Germany has set out a clear ambition to become climate neutral by 2050 and green hydrogen is widely recognised as a cornerstone in achieving this target. Across energy intensive industries hydrogen and its derivatives are playing an increasingly important role in decarbonisation strategies. However the credibility of these solutions depends on seamless traceability and robust proof of sustainability.
TÜV SÜD supports this transition by certifying hydrogen and hydrogen derivatives in line with the leading European certification schemes CertifHy EU ISCC EU and REDcert EU. These certification services help ensure compliance with EU regulatory frameworks while providing confidence to producers, traders and end users.
TÜV SÜD will be presenting its full portfolio of hydrogen certification and sustainability services at E-world energy and water which takes place in Essen from 10 to 12 February 2026. Visitors can find TÜV SÜD in Hall 2 Stand 2D103.
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Renewable Energy Directives and RFNBO compliance
With the introduction of the Renewable Energy Directives RED II and RED III the European Union has established binding quotas for renewable fuels of non-biological origin also known as RFNBO. These regulations are designed to accelerate the uptake of renewable hydrogen and synthetic fuels across the transport industry and energy markets.
A central requirement under RED II and RED III is verified proof of sustainability based on approved certification systems such as CertifHy EU ISCC EU or REDcert EU. While each scheme has its own structure they all meet a common set of fundamental requirements.
These include demonstrable greenhouse gas emissions reductions compared to conventional fossil fuels and the use of electricity generated from renewable energy sources during RFNBO production.
TÜV SÜD provides comprehensive support to companies navigating these regulatory requirements. Its services help organisations demonstrate compliance with EU hydrogen sustainability criteria and ensure market access across Europe.
Market leading RFNBO certification expertise
In March 2025 the certification body of TÜV SÜD Industrie Service GmbH was officially recognised by the German Federal Environment Agency as a certification body for RFNBO. Since then TÜV SÜD has successfully completed 21 initial certifications of producers and traders in accordance with CertifHy EU ISCC EU and REDcert EU.
These projects span multiple countries including Germany Austria France Denmark and Chile highlighting TÜV SÜD’s international reach and technical expertise.
“This makes us the market leader in RFNBO certification,” says Klaus Nürnberger, Head of Energy Certification at TÜV SÜD Industrie Service.
Further certification projects are already in preparation with developments underway in Germany Italy and Sweden. This growing pipeline reflects the rapid expansion of the hydrogen economy and the increasing demand for trusted third party verification across European and global markets.
Certification of green and blue hydrogen
TÜV SÜD has long been recognised as a pioneer in the certification and commercial viability of green hydrogen and its derivatives. The organisation has played a key role in shaping hydrogen certification frameworks through the development and ongoing refinement of the TÜV SÜD CMS 70 GreenHydrogen standard.
In addition TÜV SÜD has collaborated extensively with developers of hydrogen certification systems for the European market while also delivering pre-certifications and pilot audits as part of innovative hydrogen project studies. These activities support early stage projects by providing clarity on regulatory compliance and future market requirements.
To support the transition phase towards a fully renewable hydrogen economy TÜV SÜD has also developed TÜV SÜD CMS 77 Blue Hydrogen. This standard enables the certification of low carbon hydrogen and ammonia.
Blue hydrogen is considered an important transitional solution helping industry reduce emissions while renewable hydrogen production capacity continues to scale. Its role is particularly relevant in meeting the European Union’s ambitious climate and energy targets over the coming decades.
View more information about the energy certification services of TÜV SÜD
