With the Renewable Energy Directives RED II and RED III, the European Union has set binding quotas for sustainable hydrogen. These directives are rapidly opening up a high-growth market driven by strict sustainability requirements and transparent certification processes. A central element of this framework is the need for verified sustainability, assessed through approved certification systems such as CertifHy EU, ISCC EU, and REDcert EU. TÜV SÜD has already completed 19 successful certifications under all three schemes, strengthening its position as a trusted leader in this emerging sector.
Certification Schemes Strengthen Sustainability Assurance
EU-approved voluntary certification schemes play a crucial role in verifying that renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBO) meet stringent sustainability standards. The European Commission has accredited several systems—CertifHy EU, ISCC EU, and REDcert EU—all of which ensure compliance with essential requirements such as:
*Demonstrating significant greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions compared to conventional fuels
*Using renewable electricity to produce RFNBO
“These requirements, especially RFNBO-compliant electricity sourcing, are still new territory for most producers and electricity suppliers,” explains Michael Landspersky, Environmental Verifier and Lead Auditor at TÜV SÜD Industrie Service GmbH.
Key Requirements for RFNBO Electricity Sourcing
Currently, no standardized templates exist for Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) used in RFNBO projects. However, several basic conditions must be met to ensure compliance:
*Clear identification of specific power generation plants
*No clauses allowing undeclared replacement of electricity generation assets
*Clear rules for delivering and canceling Guarantees of Origin (GO)
*Monthly provision of load profiles for grid feed-in data
While verifying grid-supplied electricity is relatively straightforward, Landspersky notes that direct supply setups—without public grid involvement—can be more complex, especially during initial implementation.
Companies Advised to Plan Sufficient Preparation Time
Landspersky advises companies to allocate three to six months to establish a certifiable system, assuming adequate resources are in place. Conducting a pre-audit can help organizations identify gaps early and determine whether their documentation and systems are ready for full certification.
TÜV SÜD Strengthens Market Leadership in RFNBO Certification
In March 2025, TÜV SÜD was officially recognized by the German Federal Environment Agency as a certification body for RFNBO. Since then, the company has completed 19 certifications for producers and traders in Germany, Austria, France, and Denmark. “This makes us the market leader in RFNBO certifications,” emphasised Landspersky. Additional certifications are underway in Germany, Italy, and Sweden.
Extensive Experience Supports Investor Decision-Making
TÜV SÜD’s strong market position stems from its long-standing expertise in green hydrogen certification. The organization introduced its CMS 70 GreenHydrogen standard as early as 2011 and has continuously updated it to match evolving technologies and regulatory requirements.
Moreover, TÜV SÜD has broad experience evaluating diverse technical configurations and supply chains across regions preparing to become the next generation of global energy suppliers—including Canada, the Middle East, North Africa, and India. Landspersky added, “Our pre-certifications and critical reviews often provide essential insights that help investors make informed decisions.”
