Nobian about Normec QS

In conversation with GP Groot about Normec NCK

Unique knowledge

You have worked for years on the production of green hydrogen and are ready for the last, important step: obtaining the official EU certification. Then it turns out that there is only one party in the Netherlands that has the authority and expertise to check the certification application and then audit and certify it. Julien Courtois, Manager Product Development Hydrogen at Nobian, talks about the special cooperation with Normec QS.

'If your ambition is to be among the most sustainable companies in your sector, you will have to stick your neck out. This is especially true for chemical companies. Since 1918, we have been active in salt extraction. That means we have almost 110 years of experience with a raw material that is indispensable for society and energy transition. We convert salt into essential chemicals needed for the production of many everyday materials, from soap and cardboard to degreasers, medicines and solar panels. And we use salt - via electrolysis - to produce hydrogen. By extracting salt, electrochemistry and building energy storage capacity, we are making our contribution to the energy transition, and thus to a sustainable society.'

Greener together

'Part of our green ambitions - articulated in our sustainability program 'Grow Greener Together' - is to produce RFNBO-certified hydrogen. That abbreviation stands for Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin. Official EU certification was necessary to demonstrate compliance to the market. This required our application to the ISCC, the International Sustainability Carbon Certification scheme, to be audited by an approved auditor. At the beginning of 2025, Normec QS was the only certification body in the Netherlands authorized to do so. So we joined forces and a very interesting journey began for both of us.

After all, there is a difference between the certification schemes on paper based on European legislation and the reality of a large-scale installation. To give an example: one part of the certification audit is checking calibrations of measuring instruments. That shows how our equipment is performing relative to the reference standard. However, we cannot calibrate our electrolyzer, the beating heart of hydrogen production. It comes with a certain accuracy and that's it. How do you deal with that? The solution-oriented attitude of Normec QS, our mutual discussions, the back talk Normec QS had with the ISCC: I found it very interesting and constructive.

In addition, what I appreciated was the package that Normec QS offered. The certification process was divided into a pre-audit followed by the official audit. Because of the frequent and open contact during the pre-audit, in which we were able to tackle situations like those outlined above in accordance with the wishes and requirements of the certification scheme, the official audit to obtain certification was a formality. It all resulted in obtaining that desired certification for our plant in Rotterdam. It makes Nobian the first European, large-scale producer of certified green hydrogen with the ISCC EU certification for RFNBOs.

The first certificate

Jorn Bronsvoort, Technical Director at Normec QS says, "Normec QS has been active for several years with knowledge development regarding European legislation and certification requirements for green hydrogen and RFNBOs. In recent years we have done several pilot projects commissioned by the Dutch government (RvO) on the workability of the developed audit system for companies in practice. It led to the issuance of the first certificate for such large-scale green hydrogen production and thus to the frontrunner position of Normec QS in this market. The cooperation with Nobian during the audit process was excellent. The team that supervised the audit was not only very professional, but also very knowledgeable about the certification requirements. The result? A pleasant and efficient cooperation for all parties involved.'