TÜV SÜD Unveils Innovative Standard for Low-Carbon and Blue Hydrogen

Hydrogen is poised to become a central player in the global effort to combat climate change and drive the transition towards sustainable energy. As a versatile energy carrier and storage medium, hydrogen is expected to address the surging global demand, with a particular emphasis on low-carbon and blue hydrogen, alongside the already established green hydrogen. TÜV SÜD, recognizing the crucial role of hydrogen in the energy landscape, has unveiled a groundbreaking standard designed for the certification of low-carbon hydrogen, blue hydrogen, and their derivatives, with a current focus on ammonia.

Currently, the chemical industry stands as the largest consumer of hydrogen globally. Looking ahead, hydrogen is anticipated to play a pivotal role not only in the chemical sector but also as a storage medium for renewable energy, facilitating the decarbonization of various industries and contributing to the transformation of the transportation sector. Thore Lapp, Business Unit Manager for Green Energy & Sustainability at TÜV SÜD, underscores the significance of hydrogen in combating climate change, steering the shift to cleaner energy, and fostering sustainable economic growth worldwide.

In alignment with the goal of fostering a low-carbon economy, TÜV SÜD has developed the TÜV SÜD CMS 77 standard specifically tailored for the certification of low-carbon and blue hydrogen, along with their derivatives like ammonia. Introduced in 2023, this innovative standard is designed to remain adaptive, continuously evolving to align with current and future developments, legal frameworks, and normative requirements. It extends its applicability to companies globally, offering a mechanism for them to showcase compliance with criteria outlined in the regulatory frameworks of diverse countries and regions, affirming their commitment to a sustainable and future-ready energy supply.

The TÜV SÜD CMS 77 standard introduces a crucial parameter, setting a maximum threshold for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction potential within the hydrogen production process. To attain the classification of 'low-carbon products,' the standard stipulates that low-carbon hydrogen, blue hydrogen, and low-carbon ammonia must achieve a minimum GHG reduction of 70% compared to the global benchmark of 94 gCO2eq/MJLHV. This corresponds to a specific GHG value not exceeding 28.2 gCO2eq/MJLHV. Additionally, for the claim of blue hydrogen and blue ammonia, the TÜV SÜD CMS 77 standard mandates the construction and operation of facilities for carbon capture and geological storage, with robust evidence ensuring the permanency of geological storage.

Drawing parallels with TÜV SÜD's green hydrogen certification standard CMS 70, the CMS 77 standard outlines specific requirements and guidelines for the quantification and reporting of the carbon footprint associated with low-carbon and blue hydrogen, along with their derivatives. These guidelines align with internationally recognized standards such as ISO 14040, ISO 14067, ISO 27915, and ISO 17029, ensuring a consistent and credible approach to carbon footprint quantification and reporting.