Análise Comparativa de Programas de Certificação do Hidrogênio de Baixo Carbono

Abstract

This study conducts a comparative analysis of major low carbon hydrogen certification schemes in operation or advanced development as of February 2025, including both mandatory and voluntary schemes. The objective is to identify technical and regulatory convergences and divergences, and strategic implications for the design of national certification systems, with emphasis on environmental credibility, interoperability, and energy governance. Hydrogen certification thus emerges as an instrument of energy governance, shaping industrial policy, market design, and transition strategies. Mandatory schemes ensure climate integrity and regulatory predictability, while voluntary schemes foster wider participation and technical experimentation. International confidence, however, relies less on normative uniformity than on functional equivalence of results. Findings indicate that international convergence focus around life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies, carbon intensity metrics (gCO₂e/MJ), and normative references such as ISO 14040, 14044, 14067 and the Greenhouse Gas -GHG- Protocol. In contrast, criteria such as additionality and temporal and geographical correlation remain specific to the European regulatory model, with no systematic adoption elsewhere. Persistent differences in system boundaries, traceability models, and levels of digitalisation limit comparability and reveal that global harmonisation remains incipient. For Brazil, the study highlights that leadership and international recognition can be achieved through a robust data infrastructure, independent verification, and transparent methodological equivalence. With a predominantly renewable power matrix and established experience in biofuel traceability, the country is well positioned to develop a technically sound certification system integrated with its industrial policy for energy transition.