EU Launches Consultation on Methodology for Evaluating Low-Carbon Hydrogen Emission Savings
Key Ideas
- The European Commission has initiated a 4-week consultation on a draft delegated act regarding the assessment of emission savings of low-carbon hydrogen and fuels.
- The act aligns with the revised EU hydrogen and gas market legislation, focusing on methodologies similar to those for renewable fuels and recycled carbon fuels.
- Criteria like carbon capture rates and methane leakage are included to ensure the environmental sustainability of low-carbon hydrogen.
- EU member states are required to integrate these rules into their national laws by August 2026 to promote the adoption of low-carbon fuels and reduce emissions.
The European Commission has commenced a consultation period to discuss a draft delegated act concerning the evaluation of emission savings associated with low-carbon hydrogen and fuels. This act is part of the recently revised EU hydrogen and gas market legislation, which became effective in August 2024. Its primary goal is to establish a consistent methodology for assessing the emission reductions achieved through the use of low-carbon hydrogen. By aligning with the assessment methods used for renewable fuels and recycled carbon fuels, the EU aims to ensure a unified approach towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The directive emphasizes the importance of low-carbon fuels in mitigating emissions and advancing the adoption of renewable energy sources. It mandates that the methodology for calculating emission savings align with the practices employed for renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs) and recycled carbon fuels (RCF). Additionally, the directive sets specific criteria, such as carbon capture rates and methane leakage, to guarantee the sustainability and environmental benefits of low-carbon hydrogen.
Furthermore, the EU's hydrogen and gas decarbonization legislation, introduced in July 2024 and currently in effect, stipulates that the definition of low-carbon hydrogen must be established within a year. Member states of the EU are expected to incorporate these regulations into their national legislation by August 2026, signaling a collective effort to promote the usage of low-carbon fuels and drive down greenhouse gas emissions.