Piloting RFNBO Certification in Belgium: Key Learnings for the Future

The pilot aimed to support the Belgian Federal Government in developing its RFNBO certification framework. Precertification pilots for projects producing RFNBOs destined for the Belgian market were conducted, utilising the CertifHy EU Voluntary Scheme framework, with support from LBST and CertifHy. The initiative focused on providing substantial feedback to the Belgian administration regarding the application of EU RFNBO criteria and accelerating project FIDs. This was done with the support of the Energy Transition Fund, in an initiative run by the Belgian Federal Public Service for the Economy (FPS Economy).

Five diverse projects were selected based on critical criteria including project size, contribution to Belgian Hydrogen Strategy, technological maturity, and demonstrated technical complexity. These projects were assessed against the CertifHy EU Voluntary Scheme, recognised by the European Commission, which outlines compliance with RED directives. Independent Certification Bodies used this scheme for the precertification process, aiming to capture a wide array of RFNBO production pathways to maximize learning outcomes.

• Aligning with RED: Transposing RED into Belgian law is crucial to providing legal certainty for investors and accelerating the hydrogen market. Early adoption will support project development and align national policy with EU targets.
• Strengthening Certification and Accreditation: Recognition of voluntary certification schemes by the European Commission is key to market trust. Belgium must establish a functional accreditation framework to enable local certification bodies to operate efficiently. Additionally, only EU-based certification bodies should be authorized for RFNBO certification, potentially driving structural changes in the sector.
• Ensuring Data Transparency: Timely access to key energy data—such as grid emissions factors and renewable shares—is necessary for efficient certification. Regulatory authorities should streamline data-sharing processes to enhance market accessibility.
• Efficient Recognition of Proofs of Sustainability (PoS): A digital system for converting PoS into compliance tickets is needed to minimize administrative burdens and facilitate RFNBO market participation.

• Developing Hydrogen Transport Networks: Investment in hydrogen transport infrastructure—including pipelines, trucking networks, and hydrogen derivative handling—is essential for scaling the sector. Belgium should prioritize strategic development to support domestic and international trade.
• Advancing Sustainable Shipping: Policies incentivizing low-emission shipping, such as port fee reductions and green fuel adoption, will help integrate RFNBO into maritime transport. Supporting infrastructure and R&D in alternative fuels (e.g., green hydrogen, ammonia) is also critical.

• Implementing the EU Union Database: A centralized database for RFNBOs will enhance traceability, reduce administrative complexity, and streamline compliance. Belgian stakeholders should engage with EU policymakers to ensure national requirements are reflected.
• Transitioning to Hourly Guarantees of Origin: Developing a system for issuing Guarantees of Origin (GOs) on an hourly basis could support improved traceability of renewable electricity, in line with Article 19 of the revised RED. This would enable more accurate certification and future-proof Belgium’s approach to RFNBO compliance.

The pilot highlighted Belgium’s need for clear regulations, robust certification frameworks, and infrastructure investments. Addressing these gaps will strengthen the country’s position in the renewable hydrogen economy and support its decarbonisation goals.