Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India (GHCI)

Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India Latest News

India’s government recently initiated a green hydrogen certification scheme to promote transparency and credibility in production.

About Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India 

• It was launched by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India, under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, aiming to establish India as a global hub for green hydrogen production and export. 
• The scheme emphasizes accuracy in emissions data, strict monitoring, and international compatibility, aiming to boost investor confidence and support the growth of a credible green hydrogen market in India.

Features of Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India

• Hydrogen can be officially recognized as “green” only if its non-biogenic greenhouse gas emissions do not exceed 2 kg of CO₂ equivalent (CO₂e)/kg of hydrogen, averaged over 12 months, under the GHCI. 
• The scheme outlines a comprehensive certification processfor producers to verify that the hydrogen is produced using renewable energy and that the greenhouse gas emissions do not exceed 2 kg of CO₂ equivalent (CO₂e)/kg of hydrogen. 
  • This threshold is measured across the production stages within a defined system boundary. 
  • The certification framework includes clear definitions, objectives, roles of stakeholders, eligible production pathways (electrolysis and biomass conversion), and emissions quantification methods. 
  • Producers must appoint Accredited Carbon Verification (ACV) agencies,recognized by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency,for independent verification.
• The GHCI operates with four types of certificates—Concept Certificate, Facility-Level Certificate, Provisional Certificate, and Final Certificate. 
  • Concept and Facility-Level certificates focus on design and operational readiness, while Provisional and Final certificates evaluate actual emissions based on production data. 
  • Final certificates are mandatory for facilities benefiting from government incentives or intending to sell hydrogen domestically.
• Data monitoring plays a crucial role. Producers are required to maintain detailed production and emissions records for at least five years. 
  • A standardized MRV (Monitoring, Reporting, Verification) framework guides this process, enhancing transparency and enabling traceability. 
  • The scheme also aligns with international standards like ISO 19870:2023 for lifecycle GHG assessments, helping ensure global comparability and investor confidence.
• The certification also enables producers to access carbon credits under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), subject to additional compliance requirements. 
  • Certificates are issued in multiples of 100 kg of hydrogen and include detailed information on emission intensity and production attributes. 
  • A nominal fee is applicable only for the final certificate.
• To ensure compliance, the MNRE or its designated agency may withdraw certificates if verified emissions exceed the allowed thresholdor if producers fail to complete the certification process on time.
  • Repeat non-compliance can lead to penalties, including ineligibility for future certification cycles.

Source: ET

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