Air Liquide has received RFNBO certification (Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin) for its 20-megawatt electrolyzer in Oberhausen. This is the first certification of its kind in Germany. The certificate, issued on April 2, 2025, is based on the ISCC-EU certification scheme and was carried out with the support of the independent auditor DEKRA Certification.
Eligibility for GHG Quota
With this certification, the hydrogen produced in Oberhausen can be officially recognized as a renewable fuel according to EU standards. This forms the basis for its eligibility under the greenhouse gas quota pursuant to the 37th Federal Immission Control Ordinance (BImSchV). The certification calculates the carbon footprint along the entire supply chain up to the hydrogen refueling station for mobility customers.
The previous lack of certification had limited the commercial operation of the facility, although it was technically ready for full-load operation. The verification is particularly essential for customers in industries with legally mandated quotas.
Support for Industry and Transport Sector
The RFNBO certificate is intended to support companies in the mobility and industrial sectors in achieving their climate goals. Customers can now officially declare the hydrogen as a greenhouse gas-reducing fuel.
"Achieving RFNBO certification for our Trailblazer facility in Oberhausen is an important milestone," said Gilles Le Van, Vice Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Air Liquide Deutschland GmbH.
PEM Electrolyzer in Oberhausen
The PEM electrolyzer, known as "Trailblazer," was officially inaugurated in August 2024. The stacks were manufactured in a joint venture between Siemens Energy and Air Liquide. With a production capacity of up to 2,900 tons of hydrogen per year, the electrolyzer is connected to an existing Air Liquide hydrogen pipeline network, which, at approximately 240 kilometers in length, represents the largest hydrogen network already in operation in Germany.
The facility in Oberhausen is considered the largest production plant for renewable hydrogen in Germany that is connected to existing infrastructure. Only the PEM electrolyzer recently commissioned by BASF in Ludwigshafen has a greater capacity.
