Low-Carbon Hydrogen Certification under the CertifHy EU Voluntary Scheme
Definition
The Low-Carbon scope of the CertifHy EU Voluntary Scheme is the certification framework for low-carbon hydrogen and derivatives, designed to evidence compliance with EU rules on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions savings and associated certification requirements.
It builds on the EU framework for low-carbon fuels set out in the Hydrogen and Gas Decarbonisation Package, and in particular adopts the methodology for calculating GHG emissions savings from low-carbon fuels specified in Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/2359 (in force since December 2025).
In practice, Low-Carbon hydrogen certification under the CertifHy EU Voluntary Scheme provides a robust, auditable way to demonstrate “low-carbon” claims across the value chain. It supports international market transactions, procurement requirements, and regulatory reporting where applicable.
The Low-Carbon scope of the CertifHy EU Voluntary Scheme is built on the following core principles:
- Lifecycle GHG accounting using the EU-approved methodology for low-carbon fuels, covering supply of inputs, processing, transport/distribution, and end use
- GHG emissions savings assessment against an EU fossil-fuel comparator, as required by the applicable EU methodology
- Traceability and chain of custody, supporting credible low-carbon claims across the entire value chain
- Independent verification and robust controls to ensure consistent, high-integrity certification outcomes
Current Availability
The Low-Carbon scope of the CertifHy EU Voluntary Scheme is not yet available to the public, as it is currently undergoing recognition by the European Commission.
We will update this page as soon as the scheme receives official recognition. In the meantime, Economic Operators can join the CertifHy Stakeholder Platform for early updates or explore Precertification services to prepare their projects.
Benefits
- Broader market access – Expand opportunities beyond RFNBO-only segments by reaching non-EU jurisdictions and buyers where Low-Carbon hydrogen certification better fits their requirements or where renewable electricity constraints apply
- Customer diversification – Serve different buyer profiles: some require RFNBO for regulatory compliance, while others (voluntary purchasers, international offtakers, or sectors with flexible needs) accept or prefer verified low-carbon attributes
- Risk mitigation and bankability – Reduce offtake and regulatory risk through credible, auditable evidence. The two scopes of the CertifHy EU Voluntary Scheme (RFNBO and Low-Carbon) offer operational flexibility as policies evolve
- Improved price realisation – Monetise verified emissions performance in different market segments, allowing producers to allocate volumes optimally between compliance-driven RFNBO markets and low-carbon segments
- A strategic head start – Not yet operational? Explore Precertification to de-risk your project and strengthen investor and offtaker confidence before your initial audit
Documentation & Tools
The documents and tools below support Economic Operators, Certification Bodies, and all stakeholders working with the Low-Carbon scope of the CertifHy EU Voluntary Scheme. They provide practical, clear guidelines based on the Hydrogen and Gas Decarbonisation Package and Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/2359.
Low-Carbon Scope Documents
These official documents deliver general and technical guidance for low-carbon hydrogen certification. They are designed to bring clarity and consistent implementation across the hydrogen and derivatives value chain.
Note: Some documents may currently be in consultation stage with restricted access for CertifHy Stakeholder Platform Members. Request access if needed.
- CertifHy EU Voluntary Scheme Documents — Complete scheme rules and general documentation (common to both RFNBO and low-carbon hydrogen scopes)
- CertifHy EU Voluntary Scheme Certification Process — Step-by-step overview from precertification to recurring audits
- Certificates & Non-Conformity Databases — Public view of issued certificates and status
- Precertification — Early-stage assessment and de-risking service for your project
- FAQ — Answers to the most frequently asked questions on RFNBO and low-carbon hydrogen certification
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