The Government of India has introduced the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India (GHCI) under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, aiming to establish India as a global hub for green hydrogen production and export. This initiative supports the country’s broader clean energy transition, targeting decarbonization and reduced fossil fuel imports. It promotes the production and use of hydrogen generated from renewable energy sources, ensuring it aligns with specific emission thresholds to qualify as “green”.
The scheme outlines a comprehensive certification process for producers to verify that the hydrogen is produced using renewable energy and that the greenhouse gas emissions do not exceed 2.0 kgCO2eq per 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 Ministry of New and Renewable Energy or its designated agency may withdraw certificates if verified emissions exceed the allowed threshold or if producers fail to complete the certification process on time. Repeat non-compliance can lead to penalties, including ineligibility for future certification cycles.
Overall, the GHCI provides a structured and transparent approach to certifying hydrogen as green, ensuring its environmental integrity, and supporting India’s climate goals. 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.
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