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The Low Carbon Hydrogen Standard sets a maximum threshold for the amount of greenhouse gas emissions allowed in the production process for hydrogen to be considered ‘low carbon hydrogen’. Compliance with the standard will help ensure new low carbon hydrogen production makes a direct contribution to our carbon reduction targets.
This guidance sets out the methodology for calculating the emissions associated with hydrogen production and the steps producers should take to prove that the hydrogen they produce is compliant with the standard.
It is for use by hydrogen producers seeking support from government schemes and policies that have adopted the standard, and will be applied when assessing eligibility.standard.
The standard requires hydrogen producers to:
- meet a GHG emissions intensity of 20g CO2e/MJLHV of produced hydrogen or less for the hydrogen to be considered low carbon
- calculate their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions up to the ‘point of production’
- set out a risk mitigation plan for fugitive hydrogen emissions and report annually
- meet additional requirements for the use of biogenic inputs, where relevant and as appropriate for the feedstock source and classification
- meet
Previous theversions conditions of Standardthe ComplianceLow thatCarbon applyHydrogen to their production methods
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We will review the Low Carbon Hydrogen Standard regularly to ensure the guidance remains fit for purpose and reflects our growing understanding of how new technologies work in practice, including how hydrogen production interacts with the broader energy system and wider standards.system.
Previous versions of the Low Carbon Hydrogen Standard
Projects receiving government support should use the version of the standard mentioned in their specific agreement.
You can access previous versions inhere:
Hydrogen emissions calculator
The calculator has been updated for use with the Low Carbon Hydrogen Standard, Version 3,2, DecemberApril 2023.
Use the hydrogen emissions calculator (HEC) to calculate the greenhouse gas emissions associated with a prospective hydrogen production facility and determine its likely compliance with the Low Carbon Hydrogen Standard.
ForYou governmentdo schemesnot andneed policiesto applyinguse the Lowcalculator Carbonfor HydrogenStrand Standard,1 of the appropriateNZHF, schemebut guidanceit willis confirmnecessary whetherif theyyou needare applying to useStrand 2. For the calculator,remaining strands of the NZHF and iffuture necessary,allocations of the hydrogen business model, the appropriate scheme guidance will confirm how itthe calculator should be used.
There are 23 versions of the calculator: use the streamlined versionversions for electrolyticthe production pathways,routes specified, and the full version for allany other production routes.route, Electrolyticor projectsthose usingthat biogenicdiffer inputsfrom to‘standard’ generateelectrolytic electricityor shouldCCS-enabled use the full version.projects.
1. For electrolytic projects - this streamlined version can accommodate data related to typical electrolytic hydrogen production processes (covering all types of electricity source).
2. TheFor fullfossil gas reforming projects with carbon capture and storage (CCS) - this streamlined version accommodatescan accommodate data related to anytypical current eligible hydrogen production pathwayprocesses aswith detailedfossil ingas as the standard.primary input (steam methane reforming, autothermal reforming and partial oxidation processes).
3. The full version - this accommodates data related to any current hydrogen production process.
Calculator training videos
We have produced training videos on various aspects of using the calculator:
