The European Commission is preparing to launch an EU-wide database to certify the carbon footprint of hydrogen and other low-carbon fuels in a harmonised way.

The carbon certification of hydrogen production – currently 96% reliant on fossil fuels – is seen as crucial to introduce some transparency and traceability in the emerging EU market for low-carbon fuels.

To achieve this, the Commission is planning an EU-wide database, which is due to be unveiled in December as part of a package of EU laws aimed at decarbonising the gas sector. The new scheme was first announced earlier this year by the EU’s energy commissioner, Kadri Simson as part of the revision of the bloc’s renewable energy directive.

Guest post from EurActiv