Lessons learnt from certifying biofuels for a future hydrogen certification scheme

A key element for an international hydrogen market is a harmonized certification scheme to avoid the risk of hidden embedded emissions in hydrogen supply chains. To establish such a system rapidly and cost-efficiently, lessons learnt can be derived from certification frameworks for other energy carriers, such as biofuels. In this paper, an evaluation of the learnings from biofuel certification is carried out based on a literature research with a focus on the EU. The experiences are matched with open challenges identified for hydrogen certification. The evaluation shows that a number of lessons learnt from biofuel certification can be applied to hydrogen. These include among others the need for unambiguous definitions of the certified renewable fuel, consideration of indirect environmental and social impacts as well as transparent monitoring of conflict of interests in the certification process. The findings can be used for policy support to bring forward harmonized hydrogen certification.