Normec to lead the way in Hydrogen and RFNBO certification
The market is awaiting official recognition of certification schemes for Hydrogen, also known as Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO), by the European Commission (EC). Normec has actively anticipated this recognition and is already verifying and certifying Hydrogen and RFNBO in several countries. Normec QS in the Netherlands, Normec Zertifizierung in Germany and Normec Verifavia in France have all been working on Hydrogen and RFNBO verification and certification in their own way in recent years. They work together and share their knowledge within the Normec Verification & Compliance Service Line, led by Managing Director Iljo Fluit.
Living up to your sustainability claim
Companies producing or working with hydrogen and RFNBOs are focused on sustainability. However, there is a difference between claiming or believing that you are helping the environment and proving that you are actually doing so. RFNBO certification allows Normec's customers to prove that they are meeting their sustainability obligations and complying with European regulations.
The EC provides guidelines on when hydrogen and RFNBO can be classified as renewable. With an official certification program such as ISCC or REDcert, Normec can verify and confirm whether or not the product can be classified as renewable. This ensures, for example, that the origin can be traced back to electrolysis powered by solar or wind energy rather than fossil fuels. Normec companies in several countries are already leaders in this field.
The Netherlands: Normec QS
Normec QS was the first verifier in the Netherlands to receive official accreditation for the verification of HBE (Renewable Fuel Units) registrations for Hydrogen. They also conducted a pilot with the Dutch government around RFNBO certification to assess how the certification schemes would work in daily practice. Now that the certification schemes for RFNBO are officially recognized by the EC, Normec QS has years of experience with the certification schemes and the process.
Jorn Bronsvoort, technical director at Normec QS: "When it comes to RFNBO certification, we apply ISCC EU. This certification scheme is for renewable fuels and energy in the EU and is recognized by the European Commission (EC) for the Renewable Energy Directive (RED II). During an audit, we assess origin and traceability, mass balance, greenhouse gas emission reduction and environmental requirements. Thus, we offer our customers complete traceability."
France: Normec Verifavia
In France, Normec Verifavia is a recognized leader in validating environmental claims and verifying compliance in various transport sectors, including maritime, aviation, airports, rail and road transport. They are also involved in various sustainability initiatives such as recycling, carbon inclusion and offsetting. Nicolas Duchêne, general manager at Normec Verifavia said, "Our assurance audits have attracted clients from all over the world who need confidence in their RFNBO use - from certification and emission reduction to accurate impact measurement. We constantly adapt our verification services to regulatory changes and new voluntary requirements. Whether it is a single ship or an entire fleet, we always tailor our services to meet the client's changing requirements. " "In 2022, one of our aviation clients requested validation and verification of their Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) management program and its environmental attributes. This was new to us at the time and we invested heavily in developing this expertise, which has since become the foundation of our sustainability practice. One of our four business units is now fully dedicated to sustainability initiatives, including the verification of low-carbon interventions in all forms of transportation. We provide clients with formal assurance statements quantifying the carbon emission reductions achieved by switching from fossil fuels to low-carbon fuel alternatives. "
Contact our experts directly
Want to learn more about RFNBO certification and options for your business? Our experts would be happy to discuss your needs. You can contact them directly:
Normec QS
- Jorn Bronsvoort - Technical Director [email protected]
- Aart van Steenbergen - Commercial Manager [email protected]
Normec Verifavia
- Nicolas Duchêne - President [email protected]
Normec Zertifizierung
- Dipl.-Ing. Carmen Jeddeloh - Managing Director [email protected]
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