Scaling up renewable fuels like hydrogen is a cornerstone of the European Union’s decarbonisation strategy. To achieve its climate objectives, the EU requires that a significant share of hydrogen used as a fuel in transport and industry must be renewable, qualifying as a renewable fuel of non-biological origin (RFNBO) and being certified as such.
Nobian recently became the first large-scale H2 producer in Europe to receive ISCC EU RFNBO certification for its green hydrogen production in Rotterdam. This milestone not only represents a major achievement for Nobian but also sets a practical example for other producers aiming to certify renewable fuels under the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED II).
Green Hydrogen at Industrial Scale
Nobian’s Rotterdam facility produces green hydrogen via electrolysis, powered by renewable electricity. This technology allows the production of hydrogen with no direct CO₂ emissions and serves as a clean energy carrier for hard-to-abate sectors such as heavy industry and freight transport.
With a 140 MW electrolysis capacity, the plant ranks among Europe’s most significant green hydrogen operations. Achieving RFNBO certification at this scale demonstrates that industrial hydrogen production can meet the EU’s ambitious sustainability and traceability standards.
Understanding RFNBO Certification
Under the ISCC EU scheme, RFNBO certification requires producers to demonstrate compliance with criteria related to renewable energy sourcing, greenhouse gas savings, and overall environmental performance. A transparent, site-specific life cycle assessment (LCA) is a key component in proving that the minimum GHG reduction thresholds are met.
In Nobian’s case, the LCA used in the certification was prepared according to ISO 14040/44 standards and tailored to align with the ISCC audit framework. Ecomatters supported the process by delivering the LCA results, helping interpret the data, and providing supplementary documentation and emission factors where needed. This ensured the submission met the expectations of the auditor and provided a clear, auditable foundation for RFNBO certification.
“Nobian’s collaboration with Ecomatters to certify the green hydrogen plant in Rotterdam shows how good teamwork can promote sustainability and lead to a greener future”
Julien Courtois, Business Development Manager, Nobian
If you have questions or inquiries about RFNBO certification or support with certifying renewable hydrogen, please contact us or plan a call with one our experts.
