Green Hydrogen Standard Committee

The Committee advises the GH2 Board on the implementation and elaboration of the Green Hydrogen Standard.

The Committee meets virtually on a quarterly basis, and includes diverse representation from GH2 supporters, partner organisations and stakeholders.

Additional details and draft terms of reference are here.

In Q1 2023 the Committee GHS formed six working groups:

  • WG 1 – Measuring GHG emissions from transportation, storage and distribution. An IPHE methodology addressing transport and storage is not expected until late 2023. However guidance on this matter is needed immediately, not least for projects seeking recognition as “renewable hydrogen” as per the EU delegated acts on RFNBOs. Accordingly, GH2 is preparing a protocol for review by the working group drawing on existing best practice, including ISO 14083:2023 Quantification and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions arising from transport chain operations and the Smart Freight Centre/WBCSD guidance on End-to-End GHG Reporting of Logistics Operations. 
  • WG 2 – Green Methanol. The Working Group is reviewing the use of biomass conversion with carbon capture and the safeguards that should apply to avoid negative social and environmental impacts (direct and indirect). 
  • WG 3 – Green / Renewable/Synthetic Methane. A key challenge is that the Green Hydrogen Standard (in accordance with the IPHE framework) uses a “well to gate” system boundary. Synthetic methane projects require the coverage of methane transportation and ATR (or methane distribution and decentralised CCS). It’s an example the highlights the importance of a modular approach to accreditation and certification. 
  • WG 4 – Data standards for renewable electricity certification, including additionality, time matching, bidding zones. The WG is considering options for operators to address additionality, matching and geographic correlation, noting that there many different systems and standards for REC and EAC tracking. 
  • WG 5 – Fugitive hydrogen emissions. The WG is reviewing draft provisions that would require project operators to: (1) evaluate the risks associated with fugitive hydrogen emissions, (2) develop a plan to minimize emissions; and (3) establish systems to monitor and measure fugitive hydrogen emissions. The WG will also consider establishing a maximum threshold for fugitive hydrogen emissions within the system boundary covered by the Standard. 
  • WG 6 - Guidance on water resource management. The WG will review lessons learned from piloting of the GHS, including issues relating to groundwater extraction, cooling and wastewater treatment. 
     

For more information, contact Sam Bartlett (Sam.Bartlett@gh2.org)