European Industry Associations Call for Clarity on Low-Carbon Fuel Certification
Key Ideas
- Industry associations support the European Commission's effort to define certification for low-carbon fuels but express concerns about aspects that may hinder low-carbon hydrogen deployment.
- There is a call for recognizing better performance in individual projects to incentivize innovation and emissions reduction, with a focus on GHG intensity calculation and monthly monitoring intervals.
- The importance of regulatory clarity, the need for recognition of hydrogen leakage detection technologies, and the facilitation of Voluntary Certification Schemes accreditation are emphasized for the successful deployment of low-carbon fuel technologies.
- Stakeholders are encouraging a collaborative dialogue to refine certification processes and ensure regulatory stability for project developers beyond the 2030 review of the Delegated Act.
On 25 October, various industry associations jointly released a statement regarding the methodology for determining greenhouse gas emission savings of low-carbon fuels in the European Union. While they appreciate the European Commission's aim to establish clear guidelines for certifying low-carbon fuels, concerns were raised about potential obstacles to deploying low-carbon hydrogen and achieving EU hydrogen goals. The signatories advocated for recognizing superior performance in projects to drive innovation and emission reductions, especially focusing on GHG intensity calculations at more granular intervals.
Specifically, the industry associations highlighted the need to allow better performance showcasing for natural gas and low-carbon fuel producers' electricity usage. They stressed the importance of addressing technical aspects like hydrogen leakage detection technologies and ensuring regulatory certainty for project developers beyond the planned 2030 review. There was also a push for swift accreditation of Voluntary Certification Schemes to enhance the supply and demand dynamics for low-carbon fuels.
The stakeholders proposed the creation of a collaborative forum to shape effective policies for low-carbon fuel technologies. Organizations such as the Methanol Institute, Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE), EUROFER, and Hydrogen Europe are active in refining the certification process for low-carbon fuels. These fuels, including low-carbon hydrogen and its derivatives, are crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and can be derived from various energy sources and production methods.
In conclusion, the industry associations are supportive of the European Commission's efforts but seek clarity and flexibility in the certification process to promote innovation, emissions reduction, and the successful deployment of low-carbon fuel technologies.
Topics
Certification
Renewable Energy
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
European Union
Regulatory Framework
Certification Schemes
Industry Associations
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