Help Desk | FAQ
ReH2 Certification & CBAM
MED-GEM Helpdesk
The MED-GEM Helpdesk on Renewable Hydrogen Certification (ReH₂) and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is a dedicated technical support platform launched by the MED-GEM Network, funded by the European Union.
Its mission is to help partner countries and their institutions better understand and apply EU standards on renewable hydrogen, low-carbon certification, and CBAM implementation.
Through expert guidance, info sessions and continuous dialogue, the Helpdesk contributes to building a shared understanding of regulatory frameworks, compliance procedures, and emerging market opportunities for green hydrogen and its derivatives.
By joining the MED-GEM Helpdesk, you will:
• Gain direct access to EU and international experts on ReH₂ certification and CBAM.
• Receive clarifications and guidance on complex regulatory questions.
• Participate in monthly Q&A sessions and quarterly info events featuring key policy updates.
• Access an evolving library of FAQs, guidance notes, and technical references.
• Contribute to shaping the future of regional hydrogen cooperation under the MED-GEM Network.
Submission and Responses Process
How It Works
The Helpdesk operates on a structured monthly cycle designed to ensure timely and comprehensive support to all partner countries.
Step-by-step procedure:
1. Question submission (Week 1)
- Country correspondents or registered members submit their questions via the online form.
- Questions must include: country, institution, topic (Certification / CBAM / Methodology / Other), and preferred response format (written / meeting).
2. Initial response (Week 2)
- Simple or factual questions receive a written reply by email, with references and supporting documents.
3. Helpdesk meeting (Week 3)
- For complex or multi-country issues, an online session is organised (usually on Mondays, 10:00–14:00 CET).
- Participants may discuss directly with the MED-GEM experts.
4. Follow-up and documentation (Week 4)
- All Q&A are compiled, validated, and added to the online FAQ repository for future reference.
Quarterly info sessions
In addition to monthly/quaterly exchanges, quarterly thematic sessions are organised based on partner countries’ priorities.
Each session highlights updates on EU policy, certification methodologies, and emerging CBAM rules.
MED-GEM Helpdesk
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Certification & RFNBOs
ReH₂ refers to hydrogen produced through electrolysis using renewable electricity. RFNBOs (Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin) is a broader category defined under the Renewable Energy Directive (RED II), which includes hydrogen and its derivatives (e.g. ammonia, methanol) produced from renewable sources that achieve at least 70% greenhouse gas (GHG) emission savings compared to the fossil baseline.
Three criteria apply: Additionality (new, unsupported renewable capacity), Temporal correlation (production and electricity in the same time window), and Geographical correlation (same/interconnected bidding zone).
Certification is carried out by voluntary schemes recognised by the European Commission (e.g. CertifHy, ISCC EU, TÜV Rheinland). These third-party auditors verify that production meets the sustainability and emission-saving criteria set by RED II and its Delegated Acts.
CBAM Reporting & Methodology
The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is the EU’s tool to equalise carbon costs between domestic and imported goods. From 2026, importers of hydrogen, ammonia, and green steel will need to purchase CBAM certificates to account for embedded emissions. Partner countries exporting these goods must provide verified emission data to EU importers.
CBAM is in a transitional phase until end-2025: reporting only (no certificate payments), with simplified monitoring rules. The definitive period starts January 2026.
Producers must report direct emissions (from manufacturing) and, where applicable, indirect emissions (from electricity used). For hydrogen, this includes emissions from electrolysis, feedstock processing, and power generation.
Carbon Sources & Emission Calculations
Five families: Fossil (with carbon pricing & capture), Biogenic (RED II Art. 29 sustainability), Direct Air Capture (DAC), RFMBO-derived CO₂, and Geological CO₂ (under specific conditions).
To qualify as RFNBO, hydrogen production must achieve at least 70% GHG emission savings compared to the fossil baseline of 94 gCO₂eq/MJ. This corresponds to a maximum of 28 gCO₂eq/MJ of hydrogen, or roughly 3.4 tCO₂eq per tonne of H₂.
Yes. The life-cycle assessment (LCA) covers both direct process emissions and indirect emissions linked to electricity consumption. Using renewable electricity with Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) or Guarantees of Origin significantly reduces the total emission factor.
Partner Country Experiences
33 questions answered in three months (Morocco, Lebanon, Palestine). Most frequent topics: RFNBO certification pathways, CBAM reporting templates, and carbon-source eligibility.
The pilot confirmed the technical feasibility of applying EU RFNBO standards in the Southern Mediterranean. It highlighted the need for Early coordination with certification bodies, Access to high-quality electricity data, and Clear national frameworks for renewable attribution.
The Helpdesk follows a monthly cycle with weekly steps for submission, response, and review. Complex issues are discussed during Week 3 online sessions (Monday 10:00–14:00 CET).
Quarterly thematic sessions complement this schedule to address priority topics identified by partner countries.