Manufacture of Hydrogen
Production of hydrogen via electrolysis, steam methane reforming with CCS, or other low-carbon pathways meeting lifecycle emission thresholds.
Substantial Contribution to Climate Change Mitigation
The lifecycle GHG emissions of hydrogen production must be below 3 tCO2e per tonne of hydrogen, corresponding to a 73.4% reduction compared to the fossil fuel comparator of 94 gCO2e/MJ (11.3 tCO2e/tH2). This threshold aligns with the methodology established in the Delegated Acts under Article 29a of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) and the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/1184.
For electrolytic hydrogen, the electricity must meet the additionality, temporal correlation, and geographical correlation requirements for renewable hydrogen as defined in Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/1184. For hydrogen from steam methane reforming (SMR) or autothermal reforming (ATR) with carbon capture and storage, the CO2 capture rate must be at least 90%, with captured CO2 permanently stored in accordance with Directive 2009/31/EC on geological storage.
Emissions accounting must cover the full lifecycle including upstream methane emissions (for natural gas feedstock), process emissions, energy inputs, CO2 transport and storage losses, and any vented or fugitive emissions. Measurement must follow ISO 14687 for hydrogen purity standards.
Substantial Contribution to Climate Change Adaptation
A CRVA per Appendix A must be performed, covering the hydrogen production facility and associated infrastructure (pipelines, storage, renewable energy assets) under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios.
DNSH: Climate Change Adaptation
Physical climate risks to the production facility must be assessed, including water availability for electrolysis, temperature effects on electrolyser efficiency, and flooding or storm damage to associated renewable energy installations.
DNSH: Water and Marine Resources
Electrolysis requires approximately 9 litres of demineralised water per kg H2. The activity must comply with the Water Framework Directive and must not cause deterioration of water body status. Water sourcing in water-stressed regions must include water efficiency measures and alternative sourcing (e.g. desalination, treated wastewater).
DNSH: Circular Economy
Electrolyser stack components (membrane electrode assemblies, bipolar plates) must be designed for refurbishment and recycling. Platinum group metal catalysts must be recovered at end of life. Equipment must be designed for modular replacement and upgrade.
DNSH: Pollution Prevention and Control
The activity must comply with the Industrial Emissions Directive where applicable. For SMR/ATR routes, NOx emissions must meet BAT-AELs from the Large Volume Inorganic Chemicals BREF. Amine-based CO2 capture systems must control amine slip and degradation product emissions. Hydrogen storage and handling must comply with ATEX Directive requirements.