Renewable fuels of non-biogenic origin (RFNBO) are having an increasing impact on the greenhouse gas reduction targets set out in the Renewable Energy Directive (RED, 2009/28/EC) and its revisions (RED II, 2018/2001/EC and RED II, 2023/2413).
Both ISCC-EU and REDcert-EU are recognised by the European Commission for RFNBO and RCF. The German Federal Environment Agency (UBA) recognises CertifHy-EU, ISCC-EU and REDcert-EU for RFNBO. All schemes can be applied worldwide.
Interface entities such as CO2 production facilities, conversion plants (e.g. electrolysers), suppliers and storage sites are obliged to obtain certification under one of the approved certification schemes.
RCF – carbon-based recycled fuels
In addition to RFNBOs, carbon-containing recycled fuels (RCFs) are also to be incorporated into national implementations of the RED requirements. For RCFs to count towards the German GHG quota, an amendment to Section 37a(5) of the Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchG) is currently still required, in conjunction with further clarification in the 37th Federal Immission Control Ordinance (BImSchV).
Advantages of a RFNBO certification
Access to the EU fuel market
EU-certified RFNBO can count towards Member States’ GHG quotas – generating additional revenue for your product!
Hydrogen – Potential for funding
With certified evidence of green hydrogen, you can benefit from a wide range of support schemes.
A pioneer in fuel recycling
As a pioneer in the processing of fossil fuels, you are in pole position when it comes to national recognition and are setting a clear example in PR and marketing.
Credibility
Certification of electricity generated from renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar, provides a solid basis for verifiable sustainability claims.
Self-declaration: Producers must provide a signed declaration certifying that the CO₂ material flows comply with the RED III sustainability criteria.
Electricity supply: RFNBO producers must demonstrate that only electricity from renewable sources other than biomass was used in the production of the RFNBO. Furthermore, additional RED III criteria must be met.
Delivery documentation: Each delivery must be clearly identified (including the certificate number) and measured to determine the quantity.
Mass balance: An energy-specific mass balance is required for each site, which allows for the physical mixing of quantities but records sustainability information separately. Fuel producers must also maintain an electricity-to-fuel balance.
Greenhouse gas accounting: RFNBO production facilities must demonstrate specific GHG savings compared with fossil fuels – at least 70 %, depending on the date of commissioning.
Self-declaration: Producers must provide a signed declaration to demonstrate that the material flows for CO₂, exhaust gases, and liquid and solid waste streams comply with the RED III sustainability criteria.
Delivery documentation: Each delivery must be clearly identified (including the certificate number) and measured to determine the quantity.
Mass balance: An energy-specific mass balance is required for each site, which allows for the physical mixing of quantities but records sustainability information separately.
Greenhouse gas accounting: RCF production facilities must demonstrate specific GHG savings compared with fossil fuels – at least 70 %, depending on the commissioning date.
If you decide to work with GUTcert, an on-site audit will be carried out to assess compliance with the requirements of the EU schemes.
Once GUTcert has successfully reviewed the audit documentation, you will receive a certificate confirming compliance with the RED III sustainability criteria within the relevant certification scheme. The certificate is valid for one year and is renewed following a recertification audit before it expires.
Klimamanagementbeauftragter (gn) im Unternehmen: Vom Corporate Carbon Footprint bis zur Klimaneutralität – Modul 1 mehr Infos
Klimamanagementbeauftragter (gn) im Unternehmen: Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) – Modul 2 mehr Infos
THG-Bilanzierung gemäß Erneuerbare-Energien-Richtlinie (RED III) mehr Infos
