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.

Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India FAQs

Q1. Which ministry launched the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme (GHCI) in India?

Ans. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy

Q2. What role does the Final Certificate play in the GHCI framework?

Ans. Final certificates are mandatory for facilities benefiting from government incentives or intending to sell hydrogen domestically.

Q3. What type of agencies must producers appoint for independent emissions verification under GHCI?

Ans. Accredited Carbon Verification (ACV) agencies

Source: ET