Harmonisation of Various Green Hydrogen Standards and Certification How India Can Benefit from RFNBO Compliance for EU Market Access

At the International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH 2025), stakeholders from across the hydrogen value chain convened for a breakout session on “Harmonization of Green Hydrogen Standards and Certification—How India Can Benefit from RFNBO Compliance for EU Market Access,” held on 12 November 2025.

Moderated by Mr. Matthieu Boisson, the session brought together leading experts from certification, project development, investment, government, and hydrogen industry associations. The session underscored the increasing relevance of harmonized certification systems as India’s green hydrogen sector targets international off-take markets, particularly in Europe. With the European Union’s RFNBO guidelines setting the bar, panellists discussed the need for standardized, reliable certification frameworks to foster trust, support cross-border trade, and unlock finance for project development.

Mr. Matthias Altmann (LBST): Explained how pre-certification risk mitigation supports project developers. He detailed the iterative nature of pre-certification, helps identify shortfalls, and builds confidence among investors and stakeholders.

Ms. Sakshi Verma (ACME): Shared practical challenges and learnings from developing pre-certified green hydrogen projects for export, including how emissions accounting must capture both electricity consumption and the broader value chain.

Mr. Simon Byrtus (Green Investors AG): Highlighted the investment dimension, stating that pre-certification – if achieved – serves as a key enabler for project finance. He also pointed to offtake agreements and overall project bankability as a composite basis for decision-making.

Mr. P Rahul (NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd.): Explained how ongoing pre-certification efforts directly influence risk perception and investment decisions, noting the importance of both price and carbon intensity for market competitiveness.

Mr. Nishaanth Balashanmugam (GH2 India): Outlined India’s domestic progress in equipping the market for certification, the value of public-private collaboration, and how recent partnership with CertifHy will produce practical guidance specific to Indian needs.

Mr. Abhilash Rajwanshi (National Green Hydrogen Mission, MNRE): Stressed the necessity for producers to research the regulations and standards of their intended export markets and to design projects accordingly, ensuring compliance and successful offtake abroad.

The discussion reinforced that trust, transparency, and harmonization are all needed to develop a globally integrated green hydrogen market. By bridging domestic and EU certification requirements, and with India’s upscaled ambition in policy and project investment, the country is positioned to become a strong supplier in the evolving international hydrogen economy.