The Hydrogen for Net Zero Initiative (H2NZ) is a unique platform – it brings together thought and industry leaders with renowned carbon market experts.

Our shared mission is to unlock carbon finance for hydrogen projects by developing the first methodologies for the voluntary carbon market that will credit the full suite of low-carbon hydrogen activities.

The challenge

Right now, low-carbon hydrogen is not cost competitive. To overcome this finance gap, the Hydrogen for Net Zero initiative (H2NZ) is working with hydrogen leaders to develop methodologies that enable carbon finance to flow to low-carbon hydrogen projects. By accessing finance from international carbon markets, the initiative aims to close this finance gap and unlock the power of low-carbon hydrogen.

The opportunity

Global hydrogen demand is expected to increase sixfold by 2050. The H2NZ initiative works to seize this opportunity by developing robust methodologies for scaling low-carbon hydrogen by:

Developing methodologies

Developing methodological frameworks, complemented by modules and tools, in close collaboration with technical experts and with the two leading standard setters in the voluntary carbon market – Verra and Gold Standards.

Applying the methodologies

Core members will bring in concrete use cases to which the new methodologies can be applied. These methodologies will cover the complete hydrogen supply chain from production and processing to transport, storage and application in various sectors – such as heavy industry, chemicals, fertilizer production, transport and aviation among others.

Creating a stakeholder engagement platform

Additionally, the initiative will create a stakeholder engagement platform where players from different parts of the H2 supply chain will be connected for potential projects and developments in the hydrogen sector (policies, standards, support schemes, corporate net-zero strategies).

H2 for NZ: How can renewable and low-carbon hydrogen projects benefit from carbon markets?

On online event was held to mark the launch of the Hydrogen for NetZero Initiative. The panel discussed today's challenges of low-carbon and renewable hydrogen projects, how carbon markets can accelerate the hydrogen transformation, and how the Hydrogen for NetZero Initiative will contribute to market development, followed by a Q&A session.

Watch our webinar recording with speakers:

Patrick Bürgi (Co-founder, Innovation Director, South Pole)
Sonja Butzengeiger (Managing Partner, Perspectives)
Ian Kuwahara (Director, Energy and Industrial Innovation, VERRA)
Hugh Salway (Head of Markets, Gold Standard)

Governance

The H2NZ initiative has a collaborative, open and transparent working structure, dedicated to achieving efficient and effective results.

Secretariat

South Pole has been at the forefront of decarbonization since 2006. South Pole both develops emission reduction projects globally as well as implements comprehensive climate solutions and strategies that turn climate action into long-term business opportunities for companies, governments and organizations around the world.

Perspectives Climate Group is internationally recognised for its competence in developing innovative carbon methodologies across several sectors and for providing practical and high-quality solutions in international and domestic climate policy. We will bring in our experience from developing over twenty methodologies approved by the UNFCCC (CDM Executive Board) and other standard-setting bodies.

Independent standard setters

The H2NZ initiative will begin the process for the development & approval of the world's first methodologies for low-carbon hydrogen projects under Verra's Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) & Gold Standard; and will continue with Art 6 of the Paris Agreement once the required international processes are in place.

Verra develops and manages standards that help the private sector, countries, and civil society achieve ambitious sustainable development and climate action goals. Verra's global standards frameworks serve as linchpins for channeling finance towards high-impact activities that tackle some of the most pressing environmental issues of our day.

Gold Standard was established in 2003 by WWF and other international NGOs to ensure projects that reduce carbon emissions feature the highest levels of environmental integrity and also contribute to sustainable development. It helps to manage, measure and maximize the impact of investment towards climate security and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Get started

Want to become a member?

To contact the secretariat and find out more about membership, please email: info@hydrogenfornetzero.org