#H2eroNetZero Hydrogen Europe's latest paper: Different Energy Carriers Require Separate Systems of Guarantees of Origin

Section:

Energy

Hydrogen has seen an unprecedented momentum and is fast becoming a systemic element in the EU’s transition towards a climate neutral society in 2050. It will become the other leg of the energy transition – alongside renewable electricity – by replacing unabated fossil fuels and ensuring greater systemic synergies.

Hydrogen Europe considers the imminent review of the Renewable Energy Directive should focus on renewable energy only. It should also focus on accountability and transparency. As such, the revision must address the shortcomings of the existing Guarantees of Origin (GO) system and redesign it along the following 5 key principles: Traceability, Trackability, Tradability, Transparency and Trustworthiness.

Key recommendations

Create a distinct hydrogen GO, separate from electricity and gas.
Encourage the use of GOs in addition to PPAs to prove the renewable character and CO2 intensity of the electricity procured for the production of renewable hydrogen.
Initiate the development of a global system for Hydrogen Guarantees of Origin (HGOs), with track-and-trace and auditing functionality.
Set clear ground rules that avoid false or misleading claims. Enable the cancellation of H2 GOs and the issuance of a natural gas GO when physical volumes are blended.

Read the paper [1]