This concept note outlines a proposal for additional guidance on the application of the United Nations Framework Classification for Resources (UNFC) and the United Nations Resource Management System (UNRMS) to hydrogen projects. This includes specifications for applying the UNFC and UNRMS to hydrogen projects, a taxonomy on hydrogen based on a life cycle analysis (LCA) approach, a proposal for a Guarantee of Origin for Hydrogen (GOH) and a pilot project to test the application. This note discusses the benefits and a recommendation to endorse UNFC and UNRMS framework to track the classification and sustainability of hydrogen projects.

I. Introduction

Hydrogen is a versatile element currently predominantly used in industry as feedstock. while the application as an energy resource is emerging and has the potential to play a significant role in the transition towards a low-carbon economy. Hydrogen can be used in various applications, including as a transportation fuel, power generation, and in industrial processes. Although hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, natural occurrences on earth are rare. Most hydrogen is still produced from hydrocarbon resources via steam methane reforming (SMR) or autothermal reforming (ATR). Production via electrolysis using renewable or low-carbon electricity is expected to become the main source of hydrogen in the future. One of the main advantages of hydrogen is that its use as an energy carrier does not result in carbon emissions. Hydrogen produces only water vapour as a by-product when used in fuel cells. One key challenge is to prevent or reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the hydrogen production processes and the infrastructure to transport it over large distances.