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Did you know that the definition of ‘Green Hydrogen’ varies across countries and regions? It’s interesting to see how different governments interpret what truly qualifies as ‘green’. In many cases, there is no official definition at all, leaving it to the industry to rely on accepted emission thresholds to define it in practice.

India

Definition: Hydrogen produced via electrolysis or biomass conversion using renewable energy, with lifecycle emissions ≤2 kg CO₂/kg H₂ (12-month average, per Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme - GHCI).

Emission Factor Basis: Lifecycle emissions include electricity production, water treatment, and electrolysis (excluding transport/storage). Calculated using MNRE’s methodology or ISO 14064/19870:2023, covering direct and indirect emissions from renewable energy inputs and equipment manufacturing. 

European Union (EU)

Definition: Hydrogen produced via electrolysis powered by renewable electricity, with lifecycle emissions ≤3.38 kg CO₂/kg H₂.

Emission Factor Basis: Lifecycle emissions cover electricity generation, electrolyzer manufacturing, and upstream processes (e.g., water treatment), calculated as per RED II Delegated Acts (2023). Uses EU’s Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) methodology, requiring Additionality (new renewable plants), Temporal correlation hourly matching by 2030), and geographical correlation.

United States

Definition: Hydrogen via electrolysis using renewable electricity, with lifecycle emissions ≤4 kg CO₂/kg H₂ (Clean Hydrogen Production Standard - CHPS, supported by Inflation Reduction Act - IRA).

Emission Factor Basis: Lifecycle emissions include electricity production, manufacturing, and upstream processes, calculated using the GREET (Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy use in Technologies) model developed by Argonne National Laboratory. Accounts for regional grid variations and renewable energy carbon intensity.

China

Definition: Green hydrogen is hydrogen produced with renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, or hydropower, resulting in a lifecycle carbon emission of ≤4.9 kg CO₂ per kg of hydrogen.

Emission Factor Basis: Based on a lifecycle assessment (LCA) approach. This standard considers emissions from the entire hydrogen production process, including electricity generation, electrolysis, and upstream and downstream activities (Well to Grave).

Australia

Definition: hydrogen produced through the electrolysis of water with 100% or near 100% renewable energy with close to zero greenhouse gas emissions (≤1 Kg CO₂e/kg H₂ taken over an average of a 12-month period).

Emission Factor Basis: Entire production process, from renewable electricity generation to hydrogen production, and includes both direct emissions (Scope 1) and emissions from purchased renewable electricity (Scope 2) (Well to Gate).

Japan

Definition: Hydrogen via electrolysis using renewable electricity, with lifecycle emissions ≤3.4 kg CO₂e/kg H₂. 

Emission Factor Basis: Lifecycle emissions, from the entire hydrogen production process, not just direct emissions, and is calculated using a lifecycle assessment (LCA) approach (Well to Grave).

Key Observations and Takeaways

All regions use different lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions accounting (Well to Gate or Well to Grave) to define their Green Hydrogen production. This often creates confusion and errors in calculations. For example, India measures its emissions from 'Well to Gate', whereas Europe measures its emissions from 'Well to Grave'. When it comes to Renewables, all major regions prioritize solar, wind, hydro, India/EU include biomass whereas US includes geothermal

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