Hydrogen

Aligning Hydrogen with climate goals

Hydrogen is emerging as a sustainable fuel and feedstock, offering significant potential to replace fossil fuels and support the decarbonisation of the global economy. However, most current hydrogen production methods, such as natural gas steam reforming and coal gasification, have high carbon footprints. To unlock hydrogen’s full potential in reducing emissions, it is essential to make its production more sustainable. 
 

Challenges in Hydrogen delivery 

The delivery of hydrogen is a critical component of its value chain but comes with significant challenges. Hydrogen’s low volumetric energy density at ambient conditions requires energy-intensive transportation and storage processes. Without efficient management, these processes can offset the emissions reduction benefits of low-carbon hydrogen. Developing clean delivery pathways is vital to support a sustainable and robust hydrogen market. 
 

Scope of the Hydrogen Criteria 

Launched in November 2022, the Hydrogen Criteria initially focused on hydrogen production assets and processes. In 2023, the scope was expanded to include: 

• Hydrogen storage, conditioning, and transportation.
• Conversion projects.
• Decarbonisation measures across the hydrogen value chain. 

These standards exclude end-use applications, which are addressed under separate sector-specific criteria. 

Promoting global standards 

The Hydrogen Criteria establish: 

• Emissions intensity thresholds to define low-carbon hydrogen, ensuring alignment with global climate goals.
• Standards to promote transparency and investor confidence, fostering the development of a competitive hydrogen market. 

By addressing challenges in both production and delivery, these Criteria encourage green investments and accelerate the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon hydrogen economy. 

Supporting a clean energy future 

Hydrogen’s potential as a clean energy solution depends on overcoming barriers across its lifecycle - from production to delivery - while ensuring transparency and sustainability. By aligning hydrogen with global climate targets, these Criteria play a key role in developing a reliable, low-carbon hydrogen market.