H₂ is set to play a central role combating climate change and driving energy transformation as energy carrier and storage medium. To meet the rapidly growing global demand, low-carbon H₂ is indispensable in addition to green H₂. TÜV SÜD has developed a new standard for the certification low-carbon H₂ and blue H₂ and for its derivatives (ammonia).

At present, the chemical industry accounts for the largest share of global H₂ demand. In the future, H₂ will also be used as storage medium for energy from renewable sources, for the decarbonization of various industry sectors and in the transport sector. “H₂ is pivotal in combating climate change, driving transition to cleaner energy and promoting sustainable economic growth worldwide,” said Thore Lapp, Business Unit Manager Green Energy & Sustainability, TÜV SÜD. “Given that a fully renewable future with green H₂ and its derivatives will take some time, low-carbon H₂ and its derivatives have to bridge the time until there is enough green H₂ available to cover the demand,” said Bratin Roy, Senior Vice President, Industry and Sustainability, TÜV SÜD South Asia, South-East Asia, Middle East & Africa Region.

To support and promote the emergence of a low-carbon economy, TÜV SÜD has developed the TÜV SÜD CMS 77 standard for the certification of low-carbon H₂ or blue H₂ and their derivatives (currently ammonia). Introduced in 2023, the new standard will be continuously adapted to current and future developments and legal and normative requirements. The TÜV SÜD CMS 77 standard is applicable to all companies worldwide seeking to demonstrate their compliance with criteria set in the regulatory frameworks of various countries and regions, and to show their commitment to a sustainable, future-proof energy supply.

The TÜV SÜD CMS 77 standard sets a maximum threshold for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction potential allowed in the production process for H₂ and its derivatives to be considered as low-carbon products. According to the standard, the GHG reduction of low-carbon H₂/blue H₂ and low-carbon ammonia/blue ammonia must be at least 70% compared to the global benchmark of 94 gCO₂eq/MJLHV. This corresponds to a GHG value of not more than 28.2 gCO₂eq/MJLHV. Further the claim of blue H₂/blue ammonia, the TÜV SÜD CMS 77 standard additionally requires the construction and use of facilities for carbon capture and geological storage with robust proof of permanency of geological storage.

Similarly, to the green H₂ certification standard CMS 70, TÜV SÜD has defined the requirements and guidelines for the quantification and reporting of the carbon footprint of low-carbon H₂ and blue H₂ and its derivatives in a way that is consistent with international standards, such as ISO 14040, ISO 14067, ISO 27915 and ISO 17029.