10 February 2025
The inclusion of RFNBOs by the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) and the recognition of ISCC EU for RFNBOs certification by the European Commission has led to the world’s first ISCC certified RFNBOs plant being put into operation in 2024 – grounds for celebration! And that is exactly what we did at our 2nd ISCC Technical Stakeholder Meeting – Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin, which took place online on 6 February 2025.
After introductory remarks from our committee co-chairs, Sonia Rando Matos from Air Products and Karl Mustafa from OMV, the meeting began with ISCC updates on RFNBOs presented by Dr Dario Formenti. He explained the certification process for RFNBOs supply chains from the hydrogen producer as well as downstream and upstream, which includes added scopes in the form of renewable electricity units, and highlighted the many advantages of choosing ISCC RFNBOs certification projects.
ISCC, as a truly multi-stakeholder organisation, has 15 years of experience in sustainability certification all over the world under different frameworks. And as a nice Christmas gift, we received the final recognition for RFNBO certification from the European Commission in December 2024. ISCC is now in the position to fully certify RFNBOs and add them as another renewable fuel to already existing ISCC certified value chains at worldwide level.
From Concept: The Regulatory Framework
Bernd Kuepker from the European Commission (EC) discussed hydrogen policy, strategy, timelines, and implementation, presenting the compelling analogy of hydrogen as a Swiss Army knife: one solution with many applications!
Tim Simon, Clarissa Atlee, and Chris Clarke from the UK’s Department for Transport (DfT) presented the UK’s approach to RFNBOs, which includes requirements similar to those outlined in EU legislation, with the primary difference being the method used for greenhouse gas (GHG) calculation. As voluntary schemes accepted by the EC are expected to be applicable in the UK, certification will likely be easily accessible on both sides of the English Channel. In this context, ISCC is preparing to seek recognition under the DfT’s Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) for UK RFNBOs and RCFs (Recycled Carbon Fuels).
David Bolsman from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) discussed implementing the RFNBOs Delegated Acts from a Member State perspective, emphasising the need for a diverse range of instruments to meet RFNBO targets. Additionally, he highlighted the positive outcomes from joint pilot projects, noting that adherence to the REDIII criteria can be achieved through ISCC certification for RFNBOs.
Marlene Hermfisse from the eFuel Alliance shared the company association’s view on the market launch of RFNBOs. She drew attention to concerns regarding EU legislation, gave recommendations for solving problems such as the reduced European electrolysis capacity or the first mover disadvantage, and presented justifications for an open-technology approach.
The first part of the event concluded with a Q&A session, where participants had an opportunity to pose questions to the speakers about their presentations, which were answered in an open discussion. This adds value to our meetings: participants don’t just listen. They engage with the content!
To Reality: On-The-Ground Experiences
After a short refreshment break, the meeting continued with practical examples of RFNBO implementation, with participants able to ask questions directly after each presentation. Karl Mustafa and Martin Hammerschmid from OMV discussed the upscaling of green hydrogen in their company and presented a deep dive into the UpHy II project, their 10 MW PEM electrolysis plant recently certified under ISCC, including their power purchase agreements (PPAs) and their ground-mounted photovoltaic system.
Julia Nevares from Meo Carbon Solutions, presented the lessons learned from pilot audits. These include but are not limited to, an improved renewable electricity self-declaration, the establishment of audit procedures and scope for hydrogen used as an intermediate, a deeper understanding of the electricity market in various countries (including the concept of bidding zone equivalents), and the development of minimum requirements for PPAs.
At Meo, we support companies with the implementation of RFNBO certification requirements across value chains. Our workshops, projects and pilot audits are tailored to the company so that afterwards, the company is in the ideal position to get officially audited and communicate to off-takers, investors and other stakeholders.
Last but not least, Rasmus Hedegaard Bang from Grøn Vækst Management ApS took us on a virtual trip to Denmark, where the world’s first ISCC certified RFNBOs plant with CO2 capture, which was commissioned in 2024, is located. He explained the interaction of on-site wind turbines, electrolysers, a hydrogen pipeline to the biogas digester – producing both biomethane and e-methane – and the liquid biogas (LBG) plant.
We would like to thank the more than 250 participants for their interest in ISCC and the fascinating topic of RFNBOs. We also extend our gratitude to all the speakers for the exceptional quality of their presentations. This summary provides just a glimpse of the event, so be sure to explore the presentations further and learn more.