2-day expert training and stakeholder workshop on EU RFNBO Certification

On 5 and 7 March 2025, a two-day expert training and stakeholder workshop on the certification requirements for Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO) for export to the European Union was held in New Delhi. The event was jointly organised by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), the Indo-German Energy Forum (IGEF-SO), and the International Hydrogen Ramp-Up (H2Uppp), in collaboration with CertifHy, HINICIO, LBST, and TÜV SÜD, with support from GH2 India. 

The event brought together over 45 key project developers, policy experts and regulators, to deepen the understanding of EU certification requirements for RFNBOs and foster collaborative solutions. Topics covered included electricity sourcing, Greenhouse gas (GHG) calculation, mass balancing, and certification management.  

Shri Abhay Bakre, Mission Director of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, MNRE, opened the 2nd day of the workshop by sharing his vision for India’s hydrogen future. He stated that building clarity around certification is one of his top priorities as the country works to scale up its green hydrogen ecosystem. 

Representing the Delegation of the European Union to India, Ms. Smita Singh, highlighted Europe’s long-standing partnership with India in solar and wind energy. In order to help India access the global market and accelerate decarbonisation, she urged similar momentum in the hydrogen sector, pointing out that EU RFNBO certification will be essential. 

Mr. Abhilash Rajvanshi, from the MNRE stressed that certification is proof of green hydrogen’s sustainability, credibility, and global acceptance. For Indian stakeholders, he said, understanding these rules will open doors to large international markets.  

Mr. Jan-Hendrik Scheyl, H2Uppp and International Power-to-X (PtX) added that the main goal of the event was to provide clarity on EU RED II certification for hydrogen & PtX products. As more industries explore offtake agreements, clarity on certification is key to securing a place in the global green hydrogen economy. 

Mr. Matthias Altmann, Senior Consultant at Ludwig Bölkow-Systemtechnik GmbH, Mr. Pierre Krenn, Project Manager at CertifHy together with Matthieu Boisson, Managing Director at CertifHy and Michael Landspersky, TÜV SÜD, delivered profound sessions addressing regulatory compliance of Power-to-X projects located in India, as well as the practical realisation of the RFNBO certification process under the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED II).  

The second day focused on hands-on learning through real case studies—ranging from hydrogen to ammonia, e-SAF, and e-methanol. Participants worked in teams to understand the practicalities of certification. A strong emphasis was placed on accurate GHG calculations—making sure emissions from production, transport, and use of hydrogen are clearly defined, recorded, and ready for audit as per EU RED II rules. 

Key takeaways included the need for transparent documentation, awareness of compliance risks, and a deeper look at how EU certification relates to mechanisms like the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Discussions also covered India’s unique single bidding zone—an advantage due to its connected grid and low congestion.  

The 2-day expert training and stakeholder workshop created space for rich discussion, technical insights, and meaningful engagement between project developers, certification experts, regulators and policy experts.