India Introduces Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme (GHCI) 

In a significant move to strengthen its commitment to sustainable energy, the Government of India has launched the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme (GHCI). The scheme aims to ensure that the production of green hydrogen (GH) in the country adheres to international standards of transparency, accuracy, and credibility. This initiative is part of the broader efforts under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), which seeks to promote clean energy and reduce the nation’s carbon footprint.

Key Details of the GHCI

1. Implemented By

The scheme is being implemented by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), which is the nodal ministry overseeing the development and deployment of renewable energy in India.

2. Nodal Body

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has been designated as the nodal body for the execution and administration of the GHCI. The BEE will play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the certification process and ensuring compliance with the established framework.

3. Objective of the Scheme

• The main objective of the GHCI is to establish a well-defined process for the monitoring, verification, and certification of green hydrogen and its associated derivatives across hydrogen production facilities.
  
• This certification mechanism ensures that green hydrogen production meets internationally recognised environmental standards, contributing to the global energy transition.

Certification Framework Highlights

1. Project-Level Focus

• The certification applies to all activities within the hydrogen production site, starting from production, up to the stages of compression and purification for transport.
  
• Downstream operations, including activities like transportation, off-site storage, and conversion into hydrogen carriers, are excluded from this framework.

2. Types of Certificates

The GHCI provides two types of certificates for entities involved in hydrogen production:

• Concept Certificate (Voluntary): This certificate is issued during the proposal or design stage of hydrogen production facilities. It is voluntary and helps early-stage projects align with the certification process.
  
• Facility-Level Certificate (Mandatory): This certificate is mandatory and is required for operational green hydrogen production units. It confirms that the unit is adhering to the standards set by the GHCI.

3. Emission Standards

One of the key components of the GHCI is the emission standards:

• Certified hydrogen producers must ensure that their hydrogen has a carbon intensity of 2 kg CO2 equivalent per kg of hydrogen or less.
  
• This requirement aligns with the MNRE’s calculation methodology for determining carbon intensity and is central to ensuring the sustainability of green hydrogen production.

4. Non-Transferable Certificates

It is important to note that the certificates issued under the GHCI scheme are non-transferable:

• They cannot be traded, marketed, or used to claim carbon credits or emissions reductions in other carbon markets.
  
• This measure is designed to maintain the credibility of the certification system and prevent misuse of the scheme.