible and consistent manner internationally
• Create transparency for consumers and enable consumer choice
• Allow consumers to signal demand for H₂ based on its sustainability credentials
• Create trust between prospective importers and exporters, fostering global, cross-border trade in H₂ and derivatives based on their sustainability credentials.

To advance global cooperation on certification of H₂ and derivatives, and development of technical solutions for mutual recognition of certification schemes, in line with the political imperative highlighted in the framework of the latest G7 and G20 energy ministerial meetings, the H₂ Certification 101 paper:

• Provides clarity and precision on terminology and concepts used in H₂ certification
• Describes the purposes and functionalities of H₂ certification schemes
• Offers basic information on certification scheme design
• Lays out the concept of mutual recognition of certification schemes for H₂ and derivatives.

“COP28 is committed to ensuring a just, equitable and orderly energy transition where renewable H₂ production and renewable energy capacity play a critical part in achieving that. The H₂ Certification 101 paper sets out the foundations and common definitions required to establish a cohesive and harmonized market, which can in turn provide the framework of certification needed to accelerate industry decarbonization,” said Adnan Amin, COP28 Presidency CEO.

“This document will serve as an important foundation for our continued cooperation with key parties on developing practical solutions for mutual recognition of certification schemes for H₂. COP28 will be a key milestone in reinforcing political commitment to this effort underpinned by a robust platform for technical collaboration led by IPHE and IEA H₂ TCP,” said Laurent Antoni, IPHE Executive Director.

“Creating a common language on H₂ certification is a crucial starting point, and this is what this Certification 101 paper delivers. We now need to move forward with development of technical solutions. IEA H₂ TCP with its Task 47 Certification R&D will continue close cooperation with IPHE and our international partners to support the international call for action on mutual recognition with practical technical input and analysis to advance implementation on the ground,” said Dr. Eric L. Miller, Chief Scientist, H₂ & Fuel Cell Technologies Office, U.S. Department of Energy and Eiji Ohira, Strategy Architect of the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO)'s Fuel Cell and H₂ Technology Office.

“Certification is a complex yet absolutely vital instrument to advance H₂ projects’ delivery. Industrial leaders welcome and fully support the ongoing efforts in improving international cooperation and identifying solutions for mutual recognition of certification schemes being developed at national level. H₂ Council was pleased to contribute to these 101 papers with insights and learnings from the real-world use cases of certification for compliance, as well as voluntary reporting and disclosure purposes by companies across geographies,” said Daryl Wilson, Executive Director of the H₂ Council.

“Certification is essential to de-risk projects and create trust and credibility. This paper is especially relevant for countries currently developing certification schemes for H₂ and derivatives to understand the value of comprehensive and consistent certification. The International PtX Hub will continue to support these countries and international collaboration for developing truly sustainable H₂ and Power-to-X value chains,” said Frank Mischler, Director of the International PtX Hub.