Certification
How hydrogen becomes a verifiably green energy carrier
The abbreviation RFNBO stands for “Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin” – i.e. renewable fuels of non-biological origin. Behind this is a European legal framework that specifies exactly under which conditions, for example, hydrogen is considered sustainable. In the production of RFNBO, at least 70% fewer greenhouse gases (GHG) are emitted than in the production of conventional “grey” hydrogen, and it is considered one of the building blocks for achieving the energy transition targets.
Not every green hydrogen is automatically an RFNBO. Green hydrogen initially describes sustainable production: via electrolysis using electricity from renewable energies.
RFNBO, on the other hand, describes the requirements that must be met for this hydrogen to be officially recognised as green. In addition to production from renewable energies, further criteria must be met.
Green hydrogen
Green hydrogen is produced by electrolysis, in which water is split into oxygen and hydrogen using electricity from renewable energies. Since the electricity used comes from sources such as wind or solar energy, the entire production process is free of CO₂ emissions.
Grey hydrogen
Grey hydrogen is produced from fossil energy sources such as natural gas. This produces carbon dioxide (CO₂), which is released into the atmosphere.
Why is certification so important?
For a successful hydrogen ramp-up, it is crucial that the climate impact of green hydrogen can also be demonstrated reliably and transparently. This is exactly where RFNBO certification comes in: it ensures that the electricity used to produce hydrogen actually comes from renewable sources, that production demonstrably causes significantly fewer greenhouse gases, and that all steps along the value chain can be transparently documented and independently verified.
For the Energiepark, this is of central importance, because only certified hydrogen can be credited by off-takers – such as the TotalEnergies refinery in Leuna – towards statutory climate targets, taken into account within funding mechanisms, and traded on the market as a sustainable product. Certification thus creates trust, makes ecological quality measurable, and forms an essential basis for green hydrogen to become economically viable.
RFNBO at Energiepark Bad Lauchstädt
At Energiepark Bad Lauchstädt, not only is green hydrogen produced – it is also demonstrated how it can be certified and marketed under real conditions. A key role is played by consortium partner VNG Handel & Vertrieb: the team coordinates the entire certification process, is responsible for documenting all required evidence, and organises the regular audits by external, independent auditing bodies. These tasks are carried out in close coordination with the other consortium partners and technical specialist teams responsible for planning, construction and operation of the facilities. The certification team consists of an interdisciplinary core team in which individual members are responsible for different sub-areas – from audit coordination and risk management to data collection and processing. This ensures that all relevant information is brought together and that the certification process runs smoothly.
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