The RFNBO Compendium – Key Insights from Expert Workshops and Case Studies in Non-EU countries

H2Uppp compiled a compendium on the most important aspects of the EU RFNBO certification process – on the bases on technical questions asked in RFNBO certification workshops and trainings H2Uppp has conducted across the globe. 

For hydrogen and PtX producers around the world, a certificate is the entry ticket to the EU 'premium' renewable/RFNBO market. Obtaining this certificate for your product involves more than just familiarising yourself with the relevant EU legislative texts; it also requires you to apply these rules to your project and country context and then follow up on the certification and audit process. 

These topics have been discussed with companies and national regulators in four workshops totaling eight days in Delhi, Bogotá, Sao Paulo and Cape Town in 2025 and 2026. The main uncertainties, open questions and issues raised during the workshops are now summarised and addressed in the RFNBO Certification Compendium. Additionally, the insights presented in the compendium were informed by case studies with PtX producers in three non-EU countries. 

 To successfully obtain certification for the EU 'premium' renewable/RFNBO market, companies must collaborate with recognised certification schemes and third-party auditors (certification bodies). The Q&A-style RFNBO certification compendium addresses crucial information on these steps, from the exact requirements of when hydrogen counts as renewable, to registration with a certification scheme and audit preparation. 

The compendium includes answers to discussion points raised during workshops, such as: 
 

• Interpretations of the ‘operating and investment aid’  and ‘bidding zone’ clauses 

• The role of storage in RFNBO certification 

• Definitions of ‘relevant and non-relevant energy input’ 

• The overall certification process (timeline, costs, data, etc.) 

• Recommendations for preparatory steps for H2/PtX producers 

• Recommendations for national authorities to create an enabling environment for certification