RE: Wishing all a Merry Christmas24 Dec 2024 10:11
Bilbo. That’s an interesting take, and it does raise some valid concerns, even though I don’t think it negates the overall benefits of this move for green hydrogen. Let me break it down:
The point about aviation fuel being labeled "sustainable" under the RFNBO framework is true to an extent. With these certifications, synthetic fuels made using green hydrogen and captured CO₂ could technically qualify as “sustainable aviation fuel” (SAF). This might divert some green hydrogen toward creating fuels for aviation, which is a highly energy-intensive process. While it does open up new markets, it might also mean less green hydrogen available for other applications like industry, transportation, or energy storage.
However, I wouldn’t say this “cuts off” the market for green hydrogen—it actually expands it. The aviation sector is one of the hardest to decarbonize, and SAF made with green hydrogen could be a critical bridge while we work on long-term solutions. In fact, more demand from aviation might drive investment in green hydrogen production, which could lower costs for everyone.
The EU's financial strategies, including increased arms spending, could also be a factor here. If some of this push for green hydrogen certification is about stimulating economic activity and attracting private investment, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Yes, it’s clear the EU is balancing decarbonization goals with financial and political pressures, but this move still lays the groundwork for scaling up green hydrogen, which benefits multiple sectors, not just aviation.
while there are complexities and trade-offs here, this certification framework is still a major step forward for green hydrogen. It’s about creating a consistent system to verify sustainability and unlock funding, which is crucial for scaling up production and driving the energy transition forward.